For most American families moving to Madrid, school is the decision that sets everything else in motion: the neighborhood, the commute, the move date and a large part of the budget. The good news is that Madrid has one of the widest choices of international schools in Europe. The challenge is that the best fit is rarely obvious from a website, and the timelines start earlier than many families expect.
This guide explains how the system works, what schools really cost and how to build a shortlist that works for your family. It is part of our complete guide to moving to Madrid from the US.
How schooling in Madrid works
Most children in Madrid start school at age 3, in the early-years stage (Educación Infantil), although school is only compulsory from 6 to 16. The school year runs from early September to late June. Families in Madrid choose between three broad types of school:
| Type | Language of teaching | Cost | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| International (private) | Mainly English, following a US, British or IB curriculum | Tuition from around €6,000 a year, depending on the school and the child’s age | Families who want to stay in the same education system wherever they live: the same way of teaching, with grades and qualifications recognized from one country to the next |
| Concertado (semi-private, state-funded) | Spanish, often with a bilingual program | Low; tuition is covered, with some voluntary fees | Families staying long term who want a Spanish education with more English |
| Public | Spanish, with a large bilingual network | Free | Younger children and families planning to stay several years |
The Comunidad de Madrid’s bilingual program runs in more than 600 public schools, according to the regional government, so a Spanish public school does not have to mean Spanish only.
The three international curricula
Most international schools in Madrid follow one of three curricula, and some combine two.
- American. US-style grades, credits and a high school diploma, often with Advanced Placement (AP) courses. This is the most direct route if your children may return to a US school or apply to US universities.
- British. The English National Curriculum, with IGCSEs at 16 and A Levels at 18. Madrid has a particularly large British school community.
- International Baccalaureate (IB). A globally recognized program, often ending in the IB Diploma at 18. It is widely accepted by US universities and travels well if you may move again.
Spain has more than 200 IB World Schools, according to the International Baccalaureate Organization, including some public and concertado schools. In Madrid, several public high schools offer the IB Diploma.
Our advice: think about where your children will be in five years, not just next September. If a return to the US is likely, the curriculum matters more than the campus.
What international schools in Madrid cost
Tuition varies widely by school and grade. International Schools Database lists 73 international schools in Madrid. Among those that publish their fees for 2026/2027, tuition at most schools starts at around €6,000 to €7,000 a year in the early years and rises with each stage, reaching just over €27,000 a year in the final grades at the most expensive schools.
The established American and IB schools sit at the upper end. For example, the American School of Madrid currently lists annual tuition from €12,173 in early childhood to €25,072 in high school, plus a one-time registration fee of €2,000 (credited toward tuition) and a one-time capital fee of €8,100 for most grades.
When you compare schools, ask for the full cost, not just tuition:
- One-time fees: application, registration and, at some schools, an enrollment or capital fee that can be significant.
- Annual extras: school bus, lunch, uniforms, books, technology and trips.
- Sibling discounts and whether fees rise each year.
Your employer may cover all or part of these costs, so check your relocation package before you shortlist. For a wider picture of household costs, see our Madrid vs Miami cost comparison.
Admissions timeline
International schools set their own admissions rules, so each school’s calendar is different. The general pattern is consistent, though:
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| September–December | Open days and virtual tours; applications open for the following September |
| January–March | Main round of assessments, interviews and offers |
| April–June | Remaining places offered; waiting lists move |
| Any time | Rolling admissions where a grade has space, which is common for mid-year moves |
Popular entry years, such as the first years of primary school, fill early. If you plan to move next summer, now is the right time to start shortlisting.
Public and concertado schools follow a single regional process. For 2026/2027, the ordinary application window ran from March 11 to March 25, 2026, with an extraordinary process from late June and early July for families who arrive later, according to the Comunidad de Madrid. In practice, you will need a registered address in Madrid (empadronamiento) before you apply, and where you live also counts toward the points that decide who gets a place. That is one reason why home search and school search need to happen together.
What schools usually ask for
Requirements vary, but most international schools will ask for:
- Report cards from the last two or three school years
- Teacher or school references
- An assessment, interview or both, often possible online for families still in the US
- Passport copies for the child and parents
- Information on any learning support needs, which is worth discussing openly from the first conversation
For older students, many schools, international ones included, may ask for previous US studies to be officially recognized in Spain (homologación). It is worth checking early, because it can take time.
Choosing the school and the neighborhood together
Most international schools in Madrid are in the northern and western suburbs, such as La Moraleja, Alcobendas, Pozuelo, Majadahonda, Las Rozas and Villanueva de la Cañada. Some families live close to school; others prefer the city center and use the school bus.
Both work. What matters is that you choose the combination consciously:
- Living near school means short commutes, easier after-school activities and a social life built around the school community.
- Living in the center means a walkable city life for parents, with longer school-bus journeys for the children, often 45 minutes or more each way.
Our Madrid Neighborhood Guide compares the areas families choose most, with notes on schools and commutes.
“The families who settle in best are the ones who visit schools before they fall in love with an apartment. Once the school is clear, the right neighborhood usually becomes obvious.” — Saskia G. Lipiani, founder of SAS Relocations
Questions to ask on a school visit
A school tour shows you the campus. These questions show you the school:
- How many students are new each year, and how do you help them settle in?
- What share of students are international, and which nationalities are most common?
- How much Spanish is taught, and is there support for beginners?
- How do graduates do in US university admissions?
- What learning support is available, and is there an extra cost?
- What does a typical school bus route from our likely neighborhood look like?
- Which costs are not included in tuition?
How we help
School search is part of our support for families. We help you understand your options, build a shortlist that fits your children and your plans, coordinate visits and interviews and stay on top of each school’s deadlines, while we look for a home that works with your school choice.
See how we work with families on our families page, compare our packages or tell us about your move and we’ll suggest a clear plan for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to international schools in Madrid? Ideally in the autumn before your move, so you are ready for the main round between January and March. Many schools also accept rolling applications when a grade has space.
How much do international schools in Madrid cost? Tuition at most international schools starts at around €6,000 to €7,000 a year in the early years and can reach just over €27,000 a year in the final grades, according to 2026/2027 fees published on International Schools Database. One-time fees and extras such as the school bus come on top.
Are there American schools in Madrid? Yes. Several schools follow a US curriculum and award a US high school diploma, and many others offer the IB Diploma, which US universities widely recognize.
Can my children go to a Spanish public school without speaking Spanish? It is possible, but be realistic. Many public schools in Madrid are bilingual, yet the language support for children who arrive with no Spanish is often limited, and the first months can be hard. Very young children usually adapt fastest; for older children, an international school or a gradual plan is often the better start.
Do I need to choose a school before I find a home? We recommend shortlisting schools first. In Madrid, the school commute shapes daily family life, and for public schools your address affects admission.
