AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona vs Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool
AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona and Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool are both in Barcelona, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer American programmes, and Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool also offers Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are €15,000 at AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona and €12,510 - 21,900 at Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool, which puts Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool roughly 15% higher. AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona takes pupils from 14 to 18, and Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool from 3 to 11. Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool is the larger school, with around 340 pupils to AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona's 60. Typical class sizes are 10 at AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona and 0 at Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool.
Located in Pedralbes, Barcelona, AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona sits at Carrer de Montevideo, 31, 08034 Barcelona, Spain. The campus is between Oreneta Park and the Serra de Collserola Natural Park, offering a green, focused learning environment. The surrounding area includes international consulates, private schools, and the Pedralbes Monastery, contributing to a safe, culturally rich setting.
Location
Two campuses in Barcelona, Spain: Elementary & Preschool at Carrer de Montornès, 37, 08023, Barcelona; and BHS Middle School & High School at Carrer de Joan d'Àustria, 109, 08018, Barcelona.
Stages
Stages
Grades 9-12
Stages
Preschool / Kindergarten; Elementary School; Middle School; High School
School type
School type
Private high school offering a Cognia-accredited American curriculum
School type
International American School with a boarding program (not a dedicated boarding school)
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Personalized learning in small classes with individualized attention; supports for English language learners and students with mild learning differences; honors courses and accelerated tracks available to challenge high-achieving students.
Additional learning support
Learning Support (LS) provides targeted help in reading, math, language (including English Language Learner), social skills, and executive functions; services include personalized learning plans, accommodations, and in-class interventions; emphasizes neurodiversity and inclusive learning.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United States
Country affiliation
Spain; affiliated with the Spanish Ministry of Education
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees - Application fee: €50, payable online at the time you submit the application.
Tuition fees (by year / term) - Annual tuition (2025–2026 academic year): €15,000 per student. - The school serves grades 9–12; the published tuition is presented as a single annual charge and no separate grade-by-grade tuition breakdown or per-term amounts are published.
Billing schedule and payment terms - The published figure is presented as an annual tuition amount. No detailed public schedule showing termly instalments, deposit amounts, or automatic payment dates is published; the school offers payment plans and further payment details through admissions. - The application fee is collected immediately during application via a secure online payment mechanism.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered as part of AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona's published campus services; no boarding fees are listed.
Other costs and fees - No separate, mandatory capital levy, uniform fee, exam fee, or annual materials charge is published alongside the tuition figure. Any additional optional or activity-specific charges (for trips, exams, or extracurricular providers) are not itemised in the public tuition statement.
Refund information - No public, detailed refund or withdrawal penalty policy for tuition or fees is published with the tuition statement. The application-payment step is presented as a required online payment.
Fee payment options - Published payment method for the application fee: secure online card payment. Other payment methods (bank transfer, standing order, or in-person payment) are not specified in the published tuition statement.
Notes: The amounts and items above reflect the school's published fee information for the current academic year; where the school presents only a single annual tuition figure, this has been reported as published.
Tuition fees by year group (billing units shown as the school publishes them) - Preschool & Kindergarten (PK3 – K5, ages 3–6): EUR 1,390 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 13,900) or EUR 12,510 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — described as “1 month free”). The published amount includes the school meal plan for this age group.
- Elementary (Grades 1–5, ages 6–11): EUR 1,590 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 15,900) or EUR 14,310 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”). The published amount includes the school meal plan for this age group.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8, ages 11–14): EUR 1,790 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 17,900) or EUR 16,110 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”).
- High School (Grades 9–10, ages 14–16): EUR 2,090 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 20,900) or EUR 18,810 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”).
- Pre-University / Upper High School (Grades 11–12, ages 16–18): EUR 2,190 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 21,900) or EUR 19,710 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”).
- Online Only (Grades 1–12, ages 6–18): EUR 1,390 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 13,900) or EUR 12,510 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid in monthly installments (the school publishes amounts as per a 10-month installment) or as a single advanced payment with a discount described as one month free. Full-year, semester-only, and monthly enrolment options are accepted. Tuition is pro-rated for the actual period of enrollment. The annual matriculation fee and the one-time entrance fee are not pro-rated. There are no additional published sibling discounts due to the school's fixed-loyalty tuition policy.
Boarding and student residence fees (where applicable) - The school operates a boarding/residence programme through nearby student residences rather than on-campus dormitories; residence arrangements are offered for students aged 15–18. - Residence registration fee: EUR 1,000 (non-refundable). - Boarding deposit: 20% of the total boarding fees (non-refundable and applicable against the total boarding fees). Reservations require payment of the residence registration fee and deposit at booking. All published boarding fees for a chosen reservation period must be paid in one installment. - Boarding meal plan pricing (optional add-on as published): EUR 250 / month for breakfast only; EUR 375 / month for dinner only; EUR 650 / month for breakfast & dinner.
- Published residence fee examples (by reservation period): - Premium residence (includes breakfast): EUR 25,000 for a 10-month stay; EUR 13,500 for a 5-month stay; EUR 9,000 for a 3-month stay. - Comfort residence (room only): EUR 18,000 for a 10-month stay; EUR 9,500 for a 5-month stay; EUR 6,150 for a 3-month stay.
- Student visa mobility program (service fee for non-EU citizens): EUR 2,500 service fee (published as the mobility/student visa service fee).
Other costs and optional programme fees - Meal plan for day students (where not included): EUR 215 / month; meal plan is published as free for Preschool and Elementary tuition packages where the tuition listing explicitly includes the meal plan. - English Foundation Year (intensive entry-year programme) published fee example: EUR 1,990 per 10-month installment (published programme fee and payment options shown on the English Foundation programme page). - Optional exam-preparation and short programmes (examples of published fees): SAT/college-prep course packages published with tiers such as EUR 2,500 (VIP), EUR 1,500 (Premium), and EUR 750 (Basic) for various SAT/PSAT/ACT prep offerings; summer language-camp weeks are published as EUR 250 / week or EUR 600 for a 3-week session. Tennis academy programme tiers are published with examples such as EUR 6,000 (Basic), EUR 9,000 (Premium), and EUR 12,000 (VIP). These extracurricular and supplementary programme fees are additional to standard tuition and boarding charges.
Refunds and non-refundable items (published) - The annual matriculation fee (EUR 1,000) and the one-time entrance fee (EUR 2,500) are explicitly published as non-refundable. Residence registration fees and the boarding deposit are published as non-refundable and applicable toward total boarding fees. Tuition is published as pro-rated according to the period of enrollment. The school's published materials show the non-refundable status for those specific fees; no separate tuition-refund schedule beyond pro-ration is published in the fee listings.
Fee payment options (published payment terms and discounts) - Published payment options: monthly installment plans (presented as amounts per 10-month installment), semester or full-year payment options, and a published discount for a single advanced payment (described as one month free). The school's published fee pages instruct that registration or deposit payments are required to confirm certain services (for example, boarding reservations). Specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card) are not itemised in the school's published fee pages.
Summary of key fee figures (selected) - Application fee: EUR 0. Annual matriculation: EUR 1,000. One-time entrance: EUR 2,500. Preschool annual published total: EUR 13,900 (or EUR 12,510 single payment). Elementary annual published total: EUR 15,900 (or EUR 14,310 single payment). Middle School annual published total: EUR 17,900 (or EUR 16,110 single payment). High School (9–10) annual published total: EUR 20,900 (or EUR 18,810 single payment). Pre-University (11–12) annual published total: EUR 21,900 (or EUR 19,710 single payment). Online-only annual published total: EUR 13,900 (or EUR 12,510 single payment). Boarding residence examples: Premium residence EUR 25,000 (10 months) / Comfort residence EUR 18,000 (10 months). Meal plan: EUR 215 / month (with Preschool & Elementary tuition listings shown as including the meal plan).
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona serves international students in grades 9-12 with a college-preparatory American curriculum. The curriculum blends rigorous academics with personalized learning. Core courses include Literature, Math, Science, and Social Studies, with electives in Languages, Arts, Health, and Communication and additional electives tailored to students' interests. The program is designed to prepare students for university and beyond. The school is Cognia-accredited, ensuring global recognition of the diploma.
Curriculum details
US Curriculum is offered from PK3 through 12th grade, with 9th–12th in High School. The program culminates in a US High School Diploma. The High School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Barcelona Education Department, enabling admission to Spanish and international universities. AP courses are part of the program; BHS is the AP Exam Center for Europe, College Board approved, and offers a range of AP courses. The academic year runs September through June. AP courses include Biology, Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, English Language and Composition, European History, US History, World History, Physics 1, Psychology, Spanish Language, and US Government and Politics; NCAA-approved courses are available.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Small by design; classes are small to ensure individualized attention and support.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
University preparation and scholarship support guide students to study at universities in the USA, Europe, and worldwide, with guidance through the college application process and athletic scholarship opportunities.
Higher education progression
University and Futures Counseling is a four-year program for Grades 9–12 that provides personalized university advising. Students use Unifrog to explore universities, prepare applications, and plan career paths; visits from international university representatives and campus tours are organized. Students apply to universities globally, including Spain, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, the Czech Republic, the UK, the US, and Canada; the BHS Profile lists universities where graduates have been admitted.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
Learning Support (LS) embraces neurodiversity and provides resources and strategies to support a range of needs; support is highly individualized and may include personalized learning plans, accommodations, and small-group interventions. LS also works to challenge high-achieving students and to foster academic, social, and emotional growth in collaboration with other wellbeing and ELL teams.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Begin the online application by completing the Apply Now form. Step 1 of 4 collects Applicant Information such as the student's full legal name, date of birth, home address, and contact details. A copy of the student passport is required, and Spanish nationals must also upload a copy of their DNI. Email [email protected] with any questions. 2. Step 2 collects Current School Information, including Name of School, School Address, School Phone Number, School Email Address, the curriculum, and Student's Present Grade Level. This information helps AESA understand the student's current academic context and scheduling needs. You can Save and Continue Later to complete the form. 3. Step 3 collects Parent/Guardian Information, including at least one parent/guardian's name, relationship, email address, and phone number, with space for a second guardian if applicable. This enables AESA to communicate and coordinate during the admissions process. You can Save and Continue Later. 4. Step 4 is Signature: Certification that the information provided is complete and factually correct; you must accept the Privacy Policy and Data Protection terms; you may Save and Continue Later.
Admissions
Admission is open year-round. In-person or online meeting with BHS Admissions; enrollment documentation (official school transcripts and translations if required, passport/identification, etc.); payment of a one-time entrance fee; payment of the annual matriculation fee; if applicable, start your student visa process with a BHS matriculation letter; and first month's tuition payment or one total payment for a discount.
Scholarships
Scholarships
University Preparation & Scholarship Support: AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona provides university preparation and scholarship support to help students pursue higher education opportunities in the USA, Europe, and worldwide. Many student-athletes pursue athletic scholarships at top U.S. universities, and AESA's experienced team provides dedicated guidance throughout the application process.
Scholarships
Financial aid scholarships are available for Catalan and Spanish students living in Barcelona who cannot afford to attend BHS. Financial aid is available to Spanish passport students who do not have the means to pay all tuition.