All children between the ages of 6 and 16 in Spain must attend compulsory primary and secondary education.
In Spain, you can choose from three types of schools:
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public
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mixed
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private.
The differences between the different types of schools (public, private and mixed) are quite noticeable, especially in the case of private schools, as is the case with all Best Schools in Spain, which offer students a wide range of educational options, resources and programs.
On the other hand, state and mixed schools are governed by the laws and requirements of each autonomous community, and therefore private schools do not have the freedom to develop their own curricula, methodology and timetable.
Public and Mixed Schools
These schools are usually in high demand, so if you want to provide access to these schools, register your child as soon as the school opens the registration process. You can find out how to do this on the website of most schools, however this usually happens between February and May.
Each autonomous community sets its own admission criteria. Typically, you will need to complete a single application form for a seat, consisting of multiple government centers, in order of preference.
International students must submit additional documents to gain access to the state system:
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Birth certificate or passport (original and photocopy) of the child with an official translation into Spanish (if necessary) and parents' passports (original and photocopy).
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Proof of residence in the municipality (Registration)
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Research Confirmation Document
Depending on the center, they may also sometimes require an interview and / or exam.
Mixed colleges differ from public colleges in that some of their funding comes from the private sector. While most of its resources are subsidized by the Government Service, a few percent of its funding is usually covered by the students' parents, who usually pay the center a monthly or annuity fee.
This semi-public nature allows the mixed schools to have greater freedom in the conduct of their curriculum, as well as in the organization of their system and methodology. However, you must respect what Public Administration stands for.
Private schools
Spain has some excellent private schools such as Best Schools in Spain that teach a wide range of study programs such as British, American, IB (International Baccalaureate) and Spanish, so you are sure to find one that suits your specific needs. Waiting lists for private schools in Spain are generally long, so it is very important that you apply immediately in order to get the school location you prefer.
Private schools have their own admission process as they have the freedom to set the criteria they consider. Typically, when applying for a place at a private Spanish school, you will be asked to submit your child's educational history (if applicable), school report, and in some cases, the student will be asked to take an entrance exam.
In most cases, once the child is accepted, you will need to pay a deposit / administration fee to insure your seat. Usually deducted from the annual payment if the child is attending school for the entire school year.