Located in southwestern Europe at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, Spain is one of the earliest developed countries in Europe. Spain is a highly developed capitalist country, a member of the European Union and NATO, the fifth-largest economy in the Eurozone, and ranks sixth among European countries in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Spain's economy, technology, and education levels are all at the forefront of the world.
For new immigrants who have just arrived in Spain, should they choose a public school near their home, an expensive private school, an international school, or perhaps a compromise by choosing a charter school? Parents who are painstakingly planning their children's future often do not know how to choose. Today, we will introduce the different types of schools in Spain.
Public Schools
Funding is provided by government grants. As they are state-run, public schools provide compulsory education with no tuition fees, only minor costs for books. The teaching staff is relatively stable with low turnover. Teachers must undergo professional teacher training and obtain a teaching qualification certificate issued by the government to practice. Students in public schools are generally enrolled based on their proximity to the school within the local area. Their curriculum is uniformly formulated by the Spanish government, and the quality of teaching is monitored through government-standardized tests. In terms of educational quality, there is no distinction between good or bad public schools, but there are differences in teaching methods.
Private Schools and International Schools
Funding is provided by private individuals, groups, or other investors. Tuition fees are high. Compared to public schools, teacher turnover is relatively higher due to differences in compensation between private schools. Teachers generally hold at least a university degree, but they are not necessarily required to have undergone teacher training and obtained a teaching qualification certificate like those in public schools. There is a great deal of freedom in curriculum design. Private schools are divided into international schools and Spanish private schools. International schools charge higher fees, and the vast majority of local Spanish private schools have a religious nature.
Charter Schools (Concertado)
Because these schools are neither fully public nor fully private, they are also known as semi-public/semi-private schools. In this regard, Spain differs from most countries in the world that only have a distinction between public and private schools. This category is called "Concertado" in Spain. Concertado schools are generally jointly funded by the church and the government, so for the time being, we refer to them as "charter schools." Tuition fees are lower than those of private schools. In terms of student recruitment, they are restricted by geography just like public schools, only accepting students from within the community. There are fixed open days every year for parents to visit and learn more. Most charter schools and private schools are managed by clergy, and their institutional standards are relatively strict.
So, among these three types of schools, which one should you choose for your children? You need to consider the following questions:
Personal family income;
Whether the school's schedule fits your family's actual daily routine (schedules vary by school);
Whether the child is better suited for a larger school or a smaller one;
Preference for the language of instruction (for example, some private and charter schools in the Catalonia region use Catalan for instruction, while international schools use French, German, English, etc.);
Whether the child needs more extracurricular activities;
Whether the child eats at home or at school;
Whether you accept religious education;
The distance from the school to your home; if a transfer is needed, please listen to what the child has to say.
Based on the above conditions, I believe you already have a choice in mind that is suitable for your child. There is no such thing as the best school in the world; only the one that best suits your child is the ideal school. If you are considering immigrating to Spain, you can contact WorldWay. Our professional immigration team can provide you with comprehensive immigration services, allowing you and your children to immigrate with peace of mind, feel confident about education, and be happy at school!
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