Moving to Spain with children isn’t just about finding housing and handling paperwork — it also means choosing a school. For many foreign families, this is the question that raises the most doubts: which school to choose, what language the child will study in, how much it costs, and how the enrollment process works.

In the Valencian Community there are several types of schools, each with its own characteristics. Let’s break down how they differ and which option might suit your family best.

1. What types of schools exist in Spain?

All schools in Spain can be divided into four main categories:

• public schools (Colegios Públicos);
• semi-private, state-subsidized schools (Colegios Concertados);
• private schools (Colegios Privados);
• international schools (International Schools).

The type of school determines tuition costs, the language of instruction, additional services, and admission rules.

2. Public schools

Public schools are fully funded by the state, so education in them is free.

What parents typically pay for

Despite free tuition, some expenses still apply:

• school cafeteria — on average €80–96 per month;
• field trips — roughly €2 to €30;
• workbooks and some teaching materials;
• school supplies — on average €50–150 per year;
• extracurricular clubs — usually from €20 per month;
• school uniform (if required by the school).

The amount spent depends on the specific school and municipality.

Most Spanish families choose public schools.

3. Semi-private (concertado) schools

Semi-private (concertado) schools are private institutions that receive state funding.

Education in them is also free, though parents usually pay for additional services:

• school cafeteria — on average from €100 per month;
• school uniform. Typically, two sets are required: everyday wear and sportswear. A full set usually costs from €300;
• extracurricular activities — from €25 per month;
• textbooks and workbooks (if the school doesn’t participate in the free-textbook program);
• voluntary contributions for school needs.

Many semi-private schools belong to Catholic organizations. As a result, the curriculum may include religion classes and various faith-based activities.

4. Private schools

Private schools are funded entirely by parents.

Tuition depends on the institution and can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros per month.

Advantages of private schools:

• small class sizes;
• individualized approach to students;
• a wide range of extracurricular activities;
• modern facilities and equipment;
• in many schools, some subjects are taught in English.

5. International schools

International schools are most often chosen by expat families, employees of international companies, and parents who plan for their child to study abroad in the future.

Instruction may follow the British, American, French, German, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.

Advantages:

• instruction fully or partly in English;
• internationally recognized diplomas;
• the ability to continue studying in another country without major difficulties.

The main drawback is the high cost of tuition.

6. What languages is instruction conducted in?

In the Valencian Community, instruction usually takes place in several languages at once.

Depending on the school, children study:

• Spanish (Castilian);
• Valencian;
• English.

The balance between languages depends on the specific school’s educational program.

In the Valencian Community, both public and semi-private schools exist where a significant portion of subjects are taught in Valencian. So before submitting your application, be sure to check the language program of the school you’re considering.

In international schools, the main language of instruction is most often English, though Spanish is also part of the required curriculum.

7. When does the school year start?

The school year usually starts in the first half of September and ends in late June.

Throughout the year there are:

• Christmas holidays;
• Easter holidays;
• national and regional public holidays;
• summer holidays lasting about two and a half months.

The exact dates are approved annually by the Valencian Community’s Ministry of Education.

8. How does the enrollment process work?

The main enrollment period takes place in spring.

To submit an application, you typically need:

• parents’ documents;
• the child’s documents;
• proof of residence registration (Empadronamiento);
• medical records (if required);
• documents from the previous school, if the child was already enrolled elsewhere.

Applications are submitted within set deadlines, after which lists of accepted students are published. Parents then confirm the place and complete the child’s final registration.

If a family moves after the main enrollment period has ended, they should contact the nearest school or the local education office. If spaces are available, the child may be admitted during the school year.

9. What if the child doesn’t speak Spanish?

This is one of the most common situations among foreign families.

Not knowing Spanish is not grounds for refusing enrollment.

Many schools help children adapt:

• they organize extra Spanish-language classes;
• they provide support during the first months of school;
• they help the child integrate into the school community more quickly.

Many teachers recommend spending as much time as possible at playgrounds, sports clubs, and other places where the child can interact daily with Spanish-speaking peers. Such interaction significantly speeds up adaptation and language learning.

10. Are textbooks free?

Many public and semi-private schools operate a free-textbook lending program.

At the end of the school year, the books are returned to the school and used by the next group of students.

However, workbooks, stationery, and some materials are usually purchased by parents themselves.

11. School cafeteria

Almost every school has its own cafeteria.

Meals are paid for separately.

The menu is designed taking into account children’s ages and the recommendations of nutrition specialists.

For children with allergies, food intolerances, or medical needs, the school can provide a special menu.

12. Extracurricular activities and extended day care

Most schools offer various after-school clubs:

• football;
• basketball;
• dance;
• music;
• robotics;
• chess;
• drawing;
• foreign languages.

Many schools also offer:

• morning drop-off before classes begin;
• extended-day groups after classes end.

These services are paid for separately.

13. Which school should a foreign family choose?

There’s no single answer — it all depends on the family’s plans.

If you plan to live in Spain permanently, public or semi-private schools can be a good choice. They help the child adapt more quickly, learn Spanish and Valencian, make friends, and become part of the local community.

If the family moves between countries often, or plans for the child to attend a university abroad in the future, it’s worth considering international schools.

When choosing a school, it’s recommended to consider:

• distance from home;
• the language program;
• whether there’s a school cafeteria;
• extracurricular clubs;
• reviews from other parents;
• availability of school transport.

14. Frequently asked questions

Can a child enroll in school without knowing Spanish?

Yes. Not knowing the language is not grounds for refusing admission.

Can a child be transferred to another school?

Yes, if the chosen school has available places.

Is it mandatory to study Valencian?

In most schools in the Valencian Community, Valencian is part of the required curriculum.

Is there a school uniform?

Uniforms are rare in public schools. In many semi-private and private schools, they are mandatory.

At what age do children start school?

Compulsory schooling begins at age 6. However, most children start attending preschool groups as early as age 3.

Practical tips for parents

1. Visit the school before making a final decision

If you’re moving after the school year has already started, try arriving at the school around 4:30 PM, when classes end. You’ll be able to see the atmosphere and meet the parents and children who already attend that school. Often, it’s precisely after such a visit that it becomes clear whether the school is a good fit for your child. You’ll frequently meet Russian-speaking parents as well, who are usually happy to share their experience.

2. Don’t rush into an intensive language program

Many parents assume their child will easily handle several languages at once. But moving is already a major strain. A new country, a new school, new friends, and a new language all take time to adjust to. Unless it’s necessary, it’s better to let the child get used to the new environment first.

3. Be prepared for frequent colds

In the first months after moving, a child’s immune system encounters new viruses. As a result, many children get sick more often than usual during this period. This is a normal part of adjusting.

4. Spanish parents tend to be more relaxed about mild colds

If a child has a slight runny nose or cough without a high fever, many Spanish families still send their children to school. For parents coming from CIS countries, this often comes as a surprise.

5. The first day of school doesn’t include the usual opening ceremony

In Spain, there’s no opening bell, no ceremonial assemblies, and no tradition of giving teachers flowers on September 1st. For children, it’s just an ordinary school day that unfolds calmly.

Conclusion

In the Valencian Community, every family can find a school that fits their needs and budget. Public schools provide free education, semi-private schools combine state funding with additional opportunities, private schools offer a more individualized approach, and international schools suit families focused on foreign curricula.

Before submitting your application, it’s advisable to research the features of the chosen school in advance, and find out the enrollment deadlines, required documents, and language program. This approach helps avoid unnecessary complications and makes the enrollment process as smooth as possible for both parents and children.