American School of Barcelona vs Learnlife

	A American School of Barcelona Barcelona, Spain	L Learnlife Barcelona, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €9,404 - 32,534	Fees / year €9,300 - 13,600
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 200
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Spanish
Opened	Opened 1962	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
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 Learnlife operates hubs in the Barcelona area: Urban Hub at Carrer d'Enric Granados 7, 08007 Barcelona; Eco Hub at Passeig Marítim 139, 08860 Castelldefels; and Village Hub at Rambla del Garraf 48, Local 1G, 08812 Les Roquetes. These hubs are accessible by public transport or car, with carpools common for travel from Barcelona, Castelldefels and Sitges.
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 Primary Programme for ages 6-12; Secondary Programme for ages 12-18 at two locations: Urban Hub Barcelona (ages 12-18) and Village Hub Sitges/Sant Pere de Ribes (ages 10-16) opened in 2024.
School type	School type The school is a non-profit international school located just outside Barcelona, Spain.	School type International school network with hub-based learning across Learnlife Urban Hub, Eco Hub and Village Hub.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 60 nationalities are represented among 970 students.	Pupil nationality mix The Learnlife community is globally diverse with families from 32 nationalities; the most common nationalities are Spain (25%), the USA (19%), the UK (9%), and Germany (6%).
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Learning support is provided through a Learning Support Lead, Learning Guides and Assistants, and coordination with external specialists; personalised plans include language acquisition for non-native speakers, executive functioning, literacy and numeracy, social-emotional growth, and pathways for gifted learners. The number of high-support learners per Hub is limited.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain	Country affiliation Spain
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 and enrolment fees - Application fee: EUR 95. - Enrolment (one-off) fee: EUR 800. Tuition and annual programme fees (by Hub and year group) - Urban Hub (Barcelona): - Explorers & Creators (ages 12–16): Annual programme fee EUR 10,500. Payment option shown as 10 monthly instalments of EUR 1,050. Annual (administrative) fee EUR 1,050. - Changemakers (ages 16–18): Annual programme fee EUR 11,350. Payment option shown as 10 monthly instalments of EUR 1,135. Annual (administrative) fee EUR 1,135. - Eco Hub (Castelldefels, Primary ages 6–12): Annual programme fee EUR 11,500. Payment option shown as 10 monthly instalments of EUR 1,150. Annual (administrative) fee EUR 1,150. - Village Hub (Sant Pere de Ribes / Sitges): - Pioneers (ages 10–12): Annual programme fee EUR 10,500. Payment option shown as 10 monthly instalments of EUR 1,050. Annual (administrative) fee EUR 1,050. - Explorers & Creators (ages 12–16): Annual programme fee EUR 11,350. Payment option shown as 10 monthly instalments of EUR 1,135. Annual (administrative) fee EUR 1,135. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing structure: Tuition may be paid as a single annual payment or as 10 monthly instalments. A 5% discount is applied when the full annual programme fee is paid in one payment prior to enrolment. A 5% sibling discount applies to the second and subsequent children. - Monthly payment timing: instalment option is presented as 10 monthly payments (the published instalment amounts correspond to 10 monthly payments). Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed for the Urban, Eco, or Village Hubs. No boarding fees are published for these Hubs. Learnlife's Hubs operate as day programmes. Other costs and additional charges - Annual (administrative/programme) fee: each Hub and year group includes a separately listed annual fee (amounts shown above). - Uniform and kit: no compulsory school uniform fee or uniform kit charge is published for the Urban, Eco, or Village Hubs; uniform costs are not specified alongside the published programme fees. - Extra-curricular, meals, transport, exam or specialist activity charges: specific additional service fees (for example external exam entry fees, transport, daily meals, optional after-school clubs or specialist tuition) are not listed together with the published programme fees; families should expect that optional services or external costs may be invoiced separately where applicable. Refund information - Refund and withdrawal terms are not published alongside the headline application, enrolment and programme fees on the public Admissions & Fees summary. Specific refund, cancellation or withdrawal conditions for deposits, enrolment fees or tuition instalments are not listed in the admissions summary. Fee payment options - Payment formats shown in the published fee information include a single annual payment or 10 monthly instalments for tuition; the admissions summary also notes the 5% annual-payment discount. Specific payment methods (for example card, direct debit, or bank transfer) are not detailed on the public Admissions & Fees summary. Contact details are published for arranging enrolment and payments. Discounts and concessions - Sibling discount: 5% discount on programme fees for the second and subsequent children enrolled. - Annual-payment discount: 5% discount on the programme fee when paid as a single annual payment prior to enrolment. If you need this text in a different currency or formatted for your database, convert the EUR amounts accordingly.
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 Curriculum is the Learnlife Competency Model, a framework built on years of research and best practices from pioneering educators. It aligns with the local Ministry of Education and centers on five learning domains—Learning to Be, Learning to Think, Learning to Learn, Learning to Relate, and Learning to Act—delivered through Building Blocks. Learning experiences promote agency, real-world relevance, and a mix of project-based, design-thinking, play-based, and nature-based methods. Academic foundations in English, literacy, numeracy, science, humanities and languages are developed through an interdisciplinary approach with real-world application. Assessment is ongoing and competency-based, using Learning Vitae, 360 assessments, showcases and portfolios rather than traditional exams; languages are taught in English, with opportunities to learn Spanish and Catalan, and multilingual learning guides support the programme.
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 Exams may be required for pathways. If learners need to pass an exam to reach their chosen pathway, schedules can be adapted and learners are supported to prepare; several learners have done this, and their exam results are well above national benchmarks.
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 design their own next steps through the Pathways Programme, with guidance and structure to reach their goals. Urban Hub learners who meet the criteria can obtain an American High School Diploma and may qualify for the Spanish ESO Certificate, opening doors to top global universities.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Pathways for gifted learners exist, with personalised plans and access to Learning Guides; support may include coordination with external specialists and additional learning plans.
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 Who should apply: Learnlife welcomes families seeking a school where positive relationships, passion and purpose, and self-discovery are at the heart of learning; learners gain the confidence and skills to thrive in life, not just exams. The community includes families from Spain and around the world, with 32 nationalities represented. How and when to apply: Applications are open all year round; Learnlife has grown quickly and had waiting lists in 2025 and expect them again in 2026. Fees and discounts: Application €95; Enrolment €800. Urban Hub Barcelona: Explorers & Creators (12–16) €1,050 annual fee; €10,500 annual programme (or 10 monthly payments of €1,050). Changemakers (16–18) €1,135 annual fee; €11,350 annual programme (or 10 monthly payments of €1,135). Eco Hub Castelldefels: €1,150 annual fee; €11,500 annual programme (or 10 monthly payments of €1,150). Village Hub Sant Pere de Ribes/Sitges: Pioneers (10–12) €1,050; Explorers & Creators (12–16) €1,135. Discounts: 5% sibling discount; 5% annual payment discount. Start your application: Schedule a call with the admissions team using the calendar below.
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 Applications are open all year round. There were waiting lists in 2025 and expect them again in 2026.
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