If you are thinking of moving to Barcelona and have children, or are just curious about how the school system works here, here’s everything you need to know from the perspective of someone who knows the city first hand. Choosing a school in Barcelona is no easy task, but with the right information, the decision can be much easier.

The first thing you should know is that the educational system in Barcelona is divided into three types of schools:

• Public (free, but with extra expenses such as material and dining room).
• Concerted (half financed by the government, half by the families).
• Private (100% fee-paying, often including alternative methodologies or international programs).

If you are looking for a place in a public or charter school, you will have to participate in the pre-registration process, which usually opens in March. There are scoring criteria (such as proximity to your home or if you have siblings in the center) that influence the allocation of a place.

Best Schools by Neighborhood

Each neighborhood has interesting options, but here are some of the most outstanding ones:

• Eixample: Escola IPSI (subsidized and with a very good reputation), Escola Mallorca (public and well rated).
• Gràcia: Escola Sadako (subsidized with an innovative approach), Escola Patronat Domènech (public with a good atmosphere).
• Sarrià-Sant Gervasi: Oak House (private bilingual with international baccalaureate option), Lycée Français (for those looking for the French system).
• Poblenou: Escola Vila Olímpica (public with good facilities), Pere IV (subsidized with a focus on languages).
• Les Corts: Aula Escola Europea (subsidized with international method), Escola Lavínia (public with good academic level).
• Sant Martí: Els Encants (public with active pedagogy and high demand).

If you come to Barcelona with children and you are looking for a school, keep in mind these points:

• Proximity matters: public and charter schools give priority to those who live nearby. Before renting or buying, check the map of school zones.
• Language: In public and charter schools, the language of instruction is Catalan. Children usually adapt quickly, but if you prefer teaching in English or Spanish, you will have to look for private or international schools.
• The pre-registration process: If you arrive in the middle of the school year, it is possible to apply for a place in a public school, but the options may be limited. In private and charter schools, it will depend on availability.
• Education in Barcelona is very diverse: There are Montessori, Waldorf, British, French, American and even Nordic schools.