Atlas American School of Malaga vs Sotogrande International School

	A Atlas American School of Malaga Malaga, Spain	S Sotogrande International School Malaga, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €500 - 16,350	Fees / year €9,840 - 28,255
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels, Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 24
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Spanish
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1978
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Estepona, Málaga, Spain. Calle Monda Nº2, Selwo Hills, 29680 Estepona. Selwo Hills area; sits on a municipal plot awarded through an administrative concession. Phone +34 952 938 155; admissions@atlas-asm.es.	Location Av. de la Reserva, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cadiz, Spain. The school serves students from 6 months through 18 years, from Early Years to High School. It offers day and boarding options. Private bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona.
Stages	Stages Preschool (K1–K3, ages 3–6); Elementary School (1st–6th); Middle School (7th–8th); High School (9th–12th).	Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, and High School. It is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes.
School type	School type Private international school offering the American curriculum.	School type International Day and Boarding School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix The SIS community represents 50 nationalities.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Student Support Services including English as a Second Language and Spanish as a Second Language.	Additional learning support Comprehensive language acquisition programme to support students with additional language needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United States	Country affiliation Spain
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details School bus service available.	Bus service details Three private, air-conditioned bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona; one-way or return options.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and enrollment fees - Family Admission Fee: €2,000 (one-time, mandatory, non-refundable). - Annual Registration Fee: €500 per student (mandatory, non-refundable; charged mid-year for returning students). - Deposit: €1,000 per student (refundable once the student is correctly withdrawn or graduates and all financial obligations are settled). Tuition fees (installments and annual totals) - Preschool (K1 – K3) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €3,420 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Mar): €2,565 - 3rd Installment (Apr–Jun): €2,565 - Annual total: €8,550 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €8,208. - Elementary School (Grades 1–6) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €4,520 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Mar): €3,390 - 3rd Installment (Apr–Jun): €3,390 - Annual total: €11,300 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €10,848. - Middle School (Grades 7–8) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €5,080 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Mar): €3,810 - 3rd Installment (Apr–Jun): €3,810 - Annual total: €12,700 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €12,192. - High School (Grades 9–11) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €5,940 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Mar): €4,455 - 3rd Installment (Apr–Jun): €4,455 - Annual total: €14,850 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €14,256. - American High School Diploma (AHSD, Grade 12) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €7,425 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Apr): €7,425 - Annual total: €14,850 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €14,256. - IB Programme - IB Year 1 (Grade 11) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €6,540 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Mar): €4,905 - 3rd Installment (Apr–Jun): €4,905 - Annual total: €16,350 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €15,696. - IB Year 2 (Grade 12) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €8,175 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Apr): €8,175 - Annual total: €16,350 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €15,696. Family discounts on tuition - 3rd child enrolled: 25% discount on tuition. - 4th child and additional children: 60% discount on tuition. - Discounts do not apply to corporate payments and are subject to review. What tuition fees include - Textbooks and basic school supplies for K1–G10, online licenses (where applicable), college counseling, transcripts, day field trips, laboratory supplies, and IB examinations (first sitting only). - Annual tuition insurance policy that covers continuity of studies in the event of the death of a parent/legal guardian (covers tuition only; does not cover lunch, bus service, registration fees, or other services). Fees and items not included (additional costs) - School uniform (not included). - Textbooks and online licenses for IB or Grades 11 and 12 (not included). - EAL (English as an Additional Language) or SAL (Spanish as an Additional Language) support: may incur an additional supplement of up to €300 per month if required. Enrollment in these programs is determined by the school. - IB certificates for American High School Diploma students: €600 per subject (one-time payment in Grade 12). - Fees for official-document recognition (Spanish diplomas, UNED registration) and AP exam costs: charged at cost. - After-school activities, extracurricular activities, and residential trips: separate costs and are billed separately (activities are paid on a semester basis). Students with outstanding payments will not be permitted to participate in school trips. Annual service fees (examples and installment breakdowns) - Bus service — One way: - Installments: €660 (1st), €495 (2nd), €495 (3rd). (G12: €660, €660 — two-installment structure where shown.) - Bus service — Round trip: - Installments: €800 (1st), €600 (2nd), €600 (3rd). (G12: €800, €800 — two-installment structure where shown.) - Lunch: - K1–G11: €580 (1st), €435 (2nd), €435 (3rd). - G12: €580, €580 (two-installment structure shown). - A daily menu is provided for Kindergarten through Grade 8; in Grades 9–12 lunch is optional and high-school cafeteria purchases are billed monthly on a high-school lunch card. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment schedule for K1–G11: - 1st Installment due by September 1. - 2nd Installment due by December 1. - 3rd Installment due by March 1. - Payment schedule for Grade 12 (where two installments apply): - 1st Installment due by September 1. - 2nd Installment due by December 1. - The Annual Registration Fee is charged in March for the following school year. - Upfront payment discount: a 4% discount is applied to annual tuition paid upfront if received by June 30, 2026; the discount does not apply to lunch or transportation fees. Payments for upfront discount arrangements are handled through the school's Finance office (finance@atlas-asm.es). - Payment conditions and penalties: - Cash payments are not accepted. - All wire transfers must be received in a net amount; parents are liable for any bank charges. - A European bank account within the SEPA circuit is mandatory for direct-debit payments (tuition, lunch, etc.). - A €20 administrative penalty applies for bounced payments. - A €20 penalty applies to payments received after the specified due dates, plus an additional €20 per month for each month of delay. - Persistent late payment may result in interruption of schooling and the school reserves the right to cancel enrollment if non-payment persists. Withdrawal and refund policy - To withdraw a student, families must contact the Admissions Department (admissions@atlas-asm.es). - If a student withdraws during an installment period, no refund will be issued for the current installment. - Written notice must be provided at least one month prior to the next scheduled payment to avoid being charged for the subsequent installment. - The Deposit (€1,000 per student) is refundable once the student is correctly withdrawn or graduates and all financial obligations have been met. The Family Admission Fee and the Annual Registration Fee are non-refundable. Boarding - No boarding fees are listed; boarding is not indicated in the school's tuition and fees schedule. Fee payment options - Accepted mechanisms and requirements: - Wire transfer / bank transfer (payments must be received net). - SEPA direct-debit from a European bank account (mandatory for direct debit arrangements). - Cash payments are not accepted. - Credit-card payment is not specified in the fees schedule; parents should use bank transfer/SEPA or contact Finance for specific payment arrangements.	Fee details Application / Registration and Membership Fees - Registration fee (non-refundable, payable on submission of the application): EC1–P6 €350; M1–D2 €550. - Membership fee (single payment on admission, per family): EC1–P6 €3,000; M1–M5 €4,000. Deposits - Standard deposit (single payment, refundable on departure in accordance with the school's terms and conditions): Day students EC1–P6 €2,000; Day students M1–D2 €2,500; With boarding M1–D2 €5,000. The deposit may be used to cover any damages caused during the stay. - Early Years specific deposits: Early Years deposit €500 per student. If a child continues in Early Childhood 1 (3 years old before September) the registration fee (€350) and the membership fee (€3,000) are waived, but a refundable deposit of €1,500 is required under the school's terms and conditions. Tuition fees by year group (annual, EUR) - Early Childhood: EC1 €9,840; EC2 €10,485. - Primary: PYP1–PYP2 €15,650; PYP3–PYP6 €16,810. - Secondary (MYP): MYP1–MYP3 €20,575; MYP4–MYP5 €23,100. - IB (DP): D1–D2 €28,255. Early Years term fees (per term; Early Years operates three terms per school year) - Standard day programme (09:00–15:10): - 5 days: 1st term €2,920; 2nd term €2,190; 3rd term €2,190. - 3 days: 1st term €2,490; 2nd term €1,870; 3rd term €1,870. - 2 days: 1st term €2,170; 2nd term €1,625; 3rd term €1,625. - Extended day programme (09:00–17:00, 5 days): 1st term €3,650; 2nd term €2,740; 3rd term €2,740. After-hours programme (monthly fee, 15:10–17:00): €225 per month. Boarding fees and boarding-related services (annual unless stated otherwise) - Annual boarding standard pack (Templeton House – Standard Pack): €22,720. Includes: all term meals; ensuite shared-room accommodation; transport to activities within a 10 km radius; dedicated supported study time; airport–school transport provision within set dates; weekend activities & entertainment; term-time medical & health insurance. - Guardian pack for non-EU members (adds dedicated guardian services, visa and residency permit support, notary expenses): €26,810 (annual). - Weekly boarding house (Monday–Friday, annual fee): €18,350. Extra night for weekly boarders: €115 per night. Flexi-boarding / double room (daily fee, subject to availability): €115 per night; flexi-boarding is for short stays (2–14 days maximum) and is not available during school holidays. What is included / not included in fees - Included in published tuition and boarding packages: all term meals and compulsory curriculum-related trips (boarding standard pack details listed above). Boarding packs also include medical & health insurance during term time where specified. - Not included: devices (e.g., personal laptops/tablets), uniform, transport (where not included in a boarding pack), external examination fees and charges, and other optional extras. Early Years notes specify lunch and uniform are not included in Early Years term fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Full payment option: full payment of fees before 15 August. - Instalment options for tuition fees: three instalments payable on 15 August, 15 December and 15 March. Payments must be arranged by direct debit. - IB Diploma (D1 & D2) instalment option: D1 and D2 fees are payable in two instalments on 15 August and 15 December. - Boarding fee instalments: boarding fees are payable in three instalments with the first instalment due 15 March (preceding year), then 15 December and 15 March. Refunds and cancellation-related points - Registration and membership fees are non-refundable and payable on submission of the application or admission. The deposit is a single payment that is refundable on departure in accordance with the school's terms and conditions; the deposit may be used to cover any damages caused during the stay. Early Years has a specific refundable-deposit arrangement (€1,500) when registration/membership are waived for children continuing into EC1. Fee payment options and required payment method - Required method: payments must be arranged by direct debit (SEPA / direct debit arrangements are required). Instalment schedules described above assume direct-debit collection. The published fee materials set direct debit as the payment arrangement. Other costs and optional charges - Additional or optional costs may include: uniform, personal devices, optional external examination or certification fees (where applicable), optional after-hours programs for Early Years (monthly fee €225), extra boarding nights beyond contracted weekly boarding, transport outside included provisions, and any optional extracurricular or elite-sports programme fees where applicable. Specific items listed as not included in the fee schedules are devices, uniform, transport and external examination fees. (End of fee overview.)
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 Atlas American School of Malaga follows the American academic curriculum and prepares students for university entrance in Spain or elsewhere. The program emphasizes both content knowledge and the development of skills, training students through reflection, inquiry, and communication. The curriculum provides access to Spanish and international universities. It is organized into four stages: Preschool (K1–K3, ages 3–6), Elementary School (1st–6th), Middle School (7th–8th), and High School (9th–12th). The school emphasizes collaborative inquiry and personalized learning to foster logical thinking, reading comprehension, public speaking, and other core competencies.	Curriculum details The school is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes and follows an internationally-recognised curriculum.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results In 2025 IB graduates achieved an average point score of 33.5 and a highest Diploma score of 43.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Atlas American School of Malaga emphasizes university readiness and provides pathways to universities in Spain and abroad. Graduates have access to higher education institutions in both Spain and international locations. The program supports development of analytical, discourse, and communication skills to strengthen college applications. Graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world.	Higher education progression Graduates progress to top universities around the world, including US Ivy League, UK Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The school facilitates the development of unique gifts and talents.
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 Schedule a school tour to learn more about Atlas ASM. Complete the Online Application at atlas-asm.openapply.com/apply. After reviewing the student's academic history, an interview and placement test will be scheduled to assess academic capabilities. Final admission decisions are communicated by a formal admissions letter; admitted families receive a service provision agreement to sign by the indicated date and a bank deposit is required to finalize enrollment. Notification of admission: Upon notice of admission, you have 15 calendar days to confirm in writing your intention to enroll using the form included in the Notification of Admission; if not confirmed, the space is relinquished. Documents requested: school transcripts for the previous two years and the current year; applicant information; ID/passport copies; one letter of recommendation issued and sent from the admissions platform to the designated teacher, principal, or advisor. Non-native English speakers applying for grades 9–12 must provide results from the Duolingo English Test (DET) with a score of 120 or higher; the DET is computer-based and requires Google Chrome, a self-facing camera, and a microphone; results are available within 48 hours. Instructions to share DET scores appear at englishtest.duolingo.com/sharing. The admission process is conditional on the receipt of final grades for the current academic year. All G7–G11 students studying abroad must bring all original documents certified by the country of origin and with the Hague Apostille.	Admissions Register Your Interest by completing the Enquiry Form and arranging a visit. Open Days are held throughout the year on Saturdays. Complete the Application Form on the Open Apply platform and upload the last two years of school reports translated into English; a registration fee is due: Primary €350 per child; Secondary €550 per child. Examinations: Primary students entering PYP5 (9 years) and PYP6 (10 years) complete an online Cognitive Test invigilated by Admissions. Secondary students aged 11–15 take an online Cognitive Test plus the iDAT 360 assessment. Diploma and A‑level students aged 16–18 complete an online assessment including Cognitive, English and Maths. Admissions Review and Conditions: The Admissions Committee reviews applications and assessments and informs the outcome; Diploma students have an online interview with the IB Coordinator. Successful Application: You receive an email with the offer letter and payment conditions. Upload to OpenApply the following documents: copy of student's passport, copies of parents' passports, student NIE, parents' NIE, contract signed by both parents, and Image Consent Form. All documents must be received before your child starts at SIS; if relevant information is withheld, the school reserves the right to withdraw from the place offered.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Nsouli Scholars Programme enables 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. Scholarships at Sotogrande International School are merit‑based and cover reduced IB tuition fees for students who excel in academics, expressive arts and sport; learners of all ages may apply. Complete the Scholarships Application Handbook and the Scholarships Application Form to be considered; download the Scholarship Guide 2026 - 2027. Bursaries: SIS provides financial assistance to families; to be considered, students must have completed at least one full academic year; download the Economic Aid Guide 2025 - 2026.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →