Aquinas American School - High School Campus vs ESC American School

	A Aquinas American School - High School Campus Madrid, Spain	E ESC American School Madrid, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €8,250 - 15,200	Fees / year €14,000 - 30,000
Age range	Age range 11 - 18 years	Age range 12 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 800	Pupils 100
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 12
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Madrid, Spain. The PreK–8 campus is at C/ Transversal Cuatro, nº 4, Urb. Monte Alina, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón. The High School campus is at C/ Poniente, 20, Urb. Monte Alina, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón. The Residencia de AAS is at Paseo de los Ciruelos, 14, Montepríncipe, 28668 Alcorcón, Madrid.	Location ESC American School is located in Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain. The campus address is C. Duero, 47, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid. It sits in a suburban area near Madrid. The school offers a U.S. High School Diploma that is 100% accredited in Spain.
Stages	Stages Preschool; Lower School (1st–5th); Middle School (6th–8th); High School (9th–12th).	Stages Grades 7-12 (approximately 12 to 18 years of age).
School type	School type Catholic school offering an American curriculum; boarding program available.	School type International school offering an American curriculum; lodging in optional residence is available.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Student Support Services (SSS) department offers a wide range of services to assist teachers, students, and families with learning and/or emotional needs. SSS provides prevention, intervention, transition, and follow-up actions on both PreK–8 and High School campuses with a team of qualified professionals who collaborate with teachers, external agencies, and families.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain	Country affiliation United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Catholic	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and enrollment fees - Family Admission (one-time, new families): EUR 2,000. - Annual Registration (per student, mandatory, non‑refundable): EUR 500. - Deposit (per student; refundable when the student leaves once all financial obligations are met): EUR 500. - Returning students: Annual Registration EUR 500; Deposit only required for High School returning students: EUR 500. Tuition fees by year group (annual and common payment-breakdown examples for the current academic year) - Kindergarten (ages 3–5): Annual tuition EUR 8,200. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 820 per month. Three-installment example (40% / 30% / 30%): EUR 3,280 / EUR 2,460 / EUR 2,460. - Lower School (Grades 1–5): Annual tuition EUR 10,100. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,010 per month. Three-installment example: EUR 4,040 / EUR 3,030 / EUR 3,030. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual tuition EUR 11,300. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,130 per month. Three-installment example: EUR 4,520 / EUR 3,390 / EUR 3,390. - High School (Grades 9 & 10): Annual tuition EUR 13,100. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,310 per month. Three-installment example: EUR 5,240 / EUR 3,930 / EUR 3,930. - American High School Diploma (Grades 11 & 12, not IBDP): Annual tuition EUR 13,500. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,350 per month; if Grade 12 is paid over 8 months the monthly amount is EUR 1,687.50. Three-installment example: EUR 5,400 / EUR 4,050 / EUR 4,050. - International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Grades 11 & 12): Annual tuition EUR 15,000. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,500 per month; if Grade 12 paid over 8 months the monthly amount is EUR 1,875. Three-installment example: EUR 6,000 / EUR 4,500 / EUR 4,500. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment methods available: full upfront payment (eligible for a tuition discount), direct debit monthly plan, or a multi‑payment schedule (installments). The school requires a chosen payment method at enrollment. - Full upfront payment: a tuition discount is applied to full annual tuition when received by the school's stated deadline; this discount does not apply to lunch or transportation fees. - Monthly/direct debit: tuition may be divided into monthly payments (commonly arranged as ten monthly payments for K1–G11 and eight monthly payments for G12). Lunch and transport are typically billed in separate installments. - Three-installment option (where offered): typical breakdown used by the school is 40% / 30% / 30% of the annual tuition due across three dates during the year; the same percentage split applied to the annual tuition yields the example installment amounts shown above. - Late or returned payment penalties: administrative penalty for bounced payments and for late receipts is charged (example penalty amounts appear in the school's payment terms). The school may interrupt or cancel enrollment for persistent non‑payment. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Full boarding (residential high‑school programme): annual boarding programme fee EUR 44,000. This fee is quoted as an annual all‑inclusive programme and explicitly includes school tuition, accommodation, three meals per day and snacks, international health insurance, uniforms (two sets), textbooks and materials, 24‑hour supervision, college counselling (for Grades 11–12), transport related to residence, and weekend activities/field trips. Boarding students are accommodated in double rooms with en suite bathrooms. Other costs and optional services - Lunch (day students): installment schedule shown in the school fees document; example installments for day students (K1–G11) total EUR 1,800 annually (example split shown as EUR 720 / EUR 540 / EUR 540 across the three billing installments) and for G12 an example split totals EUR 1,440 (EUR 720 / EUR 720) depending on the billing period selected. - Bus/transport service (monthly and per‑day options): sample monthly rates (single child) and family rates include Round Trip EUR 180 (1 child), EUR 300 (2 children), EUR 360 (3+); One Way EUR 140 / EUR 220 / EUR 280 for 1 / 2 / 3+ children; a supervised 3 pm High School bus option is shown at EUR 70 monthly (and lower per‑day rates for single‑day use). - Textbooks/online licenses: for some grades a single annual textbooks/online-license fee is charged separately (the school lists specific textbook/online license arrangements; textbooks and uniforms are generally not included in tuition for certain grades). - ESL / SSL support: additional monthly charge where required, example rate EUR 300 per month. - IB certificates / exam fees: example charge for IB certificates for American Diploma students is EUR 600 per subject (one‑time payment in Grade 12); fees for official recognitions, UNED registration, AP exams and other third‑party exam fees are charged at cost. - Uniforms: not included in tuition; uniforms are available for purchase through the school's uniform supplier. - After‑school activities and residential trips: charged separately on a semester or per‑activity basis; participation may be withheld for students with outstanding payments. Refund and withdrawal rules - Deposit refund: the student deposit is refundable when the student leaves the school provided all financial obligations have been settled. - Mid‑year withdrawal: if a student leaves during a month, the school charges for the full calendar month in which the student departs. A minimum notice requirement of one calendar month is required to confirm an unenrollment date. Continued non‑payment may lead to interruption or cancellation of a student's enrollment. Fee payment options and practical payment rules - Accepted payment methods: direct debit (required for installment plans), and bank transfer (used for full upfront payments). Card payments incur a surcharge where specified; cash payments are not accepted. Parents are responsible for any bank charges on transfers. A European/SEPA bank account is normally required for direct debit arrangements. - Credit card and bank charges: example surcharges and bank charge policies appear in the school's payment terms; parents are liable for bank charges and international transfers must be received net of fees. (End of fees overview.)	Fee details Application fee - Admission (one-time) fee: EUR 950. Non-refundable. Prices shown are exempt from VAT. Tuition fees (published amounts and structure) - Day / Education monthly fee for resident students: EUR 1,400 per month, billed in 10 monthly instalments. Prices shown are exempt from VAT. - Day / Education monthly fee for non-resident students (includes schooling + lunch/canteen): EUR 1,650 per month, billed in 10 monthly instalments. Prices shown are exempt from VAT. (Note: the published fee schedule lists a single set of monthly education fees and does not give separate, itemised tuition amounts by individual year group.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing frequency: Fees are presented as 10 monthly payments (10 mensualidades). - The admission fee is explicitly non-refundable. Specific payment deadlines, late-payment penalties, early-payment discounts or exact monthly billing months are not published in the fee sheet. Boarding (residency) fees - Residency monthly fee (Residencia + food & beverage): EUR 1,600 per month. A 10% VAT is not included on this residency price. - Residence security deposit (Fianza Residencia): EUR 1,600. The fee sheet lists the deposit amount but does not explicitly state the deposit refund terms. - What the residency fee includes: weekly room cleaning; weekly sheets and towels; weekly laundry service; full board (meals); and other services such as utilities (light), Wi‑Fi, security, gym access and nursing/medical support. Other costs and fees - The published fee schedule shows the admission fee, monthly education fees for residents and non-residents, the residency monthly charge, and the residency deposit. No specific monetary amounts for uniforms, textbooks, school materials, transport/bus, extracurricular activity fees, exam fees or insurance are published in the fee document. Refund information - Admission fee: Non-refundable. - Refund terms for tuition payments, the residency deposit, and other potential refundable fees are not specified in the published fee document. Fee payment options - The published fee schedule does not list accepted payment methods (for example: credit card, direct debit, bank transfer or cheque) or the bank details used for payments. Brief summary of missing detail (what is not published) - The published materials provide clear headline amounts and the billing format (10 monthly payments) plus residency inclusions, VAT treatment for residence charges, and the admission fee status. They do not provide: a breakdown of tuition by specific school year or grade; explicit payment methods or bank details; precise billing dates or late-payment penalties; full refund rules for the residency deposit or tuition; or itemised charges for uniforms, books, transport or extracurricular activities.
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 American School in Madrid is a Catholic school offering an American curriculum that prepares students to enter college in Spain or any other country. Preschool runs K1–K2, with K3 described as pivotal in adjusting to school routines; Lower School covers 1st–5th grade; Middle School covers 6th–8th grade; High School covers 9th–12th grade. The High School provides two diploma options: International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) and the American High School Diploma (AHSD), with SAT and UNED coursework supporting college preparation and 100 hours of volunteering over four years. The curriculum emphasizes languages, liberal arts and sciences, and the development of analytical, creative and communication skills, with a College Counselor helping with transcripts and admissions deadlines. Aquinas American School is part of Mathema Education, which also manages The British School of Navarra and Atlas American School of Málaga.	Curriculum details ESC American School follows the American Curriculum for Grades 7–12 (ages roughly 12–18). The program uses a Student-Based Learning System that centers the student and fosters critical thinking, creativity and intellectual curiosity. The curriculum emphasizes essential learning skills for today and for life beyond ESC. All graduates receive a U.S. High School Diploma that is 100% accredited in Spain, with NEASC certification. Graduates go on to universities worldwide, primarily in the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. A university orientation service helps with applications and scholarships.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Class sizes are 12–15 students per class. Each student has access to a Chromebook.
Exam results	Exam results Eight years in a row above the global IB average; the Class of 2025 achieved 31.52 IB points. The High School program offers the IB Diploma and the American High School Diploma (AHSD), with SATs and UNED as college-preparation options and 100 hours of volunteering during grades 9–12. AAS is an SAT testing center and provides college counseling to support university admissions.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression University Access Program in Madrid: prepare students to access university in Spain and abroad. Students may choose between two diplomas: International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), pursued in the last two years of High School and recognized in 50 countries, and the American High School Diploma (AHSD) with Spanish Language and Culture; the AHSD diploma can be validated in Spain and does not require any further examination. AAS is an SAT testing center and offers college counseling to guide university admissions, helping keep options open to study in Spain, the United Kingdom or the United States. Aquinas American School belongs to Mathema Education, which also operates The British School of Navarra and Atlas American School of Málaga.	Higher education progression 100% of graduates are accepted to internationally renowned universities; graduates attend universities around the world, primarily in the U.S., Spain, the U.K. and the Netherlands; a specialized university orientation service supports applications and access to scholarships.
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. School tour: Request a visit to Aquinas American School by filling out the online form. After submission, a member of the admissions team will arrange the tour or meeting. The tour supports understanding of the program and community. Submitting the online form begins the admissions process. 2. Interview / Placement test: After reviewing the student's academic history, the school schedules an interview (in person or online) and a placement test to assess academic capabilities. The interview helps determine fit with the school's philosophy and program. The placement test assesses the student's academic level. The interview/test may be conducted in person or online. 3. Formal admissions request: Complete the Online Application. The required documents include the Application Form, Academic Records (last two years and the current year), and Recommendation Letters; English Proficiency must be demonstrated for grades 7-12 via the Duolingo English Test with grade-specific minimums. The test can be taken at home. The school reserves the right to admit, conditionally admit, place on a waiting list, or deny admission. 4. Confirmation of enrollment: Candidates will be notified of the final decision via a formal admissions letter. Once admitted, families will receive a service provision agreement to be completed by the date indicated, along with the required bank deposit to finalize enrollment. Notification timelines: For K1-K3, the notification period is 15 days; a first list of admissions for G1 to G12 is published on March 1; a second list is published on April 1. Acceptance must be confirmed in writing, and tuition payment instructions are provided.	Admissions 1. Pre-registration form. Complete the Application Form so the Admissions team can provide personalized information and guide you through each step of the process. This initial form starts the admissions pathway and helps us understand your child's profile. Completing this step enables scheduling subsequent steps. 2. See the campus. Schedule a guided visit to tour ESC American School's facilities, meet teachers, and understand the teaching methodology. If you cannot attend in person, an online interview is arranged and you will receive a video tour. This visit helps families assess whether ESC aligns with the student's academic and personal development. The visit is designed to be informative and responsive to your scheduling needs. 3. Application and documents. To formally apply, complete and submit the Admission Application Form, along with documents: copy of ID card, passport or birth certificate; academic transcripts for the last two years; letters of recommendation from the last year's tutor and two other teachers; Duolingo test results. This collection of materials supports the admissions review and helps determine eligibility for admission. Submissions are reviewed by the Admissions team to determine placement and next steps. 4. Evaluation and interview. An interview is conducted with the admissions team to understand the profile in depth, coordinate details and resolve any pending doubts. This interview forms part of the comprehensive review by the Admissions Committee. 5. Decision and enrollment. The Admissions Committee will review each application in a comprehensive manner and notify families of the decision via email. Once accepted, the necessary documentation is provided to complete the enrollment process.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The school may place applicants on a waiting list.	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →