Education and Local State Schools in Costa Blanca South: What You Need to Know

Education and Local State Schools in Costa Blanca South: What You Need to Know

For families considering a move to Costa Blanca South, one of the top priorities is often finding the right school for their children. Whether you are relocating with a family or planning for future education, it’s essential to understand the schooling options in the region. Costa Blanca South offers a variety of educational choices, including local state Spanish schools, bilingual schools, and international schools.

In this blog, we will guide you through the different educational options available and highlight the local state Spanish schools in the area.

Types of Schools in Costa Blanca South

Costa Blanca South has a well-developed education system, with choices ranging from local Spanish state schools to bilingual and international schools. These schools cater to both local Spanish families and expatriates, offering different educational paths depending on your child’s needs and your family’s plans.

1. Local State Spanish Schools

Local state schools in Spain are government-funded and offer education in Spanish. These schools are an excellent option if your family plans to stay long-term and wants to immerse your child in Spanish culture and language. While Spanish is the primary language of instruction, many schools offer some support for non-Spanish speakers to help them integrate into the system.

Local schools follow the Spanish national curriculum (known as “Educación Secundaria Obligatoria” for secondary school) and provide a high standard of education, preparing students for higher education or vocational careers. The advantage of local schools is that they are free, with the exception of additional costs for extracurricular activities, books, and materials. Of course, which school you can attend will be largely based on the location of your residence.

While it may take time for non-Spanish speakers to adapt to the language, many local schools have language programs designed to support international students. For expatriate families, local state schools can be a great way for children to become fully bilingual, connecting them with local peers and giving them the opportunity to learn the language and culture.

2. International Schools

For families who prefer a curriculum that follows their home country’s education system, Costa Blanca South has a number of international schools that offer courses in English, British, American, and other systems. These schools cater to international families and are a popular choice for expatriates who want their children to maintain their home language and cultural ties.

International schools typically offer an internationally recognized curriculum like the International Baccalaureate (IB), British GCSEs, or A-levels.

Some well-known international schools in Costa Blanca South include:

• El Limonar International School: Offers a bilingual Spanish-English education and follows the British curriculum, with an emphasis on both academic success and extracurricular activities.
• Castellar International School : Located just a short drive from the coast, Castellar International School is a bilingual institution offering both primary and secondary education. This school provides a unique combination of Spanish and English curriculum, ideal for families who want their children to thrive in both languages and gain a well-rounded education.

Conclusion

Choosing the right school depends on your child’s language abilities, educational needs, and your family’s long-term plans in Spain. While local Spanish schools are ideal for those looking to fully integrate into Spanish life, bilingual and international schools offer an excellent alternative for expatriate families who wish to maintain their home country’s curriculum.

At The Bay Properties, we understand that finding the right school for your child is an essential part of your move to Costa Blanca South. We can help you find the perfect home in proximity to top-rated schools. Feel free to reach out to us for advice or more information about relocating to the Costa Blanca region!