ES American School and Learnlife are both in Barcelona, about 12 km apart. Both schools offer American programmes. ES American School also offers IB and Advanced Placement (AP), and Learnlife also offers Bespoke. Published annual fees are €11,470 - 19,355 at ES American School and €9,300 - 13,600 at Learnlife, which puts ES American School roughly 35% higher. Both take pupils from 6 to 18. Learnlife is the larger school, with around 200 pupils to ES American School's 141. Typical class sizes are 14 at ES American School and 15 at Learnlife.
American Curriculum, IB (PYP), Advanced Placement (AP)
Curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum, American Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
141
Pupils
200
Typical class size
Typical class size
14
Typical class size
15
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Spanish
Opened
Opened
1999
Opened
2017
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
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
Elementary (grades 1–5), Middle School (grades 6–8), High School (grades 9–12).
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
International school
School type
International school network with hub-based learning across Learnlife Urban Hub, Eco Hub and Village Hub.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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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
English language support classes for students whose native language is not English.
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 and United States
Country affiliation
Spain
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
- 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).
- 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.
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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
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.
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
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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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
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.
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
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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
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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. 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.).
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
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
Applications are open all year round. There were waiting lists in 2025 and expect them again in 2026.
