How to Find the Best School for Your Child in Barcelona: 10 Essential Tips

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most exciting cities for families — with excellent public education and a wide range of top notch international schools to choose from. Selecting the right one can open doors for your child’s academic success, language development and integration into local culture.

Here’s our expert guide to finding the best school in Barcelona — including how to choose between public, private, and international options, when to apply, and what to look for during school visits.

1️⃣ Learn About the Types of Schools in Barcelona

Barcelona offers three main schooling options:

• Public Schools (escoles públiques) – Free, government-funded, and taught mainly in Catalan (with Spanish as a subject). Great for families planning to stay long-term and wanting full local integration.

• Concertadas (Semi-private schools) – Partially subsidized private schools. They often have religious affiliations and slightly more flexibility in language offerings and extracurricular activities.

• Private & International Schools – Offer alternative curricula (British, American, IB, French, etc.), frequently more English instruction, and smaller class sizes. These are popular with international families but are generally more expensive.

2️⃣ Consider Language & Curriculum

Language is often one of the biggest factors for foreign families:

• Public schools and many concertadas teach mostly in Catalan. Don’t worry — children adapt quickly, and schools often offer language support for newcomers. Joining a local school can be a fantastic way to put down roots in your neighborhood and prepare your child for a future in Catalonia.

• International schools teach primarily in English, French, German, or another foreign language, and may follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) or your home country’s curriculum — this may be ideal for your family, particularly if you plan to move again.

• Think about long-term goals: do you want your child to integrate fully into Catalan culture or follow an international education pathway? How long does your family expect to live in Barcelona?

3️⃣ Apply Early — Deadlines Matter

School admissions in Barcelona can be competitive.

• Public & concertada schools have a fixed pre-enrollment period (“preinscripción”) once per year — usually in spring.

• International schools often accept applications year-round but may have long waiting lists.

If you are arriving mid-year, there are procedures for “extraordinary enrollment,” but options may be limited. Start the process early to secure your spot.

4️⃣ Location, Location, Location

Choosing a school near your home can make daily life much easier. Consider:

• Commute times — especially with younger kids.

• Availability of school transport or public bus and train routes.

• Whether the school is in a safe, family-friendly neighborhood.

  
  

5️⃣ Understand Costs & Budget

• Public schools are free, but you’ll still pay for materials, lunch (“comedor”), and extracurricular activities.

• Private & international schools can cost anywhere from €6,000–€20,000 per year depending on the level and curriculum.

• Don’t forget extras: registration fees, books, uniforms, school trips, and transportation.

  
  

6️⃣ Visit Schools in Person

Online research is great, but nothing beats seeing a school firsthand.

• Attend open days (“jornadas de puertas abiertas”).

• Talk to teachers and parents.

• Check out how students interact and what facilities are available.

• Ask about class sizes, extracurricular programs, and language support for international students.

  
  

7️⃣ Prepare the Required Documents

To enroll in a Barcelona school, you will usually need:

• Proof of address (empadronamiento)

• Your child’s passport or ID

• Birth certificate

• Previous school records or report cards

• Vaccination records

Having these ready will make the process smoother.

8️⃣ Think About Integration & Support

Transitioning to a new education system can be challenging.

• Look for schools with integration programs or language support.

• Encourage your child to join extracurricular activities to improve their language skills and make friends faster.

• Stay in close contact with teachers during the first months.

9️⃣ Plan for the Long Term

When choosing a school, think ahead:

• Will your child stay in Barcelona through secondary school?

• Do you want them to attend university in Spain, or abroad?

• Would you like them to be fully fluent in Catalan and Spanish?

Your answers can help guide your choice between a local school or an international curriculum.

🔟 Get Professional Help if You Need It

The Barcelona school system and enrollment can be complex for newcomers. Working with a relocation company like NOVA Barcelona can save you time and stress. Together with our trusted partners at My Barcelona School, we help families:

• Understand the different school options

• Navigate the pre-enrollment process

• Arrange school visits

• Handle paperwork and registration

Final Thoughts

Choosing a school in Barcelona is a big decision — but with the right information, it can be exciting rather than stressful. Start early, visit several schools (in person if you can), and think about your family’s long-term goals.

If you want personal guidance, contact NOVA Barcelona — we’ll make sure your child’s education (and your relocation) gets off to the best possible start.