How to choose a kindergarten and school in Spain: tips from Victoria Kutuzova

Introduction

Victoria Kutuzova, a professional realtor and sales director at Mahersol, a company based in Spain, shares her experience and insights on the nuances of education in this country, as well as offers recommendations for choosing a kindergarten for young children. The question of when and how to send a child to kindergarten is a concern for many parents.

When should I start sending my child to kindergarten?

In Spain, there is the possibility of enrolling a child in daycare from the very first months of life. This is due to the fact that the duration of maternity leave is only four months.Early engagementChildren's integration into society is considered an important part of upbringing and development in Spanish culture.

Types of kindergartens

In Spain, there is a wide selection of kindergartens available, both public and private.

• Private kindergartens:Typically, they require parents to cover monthly expenses of around €300, including food.
• Lower group occupancy:In private gardens, there are usually between 5 to 8 children, which allows caregivers to spend more time with each one.
• Various activities:Private kindergartens offer early English language learning activities through educational games and songs.

Enrollment process

The enrollment process for kindergarten also has its nuances. Similar to school, you can register for kindergarten at any time of the year, except in August when the institutions are on vacation. A standard set of documents is required for successful registration:

• Identification documents of the parents and the child
• Medical insurance
• Vaccination card

Kindergarten attendance schedule

Parents in Spain have the option to choose the schedule for their child's kindergarten attendance — either a full day or just morning hours.

• Full day:Children are accepted from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and parents have the option to choose lunch: at home or at the daycare.
• Morning classes:They take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and include the development of speech skills, motor skills, and language learning.

Daily routine

After 12 o'clock, the children can have lunch and rest. Then there is time for walks and games, and at 5:00 or 6:00 PM, parents can pick up their children. Once a week, the caregivers provide a report to the parents about upcoming events, and once a month, outings are organized, such as trips to the children's theater.

The school system in Spain

As for school education, in Spain it starts at the age of three. Education is divided into several stages:

• From 3 to 6 years old - preschool
• From 6 to 12 years old — primary school (escuela primaria)
• From 12 to 16 years old — middle school (escuela secundaria)
• From 16 to 18 years old, there is the bachillerato, which prepares graduates for university admission.

Types of schools

Schools in Spain are divided into three categories:

• State-owned:Education is free.
• Semi-private:Partial government funding.
• Private:Paid educational institutions.

Conclusion

The simplest option for enrollment is a private school, as there is no mandatory residency requirement for admission. Thus, the education system in Spain offers a variety of options for children and their parents, providing numerous opportunities for learners.

Creating comfortable living and learning conditions in Spain, especially for families who have temporarily relocated, requires a careful approach. One of the most acceptable solutions for such people is enrolling their children in local educational institutions. Tuition fees can range from 400 to 900 euros per month. To enroll a child in a quality public or private school, you need to have a residence registration. Depending on your area of residence, you will have a choice of 10-12 educational institutions, although this number may vary depending on the size of the locality.

Types of schools in Spain

State educational institutions are fully funded by the government, while private institutions receive 50% of their budget from state funds. The admission process for such educational establishments is based on a point system similar to that used in public schools. For families without special benefits, such as having multiple children, it is crucial to score the required number of points — 30. This means that you will need to register in the area where the chosen school is located to simplify the admission process.

Choosing between private and public schools

Local families in Spain often have to choose between private (concertado) and public (publico) schools for their children.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance of choosing an educational institution for your child in Spain. As we have seen, the system of kindergartens and schools here offers numerous opportunities, starting from early socialization in kindergartens to the variety of educational establishments for schoolchildren. Every family moving to this country should carefully consider their options, taking into account not only financial aspects but also the quality of educational services available in different areas.

Selection of educational institutions

Choosing between public, semi-private, and private schools is a significant step that requires attention to detail and an understanding of the admission scoring system. Given that the education system in Spain heavily depends on residency, parents are advised to familiarize themselves in advance with the areas that best meet their needs and preferences. I have made sure thatgood real estate in prosperous neighborhoodsoften serves as the key to successful admission to popular schools.

Recommendations for Parents

I strongly urge parents to actively participate in the process of choosing an educational institution for their children. Attending open house days, meeting teachers, and connecting with other parents can significantly simplify this process and help make the right choice. The education system in Spain is not only a path to knowledge but also an opportunity for your children to develop in a multilingual environment, which is of utmost importance in today's world.

Key points for successfully choosing a school:

• Conscious choice of living area.
• Visiting open house days at schools.
• Discussion with other parents and educators.
• Knowledge of the grading system for admission.

Result

Ultimately, your involvement and awareness of the education processes in Spain will play a crucial role in the well-being of your children and their successful adaptation. Therefore, I encourage you to be engaged and actively explore the many opportunities that this beautiful country has to offer.