Without even noticing, they’ve already turned three, and in just a few months, they’ll be starting school.
Do you know which one yet? Choosing a school can be a real dilemma for parents, especially with so many options available: bilingual or not? Faith-based? State or private?
Here are some tips to help you decide.
- What is the school’s educational approach?
It’s important to understand how the school teaches: what learning methods they use and whether they follow a specific educational philosophy or pedagogical model. - How many pupils are there per class?
In Spain, class sizes usually range from 20 to 30 students. If a school offers smaller class sizes, that can be a real advantage, as it means more individual attention for your child. - How far is the school from home?
Distance matters. Depending on the location, your child may need transport to get there. If you’ll be collecting them, it also needs to fit around your work schedule. That said, it’s not always a dealbreaker, sometimes it’s worth travelling further for the right school. It all comes down to your family’s priorities. - How much importance do they place on languages?
Do they offer additional languages beyond English and Spanish? It’s worth checking what language opportunities are available, especially if you’re looking for a bilingual or multilingual environment. - What are the school’s values?
What are the school’s moral, religious or ideological principles? These should align with the kind of upbringing and education you want to give your child to avoid any conflicts or contradictions. - What is day-to-day life like at the school?
Nothing beats seeing it for yourself. Visit the school, observe how the classrooms work, find out how the timetable is structured, and talk to parents whose children already attend. This gives you a real sense of what daily life will be like for your child. - Does the school have a canteen?
And if so, what kind of meals do they serve? Beyond academics, a healthy, balanced diet plays a vital role in your child’s wellbeing and development. - What extracurricular activities are offered?
After-school activities are a great way for children to explore different interests and build new skills. Look at the school’s offerings and think about what your child might enjoy or benefit from. - What time does the school day end?
The school’s timetable should work with your family’s routine. Pick-up times need to be manageable and should not cause stress or difficulties for working parents.
The main goal is to find a place where the child is happy in a motivating and safe environment. Their wellbeing is the guarantee that they will develop emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually.
