American School of Barcelona vs ES American School

	A American School of Barcelona Barcelona, Spain	E ES American School Barcelona, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €9,404 - 32,534	Fees / year €11,470 - 19,355
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (PYP), Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 141
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1962	Opened 1999
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The American School of Barcelona is located just outside Barcelona, in Esplugues de Llobregat. It is about 10 kilometers from Plaza Catalunya, the city center of Barcelona. The campus offers extensive indoor and outdoor spaces for sports, performing arts, and classroom learning.	Location ES American School operates two campuses: Barcelona, Spain, and Naples, Florida, USA. The Barcelona campus is located on Autovía de Castelldefels (C-31), Km 191, 08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain, on the Emilio Sánchez Academy campus. It is ten minutes by taxi from Barcelona International Airport (T1 or T2) and about fifteen minutes from downtown Barcelona by taxi or car. The Naples campus is ES Academy Naples, at 2035 Sánchez Casal Way, Naples, Florida, 34105, USA.
Stages	Stages ASB is organized into four divisions: Early Childhood (PK3–Kindergarten), Elementary School (1st–5th), Middle School (6th–8th), and High School (9th–12th).	Stages Elementary (grades 1–5), Middle School (grades 6–8), High School (grades 9–12).
School type	School type The school is a non-profit international school located just outside Barcelona, Spain.	School type International school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 60 nationalities are represented among 970 students.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support English language support classes for students whose native language is not English.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain	Country affiliation Spain and United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details ASB provides transportation to Barcelona, Gavá, Castelldefels, Sitges, and Sant Cugat.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application, Matriculation & Capital Levy Fees - Application fee (one-time, non-refundable): EUR 250 per new applicant. - Annual matriculation fee (one-time, non-refundable): EUR 975 (family rate) / EUR 1,170 (corporate rate). Due within one week of acceptance or before the student's first day of class. - Capital levy (one-time, non-refundable): EUR 3,000 (family) / EUR 3,450 (corporate) for PK3, PK4, K5; EUR 6,000 (family) / EUR 6,900 (corporate) for Grades 1–12. Due within four weeks of acceptance or before the student's first day of class. Annual Tuition Fees (by year group) - PK3 (Half-day): Annual tuition — EUR 9,404 (family) / EUR 11,630 (corporate). - Early Childhood (PK3, PK4, K5): Annual tuition — EUR 14,114 (family) / EUR 17,447 (corporate). - Elementary School (Grades 1–5): Annual tuition — EUR 19,407 (family) / EUR 23,327 (corporate). - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual tuition — EUR 22,237 (family) / EUR 26,766 (corporate). - High School (Grades 9–12): Annual tuition — EUR 27,062 (family) / EUR 32,534 (corporate). Per-term and monthly breakdown (calculated from the annual tuition to match the school's payment options) - Note: Semester and monthly figures below are calculated by dividing the stated annual tuition by 2 (semester) or 12 (monthly) to reflect the school's payment options; the annual amounts are listed above. These per-term and per-month figures are provided for billing clarity. Family rate (examples): - PK3 Half-day: Per semester EUR 4,702; Per month (12 installments) EUR 783.67. - Early Childhood (PK3–K5): Per semester EUR 7,057; Per month EUR 1,176.17. - Elementary (Grades 1–5): Per semester EUR 9,703.50; Per month EUR 1,617.25. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Per semester EUR 11,118.50; Per month EUR 1,853.08. - High School (Grades 9–12): Per semester EUR 13,531; Per month EUR 2,255.17. Corporate rate (examples): - PK3 Half-day: Per semester EUR 5,815; Per month EUR 969.17. - Early Childhood (PK3–K5): Per semester EUR 8,723.50; Per month EUR 1,453.92. - Elementary (Grades 1–5): Per semester EUR 11,663.50; Per month EUR 1,943.92. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Per semester EUR 13,383; Per month EUR 2,230.50. - High School (Grades 9–12): Per semester EUR 16,267; Per month EUR 2,711.17. Re-enrollment and other annual fees - Re-enrollment fee (paid annually) for each returning student: EUR 975 (family) / EUR 1,170 (corporate). Due January 20. If a family requests the school to hold the spot through May 31, the re-enrollment fee in that case is EUR 2,000 per student. All re-enrollment fees are non-refundable. Optional / Other Fees - Lunch: EUR 170 per month. - School bus (monthly): Barcelona round trip EUR 185 (one way EUR 135); Sant Cugat round trip EUR 195 (one way EUR 140); Sitges/Castelldefels round trip EUR 215 (one way EUR 160). - After-school activities and optional trips: fees vary by activity and are billed separately as applicable. - Uniforms: Not required; there is no compulsory uniform. Dress code rules apply. - Boarding: Not offered; boarding fees are not applicable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Matriculation fee: due within one week of acceptance or before the student's first day of class. Capital levy: due within four weeks of acceptance or before the student's first day of class. Both are non-refundable. - Payment options available: - Prepayment of the full year's tuition (by direct debit or bank transfer). - Prepayment of the semester's tuition (by direct debit or bank transfer); first semester payment due by July 1 and second semester payment due by January 1. Semester payments correspond to the proportional portion of the annual tuition. - Monthly tuition payments in 12 installments (July–June) by bank debit only (SEPA direct debit required). New students admitted after July 1 are billed in 10 monthly installments starting in September if choosing the monthly option. SEPA bank account details must be provided by the required deadline. - Payment methods accepted: direct debit (bank debit) and bank transfer. Cash, credit cards, and cryptocurrencies are not accepted. Discounts and sibling/alumni concessions - Prepayment discount: 3% discount on tuition for prepayment of the full year if paid by February 28. - Sibling discounts: 10% discount on tuition and capital levy for the third child (simultaneous enrollment); 20% discount on tuition and capital levy for each additional child beyond the third. Capital levy discount does not apply to Early Childhood enrollments. - Children of alumni: application fee waived and EUR 2,000 discount on the capital levy for children enrolling in Grades 1–12 (not applicable to Early Childhood). Refunds, early withdrawals and semester-only students - Once enrolled, tuition and all fees for the entire school year are due in full under the contractual payment terms chosen. Families must provide three months' written notice before a student's departure; tuition for those three months remains payable by the family. Matriculation fee and capital levy are always non-refundable. Written notification of withdrawal received by June 1 before the start of the school year qualifies for a full refund of any prepaid tuition or lunch fees. Notices received after June 1 incur a three-month tuition Early Departure Penalty. - Semester-only students: new students accepted for a single semester on or before June 30 are responsible for the full year's tuition; students accepted after June 30 pay proportional tuition for the semester attended (exceptions apply for current ASB secondary students on exchange). Contact timing and re-enrollment reminders - Re-enrollment fee due date (annual): January 20. SEPA enrollment and payment-option deadlines are specified in the payment terms.	Fee details Application Fees - One-time non-refundable application fee for all new applicants: EUR 250. Legacy (Admission) Fee - One-time non-refundable Legacy Fee for new students: EUR 4,000. Tuition and Mandatory Academic Fees (by school level) - Elementary School (1st–5th grade): - Tuition (annual): EUR 13,330. - Tuition (semester): EUR 6,665. - Physical Education & Enrichment Program: included in the Elementary fee. - Materials & Books (one-off, per academic year or semester): EUR 520. - Activities Fee (annual / semester): EUR 460 / EUR 230. - Library Fee (annual / semester): EUR 90 / EUR 45. - Middle School (6th–8th grade): - Tuition (annual): EUR 11,550. - Tuition (semester): EUR 5,775. - Physical Education & Enrichment Program (annual / semester): EUR 3,320 / EUR 1,660 (mandatory except where the student is enrolled in an ES Academy tennis program that includes these services). - Materials & Books (one-off): EUR 520. - Activities Fee (annual / semester): EUR 460 / EUR 230. - Library Fee (annual / semester): EUR 90 / EUR 45. - High School (9th–12th grade): - Tuition (annual): EUR 12,720. - Tuition (semester): EUR 6,360. - Physical Education & Enrichment Program (annual / semester): EUR 3,320 / EUR 1,660 (mandatory except where the student is enrolled in an ES Academy tennis program that includes these services). - Materials & Books (one-off): EUR 520. - Activities Fee (annual / semester): EUR 460 / EUR 230. - Library Fee (annual / semester): EUR 90 / EUR 45. Total Compulsory Annual School Fees (examples) - New student (enrolled in ES Academy tennis program): - Elementary: EUR 18,650. - Middle: EUR 16,870. - High: EUR 18,040. - New student (not an ES Academy tennis player): - Elementary: EUR 18,650 (components sum to the same level as above for Elementary). - Middle: EUR 20,190. - High: EUR 21,360. - Returning student (enrolled in ES Academy tennis program): - Elementary: EUR 14,400. - Middle: EUR 12,620. - High: EUR 13,790. - Returning student (not an ES Academy tennis player): - Elementary: EUR 15,940. - Middle: EUR 17,110. - High: (referenced totals are provided in the school fee schedule). Optional Services and Ancillary Charges - Buffet Lunch (ES Academy service): annual / fall term / spring term / daily: EUR 2,500 / EUR 1,000 / EUR 1,500 / EUR 15 per meal. - Daily Transportation (one-way): annual / fall / spring / daily: EUR 1,500 / EUR 600 / EUR 900 / EUR 10 per ride. - Daily Transportation (roundtrip): annual / fall / spring / daily: EUR 2,500 / EUR 1,000 / EUR 1,500 / EUR 20 per roundtrip. - ES Academy Energy Point: annual / fall / spring: EUR 500 / EUR 200 / EUR 300. - ES Academy tennis training: fees are set under separate ES Academy program schedules. - Private tutorials: EUR 55 per class. - Additional fees related to residence card processing, medical insurance (where applicable), NIE/EU registry, and similar administrative processes are charged separately through ES Academy services. Learning Support Fees (where required) - Support Plan A: Fall term EUR 900; Spring term EUR 1,300. - Support Plan B: Fall term EUR 1,300; Spring term EUR 1,900. - ELL Language Support: Fall term EUR 700; Spring term EUR 1,000. Reservation Deposit - Non-refundable reservation deposit: EUR 2,000 payable within two weeks after admission. This deposit is credited toward second-semester tuition and textbooks/materials and becomes a penalty (non-refundable) if the student withdraws before the second semester of the current academic year (unless enrolled for one semester only). Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - Standard billing: payments are made in advance each semester, due before 31 August (fall semester) and before 31 December (spring semester). A 3% reduction on tuition only applies if payment for the complete academic year is made before 31 August. - Installment payment plan (available on request in writing): requires the non-refundable EUR 2,000 reservation deposit and four scheduled payments of the balance (25% each) due prior to 31 August 2026, 1 November 2026, 31 December 2026, and 1 April 2027. An additional fee of 5% is applied to the total tuition for this payment option. Refund Information - Withdrawals are eligible for refunds of tuition and fees according to this schedule: - Before the first day of classes: 100% refund of tuition and applicable fees (Application Fee, Tuition Reservation Deposit, and Legacy Fee are non-refundable). - Within the first 30 calendar days of the semester: 50% refund (students dismissed for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for a refund and parents remain responsible for outstanding fees). - In the second 30 calendar days of the semester: 25% refund. - After the first 60 calendar days of the semester: no refund. Family Reduction - Family Reduction Plan: 5% reduction of tuition only and 5% reduction of the Physical Education Program only for the next sibling enrolled at the same time; 20% reduction of the Legacy Fee for the next sibling. The reduction applies to the tuition of lower value. Tuition reductions are not cumulative. Graduation and Miscellaneous Fees - Graduation fee for Grade 12 students: EUR 420. Accepted Payment Methods and Payment Details - All school fees are payable in euros. - Bank transfer (details provided): payments may be made by bank transfer to Banco Sabadell Atlántico (IBAN: ES11 0081 0025 21 0003225532; SWIFT: BSABESBBXXX). Include the student name on transfer and payer covers any bank charges. Proof of transfer should be emailed to admin@es-school.com. Cash deposit may be made at any Banco Sabadell branch using the same account information. - Credit card payments: accepted via a signed Credit Card Authorization (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) submitted to the school; recurring charges may be authorized via that form. Notes on Mandatory Elements - The Physical Education & Enrichment Program is mandatory for all Middle and High School students unless the student is enrolled in an annual or semi-annual “Tennis + School” program at ES Academy (in which case related charges are handled through ES Academy billing).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details English is the language of instruction. Elementary School uses a progressive American, international standards-based curriculum. Middle School uses an American educational program. High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Program, with the IB Diploma Program also awarding a US High School Diploma. Cambridge Exams are offered through ASB's English Programs.	Curriculum details The school offers three academic levels: Elementary (grades 1–5), Middle School (grades 6–8), and High School (grades 9–12). The Elementary Program is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The curriculum is within the framework of the American educational system. The Middle School program emphasizes creativity, inquiry, and teamwork to prepare students for high school. The High School program is university-preparatory and leads to an American High School Diploma, with students able to homologate to the Spanish system for university access. The school also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses as part of its program.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 8:1	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Average IB score is 35 (2025). SAT results show 34 of 97 graduates took the SAT with an average total score of 1320 (652 reading and writing; 668 math). ASB is recognized by Education Advisers as a Top 10 IB School in Spain and Top 50 in Europe. Approximately 30% of graduates enroll in Spanish universities, with others attending universities around the world.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Approximately 30% of graduates enroll in Spanish universities, with others pursuing higher education at universities around the world.	Higher education progression Graduates attend universities around the world. Notable destinations include New York University, UCLA, Columbia University, Cornell University, Emory University, ESADE, University of Miami, University of Florida, and others. The university placement program includes college counseling, SAT preparation, and the school functions as an official SAT Test Center. The NCAA, NJCAA, and NAIA guidelines are observed to assist student-athletes in college admissions.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Complete the division-appropriate application form (PK3, Elementary, Middle School, or High School). The application is submitted via asb.openapply.com and a €250 fee is required; the fee is valid for up to two years for students in the waiting pool. After submission, the admissions team will contact you to arrange a time to meet your child. Supporting materials must be provided as specified for your division in the application guidelines. 2. Submit the required documents. Early Childhood requires the application, last year's report (in English; Spanish or Catalan allowed with originals), a confidential teacher questionnaire, and any relevant evaluations; passport copies are also requested. Elementary requires last two years' official report cards (in English; Spanish or Catalan allowed), confidential teacher and principal/guidance counselor questionnaires, and passport copies (standardized tests may be requested if available). Middle School requires the application, last two years' report cards, English and math teacher questionnaires, a principal or guidance counselor questionnaire, standardized tests in math and reading (if recent scores are unavailable, testing may be arranged), and passport copies (non-native English speakers may be asked for a writing assessment). High School requires the application, last three years' report cards (in English; translations needed for Grade 10+), English and math teacher questionnaires, a principal or guidance counselor questionnaire, standardized tests (MAP, PSAT, or other), and passport copies (an on-campus or remote writing assessment and/or interview may be requested). 3. Admissions review. All completed applications undergo a detailed review by the Admissions and Academic Teams, with consideration of English level, academic record, teacher references, and admissions assessments. For September admissions, completing the application by January 31 is strongly encouraged; the first round of admissions decisions is typically by mid-to-late February. Applications received after January 31 are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions communicated by email within two to three weeks. Decisions include Place Offered (with payment deadlines), Waiting Pool (space permitting), or Not Accepted. 4. Offer/Enrollment. If a place is offered, the family has one week to pay the matriculation fee and four weeks to pay the capital levy to reserve the spot; both fees are non-refundable. If a place is not available, families may be placed in the Waiting Pool, from which space becomes available on a rolling basis and does not confer priority for the next school year.	Admissions 1. Submit a completed Application for Admission and all required materials. The application requires official transcripts for the last three academic years in the original language with an official certified English translation when applicable, and the transcripts must be uploaded in PDF format. An application fee of 250 euros is required. The school processes the Application for Admission only after all requirements are received and originals may need to be mailed by post or courier. 2. The language of instruction is English. New students whose native language is not English take the English Placement Test during the first week of attendance; students whose test results indicate insufficient English proficiency will be required to take English-language support classes suitable to their abilities. 3. Admissions: Students may join in fall or spring; full-year applicants have priority in the admission process. Twelfth grade students, in order to fulfill graduation requirements, must attend the full academic year. No admission decision is made until all application requirements have been submitted. 4. After admission, an official acceptance letter is issued. Please pay the €2,000 non-refundable reservation deposit. The visa process may take 1-2 months and is handled through the nearest Spanish Consulate; EU citizens do not need a visa. If visa is denied or attendance is canceled, tuition and accommodation fees are refunded with the exception of the reservation deposit. Upon arrival in Barcelona, the student must obtain a Spanish Student Residence Card and provide the required documents (passport, visa stamp, immigration entry date, health insurance, etc.).
Scholarships	Scholarships Little Lynx Scholarship: Long-term scholarships for local residents entering PK3 for the 2026-27 school year, providing 15%–35% off tuition for the full duration of attendance; renewal each year until the end of Grade 6, with updated financial information before Grade 7; PK3 students receive a 50% reduction on the capital levy. Eligibility includes being a resident of Spain, long-term tax resident status, preference for students fluent in English, Spanish, and Catalan, and demonstration of financial need; current ASB families are eligible. Applications use the standard online form and require daycare references, financial disclosure, and open house or information session participation is encouraged. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, with decisions communicated after admission and financial documents are reviewed; renewal occurs automatically at January reenrollment unless extenuating circumstances apply. English Language Center Scholarship Program: Up to 10 scholarships covering 100% of Summer 2026 tuition for ASB's English Language Center Summer program; eligible students may reapply to continue in Weekday or Saturday classes for the 2026–27 school year on a full scholarship. Eligibility requires admission to grades 4 or higher, financial need (total family gross annual income under €50,000), residence in Barcelona metropolitan area, and completion of online application with supporting documents; current ELC students are eligible to apply. Selection includes financial need, academic potential, a letter of recommendation, language level testing, and an interview; applications require a €25 online application fee and must be submitted by May 15, 2026, with finalists contacted for testing and interviews; scholarship recipients are announced by mid-June.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waiting Pool: The grade is filled, and families are contacted as space becomes available. Being in the waiting pool for the current year does not confer priority for the following school year.	Waitlist —
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