Americans School & Education in Spain

Will my kids fall behind or race ahead if we move to Spain? 
Compare US, international, and Spanish school options in one place

“From kindergarten to high school, see how other American families successfully made the switch.”

98% Client Compliance

30+ Years Experience

Recognized US-SPAIN Experts

Download FREE Complete Property Guide to Buying in Spain

How much will you save vs US living?

Get your personalized cost breakdown

Compare by city, family size, life stage and visa type.

3 Big School Questions Americans Ask First

How can my child continue a US style or English language education?

What are real tuition, cost and scholarship opportunities?

Will Spanish or internatinal options help for US/UK college prep?

Learn More

Visa Planning Guide


Find the right visa and apply confidently for a smooth move to Spain.

Cost of Living


Compare the true savings of life in Spain vs. US

Moving Logistic


Your personal belongings and your pet. How to bring them to Spain.

US to SPAIN Admissions FAQs

Get clear guidance on school admissions in Spain

Healthcare for Kids

Discover world-class healthcare in Spain, at the fraction of the costs in the US

Education Pathways Table

School Type Curriculum Language Key Feature
American Schools
AP/SAT, US style
English

US university prep,

English immersion

British International
IGCSE, A-levels
English

UK/EU/US college,

international students

International Bilingual
IB, Spanish/English
both

Dual language, global
focus, EU access

Best-Fit Schools for American Families on the Costa del Sol

Atlas School of
Estepona

Strong college counseling to US and UK

International School of Estepona

High support for language transitions

Aloha College
Marbella

Strong college counseling to US and UK

British Int’l School

Marbella

Smaller class sizes for easier integration

Laude International
College

Strong college counseling to US and UK

Queens British Grammar Estepona

Strong college counseling to US and UK

Education Pathways Table

School Type Annual Tuition Typical Extras Scholarship?
International School
€5,000-€15,000
Activities, transport
Some available
US Private School
$5,000-$40,000
Activities, transport
Limited

Most schools have financial aid or merit scholarships; value for money exceeds typical US standards.

MEDIA


WATCH • LISTEN • READ

Schools and Education Made Simple

“Watch, listen, and read your way to the right school in Spain – clear, honest guidance for American families choosing the best fit for their kids’ education.”
Natives

(video)

If you’re moving to Spain with kids, this video is for you. Schools Made Simple (Spain) walks American parents through how Spanish education really works and why your children are more likely to get ahead here rather than fall behind. We compare US and Spanish education quality, explain why Spain ranks higher on international assessments.
Watch Now
Deep Dive

(podcasts)

Education Made Simple is the podcast for American families planning a move to Spain who want clear, honest guidance on schools and education options. Each episode goes beyond headlines to unpack how Spanish public, concertado, and international schools really work, what they cost, how they compare academically with the US, and how non‑Spanish‑speaking children adapt to a new system.
Listen Now
EDUCATION MADE SIMPLE

(blogs)

Brian guides parents through selecting schools in Spain, compares costs of international schools across cities, explains what his children’s school experience looks like, breaks down the public school enrollment process for Americans, discusses language integration, and recommends schools based on family values and budget.
Read More
Explainer

(video)

This AI‑powered Explainer walks American families through how schooling in Spain really works, and gives you a clear roadmap for choosing the right school for your children. We break down the full Spanish system from ages 6–16 (compulsory and free) through bachillerato and vocational tracks, then unpack your three main options: public schools, semi‑private concertado schools, and international schools.
Watch Now
The GUIDE

(brochure)

A downloadable school selection guide listing international schools by city with contact information, a cost breakdown of public versus private school options, an enrollment timeline and document requirements, explanations of bilingual versus immersion programs, and resources for helping your child adjust to Spanish education.
Download This Guide
Education Made Simple

Public & international schools, Spain’s education options explained in plain English.

1:1 educational option session
€500-1,500
Talk through your child’s age, language level and future plans with an advisor who knows the local schools. We compare public, concertado and international options in your target areas, estimate total annual costs, and create a shortlist of schools that actually match your family’s priorities.
Download This Guide

New Content Weekly | Subscribe to never miss an update

Subscribe to

Our Newsletter

NATIVES-DEEP DIVE-SPAIN MADE SIMPLE-THE EXPLAINER

Watch • Listen • Read

Everything You Need to Know

Visa and Residency Options

All pathways explained in plain English

Buying and Property in Spain

Step-by-step guides written for Americans

Mortgages for US Citizens

How to secure Spanish financing from abroad

Schools and Education

American & International school options

Healthcare for
Expats

Public vs private: what Americans need to know

Cost of Living & Comparison

How much will Americans save by living in Spain?

Double Tax & Beckham’s Law

Will Beckhams’s law work for you? Paying tax in Spain?

Moving Step-by-
Step

Guiding you from an idea to living the life you want

Before You Decide

What American Parents Ask

US, IB, British or Spanish: Which Curriculum is right for your child

Understand Each system affects college options, language and your child adjustment.

How Early Do We Need to Apply and What are the chances?

See typical timelines, waitlist realities and what American families do to secure a place.

What do American-Style Schools Actually Cost in Spain?

Compare typical tuition, transport, meal and extras to US private school prices.

Will My kids Adjust Socially and
Academically?

Learn how tong language adaption really takes and what support schools provide.

Admission & Enrollment

Step-by-Step

Visit

Schedule in-person/virtual tours and meet advisor.

Apply

Prepare US transcripts, residency proof, possible language assessments.

Decision

Apply early, ensure timely acceptance-be aware of limits and waitlist.

Start

Attend orientation, get school supplies, help your child adjust in a global, welcoming community.

Resources

Everything You Need to Know

VISAS MADE SIMPLE

All Pathways Explained in Plain English Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative

Consulting
€500-€2,000
Direct access to your visa expert, providing individual guidance. Access to the Hub, Comprehensive guides. Recommended plan to meet your circumstances
Go to Visas Page

TAX MADE SIMPLE

From residency rules to property and pensions, Spain’s tax system explained in plain English.

Individual tax review & plan
€500-€1,500
Sit down with a tax advisor who understand expats. We review your income streams, properties and pensions, flag risks around residency and double taxation, and design a clear, compliant plan to avoid surprises and overpaying.
Go to Tax Page

MOVING TO SPAIN MADE SIMPLE

From first “Could we?” to landing with a plan, your entire relocation mapped in plain English.

Independent mortgage advice
€750-€2,000
Work with a relocation strategist to design your move end‑to‑end. We align your visa, budget, work situation, family needs and timeline into one realistic plan, with a clear sequence of actions for the next 3–12 months.
Go To Moving to Spain Page

Buying Property Made Simple

All pathways explained in plain English, Digital Nomad or Non-lucrative

Curated search + transaction coordination
€750-€1,500 + Lawyer fee discount
Weekly curated property matches, tour coordination, and full transaction management. We handle lawyer, notary and paperwork, saving you time and money
Go to Property Page

NIE Made Simple

Your Spanish foreigner ID number, secured quickly and correctly so everything else can move forward.

NIE document check and booking
€150-€500
We confirm that you need an NIE now, choose the right route (in Spain or via consulate) and walk you through each form in English. Your advisor checks your documents, helps you complete EX-15 and the free correctly, and assists with an appointment so your application is accepted the firs time
Go to NIE Page

COST OF LIVING MADE SIMPLE

All pathways explained in plain English, from first numbers to a move-ready budget

Consulting
€750-€1,500
Work directly with a Sandtons expert to translate your current lifestyle into a Spain‑ready budget. We compare locations, housing options, schooling and healthcare, then deliver a clear plan that fits your numbers and priorities.
Go to Cost of Living Page

INSURANCE MADE SIMPLE

Health and home cover that meets Spanish rules, explained and arranged in plain English.

(1:1 relocation strategy session)
€250-€750
Speak with and advisor who knows both Spanish insurers and visa rules. We review your situation, shortlist health and home policies that meet consulate requirements, explain the fine print in English and help you choose cover that actually fits how you’ll live in Spain.
Go to Cost of Living Page

Money Transfer Made Simple

Move your money to Spain with low fees and smart FX.

(Your money-movement game plan)
€250-€750
Sit down with an advisor to design how you’ll move money into euros: what to keep in your home currency, when to transfer, which providers to use, and how to combine SEPA transfer with specialist FX for major events like a property purchase or relocation.
Go to Money Transfer Page

MORTGAGES MADE SIMPLE

All the numbers, options and bank rules explained in plain English.

Independent mortgage advice
€750-€1,500
Work 1:1 with a mortgage specialist who speaks your language and the bank’s. We assess your profile, shortlist suitable lenders, sanity‑check what you can really borrow, and prepare you so your chosen bank sees a clean, credible application.
Go to Mortgages Page

Living in Spain Made Simple

You’ve got the keys. Now we make everyday life in Spain work smoothly

(1:1 “First 90 Days” session)
€500-€1,500
Spend an hour with a relocations expert who maps your specific situation-family, city and turns it into a personalized step-by-step plan. We priorities your registrations, appointments and paperwork and answer the question google can’t.



Go to Living in Spain Page

Property Management Made Simple

Turn your Spanish property into income, with strategy, compliance and management handled for you.

(1:1 property strategy & setup)
€750-€2,500
Work with a specialist to choose the right path for your property-dip, long-term, short-term or hybrid. We run ROI model for your location, explain the 2025 rules on community approval and licensing and design a clear plant to reach your income or sell targets.



Go to Property Page

Education Made Simple

Public & international schools, Spain’s education options explained in plain English.

1:1 educational option session
€500-1,500
Talk through your child’s age, language level and future plans with an advisor who knows the local schools. We compare public, concertado and international options in your target areas, estimate total annual costs, and create a shortlist of schools that actually match your family’s priorities.
Go to Schools Page

Property Management Made Simple

Turn your Spanish property into income, with strategy, compliance and management handled for you.

(1:1 property strategy & setup)
€750-€2,500
Work with a specialist to choose the right path for your property-dip, long-term, short-term or hybrid. We run ROI model for your location, explain the 2025 rules on community approval and licensing and design a clear plant to reach your income or sell targets.



Go to Property Page

Living in Spain Made Simple

You’ve got the keys. Now we make everyday life in Spain work smoothly

(1:1 “First 90 Days” session)
€500-€1,500
Spend an hour with a relocations expert who maps your specific situation-family, city and turns it into a personalized step-by-step plan. We priorities your registrations, appointments and paperwork and answer the question google can’t.



Go to Living in Spain Page

Everything You Need to Know

Quick Guides

Visas Made Simple

Moving to Spain isn’t about luck; it’s about matching your income source to the right visa.



Tax Made Simple


The headlines say “Spain will take half of your money.” The reality is different with the right structure. It can be incredibly tax efficient for high earners.

Moving Made Simple


Moving to Spain is no just about packing bags; its is a legal and logical operation.



Buying Property Made Simple

Buying property in Spain is not like buying in the US or UK. It is safe, but the process is different.



NIE Made Simple

The NIE (Número de identificación de extranjeros) is not just a tax number- it is your digital fingerprint in Spain. You do not exist legally or financially without it.

Cost of Living Made Simple

You have heard the headlines: “Spain is cheap.” But cheap is relative. The real story isn’t just about spending less it is about Geo-Arbitrage.
.

Insurance Made Simple

Insurance in Spain is not just about protection. It is often a legal gatekeeper for your visa or mortgage. 



Mortgages Made Simple

The most common question we get “Can wa foreigner really get a mortgage in Spain?” The Answer: Yes, Spanish banks are eager to lend to UK and UK citizens.


Money Transfer Made Simple

The biggest loss of money is year 1 is not rent, not even on taxes. It is the haircut; on large transfers when buying property or moving you rest egg.

Living in Spain Made Simple

You have the visa. You have the property. Now comes the real work turning a Spanish address into a home.


Property Handling Made Simple

You bought below market, you bought off-plan. Now you need to decide: flip it, ren it, short-term or long=term


Education Made Simple

Spain offers a high quality of life for children. Choosing between public and international schools, has lots of conditions beyond free of ree.

Resources

School Match Tool


Personalized recommendations and admission checklists.

Visa & Residency Guide

For family, student and dependent applications.

Cost of living Calculator

Real estimates for education/ living packages by city/ region.

Moving Guide for Families

Steps to enroll, register and adjust


Healthcare for Kids


Vaccines, registration, English-speaking providers.

Success Stories & Community

Parent groups, testimonials, region reviews.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Guidance on application and eligibility tips.

Application Template Downloads

US-to-Spain transfer, records checklist,tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answer to the most common questions we receive from clients

Our kids are still in elementary school-will they cope in Spanish or bilingual programs?

Most younger children adapt quickly; see language and integration.

Our kids are still in elementary school-will they cope in Spanish or bilingual programs?

Most younger children adapt quickly; see language and integration.

Our kids are still in elementary school-will they cope in Spanish or bilingual programs?

Most younger children adapt quickly; see language and integration.

Can Americans attend US or international schools in Spain?

Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.

Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.

Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.

Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.

Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.

Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.

Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.

Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.

Still Have Questions?

Not finding the answer you need? Our team is here to guide you with visa, tax, and property questions — no pressure, no obligation.

300+ Americans families matched with schools in Spain since 2022

Specialist in English, IB, Spanish and US curriculum options

End-to-end support Application review, documentation, interviews and transition prep

Trusted by top schools, expat communities and relocation networks

Consistent 5-star feedback from American parent on placement success and support

Scroll to Top