Sotogrande International School vs The American College in Spain

	S Sotogrande International School Malaga, Spain	T The American College in Spain Malaga, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €9,840 - 28,255	Fees / year €6,250 - 16,600
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 15 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels, Reggio Emilia Approach	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 100
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size 12
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1978	Opened 2013
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Located in Marbella, Málaga Province, Andalusia, Spain. Address: CC La Alzambra, Urb. La Alzambra, 29660 Puerto Banús, Marbella. The campus has been operating in Marbella since 2013 as the first North American High School and University in Andalusia.
Stages	Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, and High School. It is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes.	Stages High School and University (2+2 program) where students complete the first two years in Marbella and then transfer to a U.S. or other American university to finish their degree.
School type	School type International Day and Boarding School	School type Private international day school offering American-style High School and university programs; no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The SIS community represents 50 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix 40 nationalities create the international learning environment.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Comprehensive language acquisition programme to support students with additional language needs.	Additional learning support Personal academic advice is offered to all students.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain	Country affiliation United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Three private, air-conditioned bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona; one-way or return options.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.)	Fee details Application fees - Application fee: EUR 200 (one-time). Tuition fees by program and (per-term equivalents) - University Transfer Program (full-time): EUR 14,900 per academic year. Additional subject (if taken): EUR 2,320 per subject. Study materials (E‑Book/learning resources): EUR 1,200 per year. Testing fee (placement/preparation materials): EUR 400 (one‑time). Administration fee: EUR 500 per year. Application fee: EUR 200 (one‑time). - High School Program (full-time): EUR 13,200 per academic year. Extra subject: EUR 1,420 per subject. Study materials (E‑Book/learning resources): EUR 1,000 per year. Administration fee: EUR 500 per year. Transcript evaluation fee: EUR 150 (one‑time). The academic year is shown as 36 weeks and courses are organised by term; an equivalent per‑term figure (using a three‑term year as a standard reference) would be EUR 4,400 per term (annual tuition ÷ 3). - GED program (full-time): EUR 6,250 per course. Study material charge: EUR 400 per course. Administration fee: EUR 300 per year / per course (as published). - Academic English (full-time): EUR 8,150 per course (10–12 weeks; 18 hours/week). Study material: EUR 400 per course. Administration fee: EUR 300 per year / per course (as published). Additional and occasional fees - Study materials / learning resources: shown per program (University EUR 1,200 / year; High School EUR 1,000 / year; GED Academic material EUR 400 / course). - Administration fee: typically EUR 500 per year for University and High School; EUR 300 per year/per course for GED/Academic English (as published). - Testing / exam preparation fees: University testing fee EUR 400 (one‑time). Additional external exam costs (for example AP or GED external testing fees) are identified separately in course descriptions. - Transcript evaluation fee: EUR 150 (one‑time) for High School program. - SAT preparation course examples (optional): intensive summer SAT course price EUR 625 (includes materials); autumn/spring course price EUR 800 (includes materials). These are listed as separate course fees. Discounts and incentives - Sibling discount: 10% tuition discount for families with two or more children. - Early‑payment incentive: a 5% discount on total tuition is applied for payment of the entire academic year if paid before June 1. Billing schedule and payment terms - Admissions and reservation: following acceptance families receive payment instructions and are required to pay a deposit to guarantee a place; official acceptance letters and, where applicable, visa documents are issued after the deposit is paid. Invoices are issued together with the order/payment. Contract paperwork is completed and kept on file as part of the registration process. - Full‑year payment and term payment: the published fees are shown as annual amounts for each program; the school offers a full‑year payment option (with the early‑payment discount for payments made before June 1). Specific instalment or per‑term billing schedules and the exact timing of deposit/term payments are provided in the payment instructions issued upon acceptance. Boarding / accommodation fees - Boarding is not listed as a school‑run service. The college assists students who need accommodation by helping locate rental apartments, rooms with families (host families) or local hotels; those accommodation arrangements and any associated costs are arranged separately from tuition and are billed independently. No school boarding fee is published. Other costs parents should expect to budget for - Optional course extras (additional subjects): University EUR 2,320 per subject; High School EUR 1,420 per extra subject. - External exam fees (AP/GED/other) and possible travel/administration charges for external testing sessions. - Accommodation, local transport, meals, extracurricular trip costs and personal expenses for activities such as scheduled cultural or sporting trips (these are organised and billed separately). Refund information - The published General Conditions and admissions materials describe the invoicing and acceptance/payment process but do not present a detailed, itemised public refund schedule alongside the fee table. Payment instructions and contractual conditions accompanying acceptance detail the steps required to complete registration and invoicing; families are notified of the financial terms and receipt/invoice at the time of acceptance. Fee payment options - The school issues payment instructions upon acceptance and supplies the corresponding invoice. Specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer or card payment) are stated in those payment instructions and on the formal invoice that accompanies the acceptance. Contact details for administrative correspondence are published for payment and billing enquiries. If you need any of the specific fee lines restated in another format or converted into a different currency, the amounts above are the published figures in euros.
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 The school is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes and follows an internationally-recognised curriculum.	Curriculum details General Education at The American College in Spain is a core of common learning experiences that enables students to acquire and apply a broad foundation of knowledge, skills, and behaviors. The curriculum provides an overall learning across disciplines before students engage in their concentration, with literacy and communication skills reinforced throughout the program. General Education courses are taken during the first two years as prerequisites for higher-level coursework, and Keiser University's General Education courses are offered to fulfill transfer requirements. Core courses are required for graduation in each degree program. General Education Requirements for the Associate of Arts degree include coursework in Communication, Mathematics, Social/Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and electives, plus the Speech Communication and a Computer Literacy requirement; the college is authorized to offer Keiser University's AA degree, with students able to transfer to Keiser or another American university to complete a bachelor's degree. ACS concentrates its principal studies in Humanities/Social Sciences (International Relations, Psychology, Political Science, Philosophy, History, English Language and Literature), Business (Business Administration, International Business, Economics, Accounting, Finance, Information Technology/Management), and Communication (Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results In 2025 IB graduates achieved an average point score of 33.5 and a highest Diploma score of 43.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates progress to top universities around the world, including US Ivy League, UK Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.	Higher education progression The American College in Spain maintains transfer agreements with a broad network of universities, enabling graduates to pursue higher education at partner institutions in the United States and beyond. Partner U.S. universities include Keiser University, Adelphi University, Arizona State University, Ball State University, College of Staten Island, Eastern Illinois University, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, St. Bonaventure University, St. Thomas University, Troy University, Truman State University, SUNY Albany, University of Findlay, University of Kentucky, University of Missouri, University of North Alabama, University of South Florida, University of West Florida, Wayne State University, Western Governors University, Slippery Rock University, University of Cincinnati, Lynn University, California State University, IPAG Business School, Hult International Business School, St. Louis University Madrid, University of Gibraltar, Rennes School of Business, and others.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The school facilitates the development of unique gifts and talents.	Gifted and talented Advanced coursework is available through Advanced Placement and Accelerated Options via Mizzou Academy (University of Missouri High School), including AP courses such as AP Calculus AB, AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP European History, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, and AP United States History.
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 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.	Admissions University Program admissions: 1. Submit the University Transfer Program application using the University Program Application Form; ensure all required documents are submitted to make the application valid; the academic department will review the submission and contact you to schedule an interview. 2. Provide required documents: Spanish High School Diploma or American High School Diploma or GED (minimum 2.0 GPA); International Baccalaureate (IB) with six subjects; International applicants provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo; SAT, ACT, or Wonderlic certificates are required; if you do not hold these qualifications, you may take them at ACS; a placement test may be given before registration to determine English and Mathematics levels, and if needed preparatory courses will be assigned; the Academic Department will interview all future students to determine compatibility with ACS's mission and programs and ACS tailors the pathway to help you access American university study; For Sports Program students, contact the registrar for more information. 3. Admission decisions are communicated by email or letter; if accepted, you will receive a payment instruction to guarantee your place; after payment, official acceptance letters may be issued to support visa processes. High School Program admissions: 1. Fill out the High School Program application; submit required documents; the department will contact you for the interview. 2. Pre-admission: provide original stamped copies of previous reports for evaluation by the United States; required documents: Registration Form; transcript evaluation fee €85; passport copy or DNI/NIE if Spanish. 3. Admission: after transcript evaluation, main registration can begin; all applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of English and Mathematics; a placement test will determine level; preparatory courses may be assigned; the Academic Department will interview all future students; 4. Acceptance: after the Admissions Department has made a decision, you will receive email or letter confirming acceptance; if accepted, you will receive a payment instruction to guarantee your place. 5. Admitted: after deposit is paid, official letters are issued to start visa process.
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.	Scholarships >90% of ACS students go to the USA on scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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