Liceo Europeo and Lighthouse American School are both in Madrid, about 13 km apart. Both schools offer IB and American programmes. Published annual fees are €6,300 - 18,600 at Liceo Europeo and €8,900 - 10,500 at Lighthouse American School, which puts Liceo Europeo roughly 28% higher. Liceo Europeo takes pupils from 1 to 18, and Lighthouse American School from 3 to 14. Liceo Europeo is the larger school, with around 1,300 pupils to Lighthouse American School's 111. Typical class sizes are 18 at Liceo Europeo and 12 at Lighthouse American School.
La Moraleja, Madrid. Address: C/ Camino Sur, 10-12, La Moraleja, 28109, Madrid. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location
Madrid, Spain. Camino de la Zarzuela, 42, 28023 Madrid.
Stages
Stages
Early education; Primary; Secondary – Middle School; Baccalaureate. The International Baccalaureate program is available.
Stages
Primary Years Programme (PYP).
School type
School type
Private bilingual school in Madrid.
School type
International school (IB World School) in Madrid.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
Diversity of nationalities; students from multiple countries and cultures.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
—
Additional learning support
Psycho-pedagogical care and emotional intelligence support; personalized follow-ups.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
—
Country affiliation
Affiliation with the United States (American School) and NEASC accreditation.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
—
School day structure
School day structure
The school day runs Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
School day structure
—
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers several bus routes to facilitate access. Route 01: morning pickups around 8:00 a.m. and afternoon returns around 4:55–5:22 p.m. Route 02: morning pickups around 7:40–8:14 a.m. and returns around 5:00–5:40 p.m. Routes 03–07 follow additional schedules with morning pickups around 7:45–8:30 a.m. and afternoon returns around 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Bus service details
—
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Academic year and scope - Fees shown apply to the academic year 2025/2026. The academic year runs from September to June.
Tuition fees (annual amounts by year group) - Pre-K 1–2 (half day): €4,120 per year. - Pre-K 1–2 (full day): €7,690 per year. - Pre-K 3 (3-year-olds): €8,840 per year. - Pre-K 4 and Kindergarten (4–5 years): €9,160 per year. - Primary (Years 1–5): €11,330 per year. - Year 6 Primary; Years 1 and 2 Secondary: €11,930 per year. - Years 3 and 4 Secondary: €12,960 per year. - Year 1 Baccalaureate: €13,930 per year. - Year 2 Baccalaureate: €13,950 per year. (Year 2 billed from September to May.) - Years 1 Diploma Programme (IB): €16,100 per year. (Year 2 billed from September to May.) - Years 2 Diploma Programme (IB): €16,101 per year. (Year 2 billed from September to May.)
U.S. High School Diploma (Vermont Academy) - Grades 9 & 10 (full school year): €19,850 per year. - Grades 11 & 12 (full school year): €20,170 per year. - Vermont Academy inscription / registration: €630.
Lunch - School lunch service is included in tuition for all students. Alternative menus are available for dietary requirements.
Transport (monthly rates) - Round-trip bus service (route): €155 per month. - One-way (single) route: €114 per month. - Return bus for Baccalaureate and Diploma Programme students is included in the tuition for those programmes.
Fixed and recurring charges (amounts and billing timing) - Insurance: €45 (annual charge; billed in October). - School supplies: €53 (termly/quarterly; billed in November, February and May). - Pedagogical / digital resources (Primary STEAM): €15 (monthly for Primary STEAM). - Pedagogical / educational resources for Secondary, Baccalaureate and Vermont: €16 (billing frequency indicated in the fees document). - Digital resources for Pre-K 4 to Kindergarten: €15 (quarterly; billed October, March and June).
Other charges - School trips and field visits: additional charges apply; the school schedules approximately one trip per month and school trips with separate charges. - Registration fee noted above (€630) is a separate, one-off charge connected to enrolment/reservation. - Uniform: students do not wear a mandatory school uniform, so no uniform fee is listed.
Boarding - Boarding is not offered as a standard feeed service for day-to-day schooling; no boarding fees are listed.
Billing schedule and payment terms (summary of published billing timing) - Academic year period: September–June. Tuition is shown as an annual amount per year group. Certain second-year programmes (Year 2 Baccalaureate and Year 2 of the IB Diploma Programme) are billed from September through May (9 months). Fixed charges have explicit billing months: insurance in October; school supplies in November, February and May; digital resources for Pre-K 4/K in October, March and June; pedagogical resources for Primary billed monthly. Specific monthly billing for other year groups is indicated for some items.
Refunds and fee withdrawal - A public refund policy or detailed rules on refunds and cancellations is not listed in the published fee schedule or the school's fees document. The published fees identify registration, recurring fixed charges and additional activity charges but do not specify refund terms.
Payment methods and options - The publicly published fees document and the school fees page list amounts, billing frequencies and billing months but do not specify accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, direct debit, or credit card) in the published fee materials.
Concise note on available public information - The items above reproduce the school's published annual tuition amounts, fixed charges, transport rates and the billing months or frequencies that the school publishes for the 2025/2026 academic year. The published materials do not provide a detailed tuition instalment schedule (number of tuition instalments and exact due dates for standard tuition billing), explicit refund rules, or a list of accepted payment methods in the fees document.
Fee details
Application / Registration fees
- One-time registration fee for new families: EUR 1,500. - Reservation fee for continuing Lighthouse students: 50% of one monthly tuition payment; this amount is deducted from the September tuition.
Tuition fees by year group (per month and per academic year)
- Standard billing cadence: monthly billing over ten months (September through June). Monthly amounts are shown above; annual tuition equals the monthly amount × 10. - Reservation fee for current students equals 50% of one monthly fee and is deducted from the September payment. - An early‑payment discount applies when the full annual tuition is paid by the specified early deadline (example shown: a 3% discount for full payment by July 2025).
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school for ages 3–14 (no boarding program listed).
Other costs and recurring extras
- Meals (morning snack and lunch): EUR 195 per month, billed September–June (meal plan covers the school year months). - Uniform: a uniform is required; a specific uniform cost is not published in the available fee information. - Sibling discounts: third enrolled child receives a 30% discount; fourth child receives a 65% discount (specific terms shown in published fee information). - Special arrangements: families who must be absent for extended periods may be eligible for reduced tuition (half price in qualifying circumstances as published).
Refunds and cancellation
- The publicly available fee schedule lists registration, reservation and tuition amounts and an early‑payment discount, but it does not publish full detailed refund or cancellation terms in the material found. Specific refund policies for registration, reservation or tuition were not available in the publicly posted fee summary.
Fee payment options
- The fee schedule includes monthly billing and an early‑payment in‑full option, but form(s) of payment (for example: bank transfer, direct debit, credit card or other accepted payment methods) are not specified in the publicly available fee summary. Payment method details must be confirmed directly with the school.
Concise summary of the key figures (academic year shown in published schedule)
- Published fee documents used for this overview include a school fee schedule for the 2025–2026 academic year that lists the items above (monthly and annual tuition amounts, registration fee, reservation fee, meal cost, sibling discounts and the early‑payment discount). The publicly available fee material does not publish full technical details for refunds, explicit wording of cancellation penalties, or the list of accepted payment methods; those items were not present in the fee summary located during this review.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
—
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
No uniform is required.
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
School lunch with an in-house kitchen and daily healthy menus.
Food options
Lunch is designed in-house by a professional kitchen team; all food is homemade and natural, without ultra-processed products. The menu includes traditional Spanish dishes, with grilled or steamed options.
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Governing body: Liceo Europeo Foundation.
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
From 1 to 18 years old. Early Education follows the American Program (International Nursery School). Primary uses the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) with active teaching and multilingual learning. Secondary offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) or the American Vermont Academy program (Grades 9 and 10), with classes in Spanish and English and immersion in Chinese, French, and German. Baccalaureate provides three paths: National Program, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP), and the American Vermont Academy (Grades 11 and 12). The school emphasizes multilingual education, inquiry-based learning, and preparation for admission to leading universities around the world.
Curriculum details
Day-to-day life at Lighthouse is conducted in English, with Spanish treated as a second language given special attention. Starting in the third year of elementary, students learn Chinese as a third language. All teachers are American and are accredited by US universities and receive ongoing training. Lighthouse is NEASC-accredited and is a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The campus spans about 4,250 square meters and classes are capped at 18 students, enabling small-group learning and strong teacher–student interaction. The curricular emphasis includes creativity, innovation, complex problem solving, critical thinking, social-emotional intelligence and values; students have opportunities to study in Spain with CAM validation and can pursue American universities through NEASC accreditation.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
—
Student teacher ratio
—
Exam results
Exam results
—
Exam results
—
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The Baccalaureate pathways prepare students for access to leading national and international universities. The IB Diploma Programme is highly valued by international universities and provides preparation for higher education in Europe, the United States, and other global university systems. The school offers three options—National Program, IB Diploma Programme, and American Vermont Academy—allowing students to tailor their university pathway. University guidance provides individual advising on academic pathways, information about national and international universities, and workshops on entrepreneurship, innovation, and professional skills.
Higher education progression
Spanish universities are accessible via CAM validation, and U.S. universities are accessible through NEASC accreditation. Lighthouse is a Candidate School for the PYP program, enabling study in about 50 OECD countries.
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
The school creates a happy emotional environment from infancy to university entrants. Pupils grow and learn in an emotionally safe and creative environment. The school is a big family that fosters cooperation between teachers, parents and pupils. Through cooperative models of education, synergies are built between teachers, parents and pupils. Emotional well-being is a central element of the learning approach.
Social & emotional learning
Day-to-day life at Lighthouse is conducted in English. All teachers are American, accredited by US universities and receive ongoing training. Spanish is treated as more than a second language, with special attention. Starting in the 3rd year of elementary, Chinese is taught as a third language. A committee of experts advises on topics including health and nutrition, emotional intelligence, psychological well-being, sport, and art to ensure a high-quality standard.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school uses a guidance department to support students. It detects learning difficulties and attends to special educational needs. It emphasizes attention to diversity. This support is part of the six fundamental pillars of the Individualized Educational Project. The Quality Policy underpins this work and aims for continuous improvement in meeting student needs.
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school maintains a multilingual environment. The school offers international programs including International Nursery School and International Baccalaureate.
English as an additional language
—
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school creates a happy emotional environment from infancy to university entrants. Pupils grow and learn in an emotionally safe and creative environment. It is a big family that fosters cooperation among teachers, parents and pupils. Cooperative models of education create synergies between teachers, parents and pupils. Emotional well-being is a priority in the learning approach.
Mental wellbeing
Emotional intelligence is a focus of the Continuous Training Plan. Psychological well-being is a focus of the expert advisory committee within the plan. The plan also covers health and nutrition, sport, and art. Continuous training ensures teachers stay up to date with pedagogical innovations and educational trends to support wellbeing.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school maintains an Internal Information System with a secure whistleblowing channel to report breaches of the ethical code, legal rules, or EU law. Communications are confidential and can be anonymous to protect informants. It includes channels for reporting harassment, including harassment at work, sexual harassment, and child abuse. Whistleblowers are protected and retaliation is prohibited. The process includes receipt acknowledgment within seven days and investigations with a maximum duration of two to three months, with possible outcomes such as archiving, referral to the Prosecutor, or initiation of a disciplinary procedure.
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
—
Safeguarding policy
—
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school is a private bilingual school in Madrid serving students from 1 to 18 years old. It has a hall and iClass facilities for teaching, with spaces for Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary education and an International Baccalaureate program. The campus includes Gardens and West Garden. It houses a Library and teaching building, a Science Laboratory, a Chemical Laboratory, a LEGO room, a swimming pool, smart classrooms, and a psychomotor area.
Facilities overview
Day-to-day life at Lighthouse American School Madrid is conducted in English. All teachers are American, accredited by US universities and receive ongoing training. Spanish is treated as more than a second language, and Chinese is taught as a third language beginning in the third year of elementary. The school is NEASC-accredited and follows the IB Primary Years Programme, with CAM validation enabling study in Spanish universities and NEASC enabling access to American universities. Technology supports learning by creating collaborative learning environments and by enabling parents to monitor daily progress.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The campus includes a basketball court, a soccer field, and a padel court. A swimming pool is on site for swimming lessons and training. Outdoor spaces include Gardens and West Garden used for recreation and activities. The facilities support physical education and team sports.
Sports facilities
—
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The school has a Library and teaching building. Science and Chemical Laboratories support science instruction. Classrooms serve Kindergarten through Secondary education. The campus includes dedicated spaces such as a LEGO room and smart classrooms to support technology-enhanced learning.
Academic facilities
Day-to-day life at Lighthouse is conducted in English, and teachers are American and accredited by US universities with ongoing professional development. The school uses technology to create collaborative learning environments and to help parents follow daily progress. It is NEASC-accredited and offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), providing recognition that supports study in many OECD countries. CAM validation allows study at Spanish universities, and NEASC accreditation supports access to American universities. Spanish is enhanced as a core language program, with Chinese added as a third language from the third year of elementary.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Speech therapy and psychopedagogical support are available. Skook Food Studio offers an innovative dining space integrated with learning. The program includes football, tennis, parkour, swimming, diving, equestrian, yoga and mindfulness, volleyball, basketball, and padel, along with other activities such as cycling, rhythmic gymnastics, modern dance, skateboarding, athletics, skating, skiing, and running. Language and arts options include Mandarin Chinese, German, rock band, esports, theater, entrepreneurship, and a music school.
Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular activities include after-school programs such as Elementary Drama Club (Mon) and Yearbook Club (Mon); Basketball (A on Tue, B on Thu); Chinese (Tue); Cheerleading (Wed); Yoga (Wed); Mythology (Thu); Martial Arts (A on Mon, B on Fri); Parkour (A on Thu, B Tue). Kindergarten programs include Yoga and Mindfulness (Mon); Mini Chefs (Tue); Cheerleading (Wed); Mini Tennis (Thu); Creative Dance (Thu). These activities are available to Elementary and Kindergarten students.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Founded by Arsenio Inclán Alonso (Palencia, 1936–2020), Liceo Europeo was created from a belief that education should be a happy environment rather than an oppressive one. He rejected the church monopoly on education and aligned the school with the principles of the Institución Libre de Enseñanza, introducing active teaching and recognizing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a fundamental text. The school has long championed gender equality and multilingualism, with English, French, German, Italian and Mandarin spoken on campus. It became a pioneer in international exchanges, hosting students from around the world and preparing them for study abroad. Today, classrooms are equipped with advanced technology and the center offers the International Baccalaureate, led by Natalia and Gonzalo Inclán who continue their father's legacy, as the school notes it has completed more than thirty-eight years of existence.
History
Founded in 2019, Lighthouse American School began as a project envisioned by a group of passionate educators who sought to rethink learning. They valued recognizing each child's unique learning style and created a warm, thriving environment where students and faculty can flourish together. Central to Lighthouse's approach is the International Baccalaureate framework with inquiry-based learning, and the school engages in community service projects to connect learning with real-world impact. In about five years, Lighthouse earned accreditation from the NEASC and the International Baccalaureate Organization. Irene Márquez is the founder and CEO of Lighthouse American School.
Community
Community
Liceo Europeo fosters an affectionate, community-oriented environment from infancy to university, prioritizing an emotionally safe and creative setting. Students are encouraged to be protagonists in their own learning journeys, engaging in research, creation, discovery and ongoing learning. The school describes itself as a big family and creates synergies between teachers, parents and pupils through cooperative learning models. It also emphasizes community engagement through its foundation and charitable activities, including the Charity Race that supports the Pablo Horstmann Foundation's work.
Community
The school calendar is designed to adapt to families, with extended morning and afternoon hours, open during most school holidays at no extra cost, and with after-school programs and summer camps. School celebrations are scheduled in the afternoons, on Fridays, or Saturday mornings so parents can attend. Class and cycle-level assemblies promote emotional intelligence and a sense of belonging, and the school provides psycho-pedagogical care and clear policies to support students. Learning spaces are designed to be flexible, with classrooms that can be rearranged quickly to suit what is being learned, complemented by a range of extracurricular activities and clear routines to support daily life.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
—
Parent teacher association
—
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school offers the International Baccalaureate programs: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The Primary Years Programme covers Pre-K3 through 5th year primary; the Middle Years Programme runs from 6th grade primary through 4th year secondary; the Diploma Programme is for 1st and 2nd year Bachillerato and is taught in Spanish. The IB World School designation reflects a commitment to international-mindedness and university preparation.
Academic & intellectual
The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). It is NEASC-accredited. Day-to-day life is conducted in English, and all teachers are American. Starting in the 3rd year of elementary, Chinese is taught as a third language. The program emphasizes transdisciplinary projects and inquiry-based learning that build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The school offers Theater (Dramatic Arts), Rock Band, and a Music School to develop performance and musical talents.
Arts & creative
Visual Arts and Music are part of the daily class schedule. The after-school program includes Drama Club, Yearbook Club, and a range of activities such as Basketball, Chinese, Cheerleading, Yoga, Mythology, Martial Arts, Parkour, and Creative Dance for Elementary students. Kindergarten offers Yoga and Mindfulness, Mini Chefs, Cheerleading, Mini Tennis, and Creative Dance.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Mandarin Chinese is offered with classes adapted to age and level. German classes are available for Secondary School and Bachillerato.
Cultural & language
Day-to-day life at Lighthouse is conducted in English, and all teachers are American and receive ongoing training. Spanish is treated as more than a second language, with special emphasis. From the third year of elementary, Chinese is taught as a third language. Students share class with peers from many countries and cultures.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
School clubs and activities include Journalism and Yearbook; Entrepreneurship Club; Esports; Rock Band; and Theater (Dramatic Arts).
Social & hobbies
Elementary and Kindergarten offer a broad after-school program with clubs and activities. Elementary clubs include Drama Club (Monday), Yearbook Club (Monday), Basketball (A – Tuesday, B – Thursday), Chinese (Tuesday), Cheerleading (Wednesday), Yoga (Wednesday), Mythology (Thursday), Martial Arts (A – Monday, B – Friday), Parkour (A – Thursday, B – Tuesday), and Creative Dance (Thursday). Kindergarten offers Yoga and Mindfulness (Monday), Mini Chefs (Tuesday), Cheerleading (Wednesday), Mini Tennis (Thursday), and Creative Dance (Thursday).
Community & service
Community & service
The Liceo Europeo Foundation runs social work and scholarships, collaborating with multiple foundations. The school partners with organizations such as Fundación Aladina, Fundación Mozambique Sur, Club Español del Medio Ambiente, and Fundación Junior Achievement. The community engages in charitable activities, including the Charity Race to support humanitarian causes.
Community & service
The school undertakes community involvement and service initiatives. Community service projects include food drives, shelter volunteering, and environmental initiatives.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Oratory and Debate is taught to develop public speaking and critical thinking. The Vermont Academy program provides an American-style diploma with leadership development, and the Entrepreneurship Club offers experiences in entrepreneurship.
Leadership & professional
Leadership and professional skills are developed through autonomy, creativity, and problem-solving, preparing students to face unknown challenges.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
From age 1 to 18, students experience a happy emotional environment with a safe and creative atmosphere. The school emphasizes a cooperative, family-like community. Yoga and Mindfulness classes teach attention, concentration, relaxation, and emotion expression.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Health and wellbeing are prioritized: classrooms have natural light and ergonomic seating, and menus are prepared in-house with fresh, traditional dishes and healthy snacks. Students participate in after-school activities and sports, and physical activity is emphasized as part of daily life.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Languages taught include Spanish, English, Mandarin Chinese, French, and German. Spanish–English bilingual immersion is a core feature, with Mandarin Chinese, French, and German offered as additional languages. Primary uses Spanish as the main language of instruction with some subjects in English, while Secondary and Baccalaureate operate in multilingual contexts; Baccalaureate notes a multilingual environment with academic work in Spanish, English, and other languages. The Vermont Academy American program is taught entirely in English.
Language provision
The school teaches in English. All teachers are American, accredited by US universities and receive ongoing training. Spanish is given special attention as a second language. Starting in the 3rd year of elementary, Chinese is taught as a third language.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
Spanish–English bilingual immersion is a core feature of Liceo Europeo. Primary uses Spanish as the main language of instruction, with a portion of subjects taught in English, and Mandarin Chinese, French, and German are offered from early years. The school serves students from 1 to 18 years old and provides multiple pathways across stages, including the IB Programme (PYP) in Primary, and options in Secondary (IB MYP or American Vermont Academy) and Baccalaureate (National, IB, and American programs).
Bilingual teaching
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
Spanish–English bilingual immersion is integrated as everyday practice. In Primary, Spanish is the main language of instruction with a portion of subjects taught in English, and Mandarin Chinese, French, and German are offered from early years. In Secondary, classes and exams are conducted in Chinese, French, and German, with language credentials CAE, DELF B2, HSK, and FIT 2. The American Vermont Academy program is delivered entirely in English.
Immersion programs
—
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
—
Awards
—
Accreditations
Accreditations
—
Accreditations
—
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Enrollment is open year-round. The admissions process is personalized with close guidance. Flexible scheduling for interviews and visits is offered, and interviews and visits can be completed online or in person. Individual visits are available year‑round, with no waiting.
2. Submit your information and start the process. Enrollment can be completed online or in person, and a 100% online process is available. The admissions team will contact you within 24 hours after you submit your information. International admissions are supported for foreign families relocating to Madrid, with simplified management and ongoing support.
3. Tours and information sessions are available. You can arrange personalized visits throughout the year, and online information sessions are offered for international families or those outside Madrid. The admissions team provides answers to questions within 24 hours and can communicate in multiple languages.
4. Language and program information relevant to admissions. International Nursery School is bilingual Spanish-English with an introduction to Chinese. Primary Education uses a multilingual approach including English, Spanish, French, Chinese, or German. The school offers the International Baccalaureate with a Diploma Programme taught in Spanish, and three Baccalaureate pathways: IB, Spanish Baccalaureate, and American High School. Cambridge, DELF, Goethe, and DELE certifications are available as language credits.
