Compare American Curriculum International Schools in Malaga, Spain

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.

Preschool (K1–K3, ages 3–6); Elementary School (1st–6th); Middle School (7th–8th); High School (9th–12th).

Private international school offering the American curriculum.

Student Support Services including English as a Second Language and Spanish as a Second Language.

United States

School bus service available.

All students are assigned to a house to compete in sports and recreational activities. This house system facilitates social integration by enabling students of different ages and grades to share time and activities, fostering a sense of belonging to the community.

The school is part of Mathema Education, an educational group founded in 2012 by Antonio Arcones that also manages Aquinas American School and the International School of Navarra.

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.

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.

The school has Counseling Services focused on social, emotional, and academic well-being for all students. Counseling includes individual sessions, small group sessions, teacher and parent consultations, and workshops. Key topics include Kindness in the Classroom, Study Skills, Time Management, Conflict Resolution, and Personal Safety.

The school has Learning Support Specialists who provide assistance inside the classroom and in specialized settings, using targeted strategies and interventions. Support ranges from short-term interventions to ongoing support for mild to moderate needs.

The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. Placement is determined by the principals and academic team; progress is regularly tracked in both the EAL program and the classroom. When ready, EAL and classroom teachers collaborate to transition the student out of the program, with post-transition monitoring to ensure continued success in the mainstream curriculum.

The school provides mental wellbeing support through Counseling Services, focusing on the social, emotional, and academic well-being of students. This includes individual counseling, small group sessions, and workshops.

Counseling topics include Personal Safety, and counselors contribute to safeguarding the wellbeing and safety of students as part of Student Support Services.

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.

Marbella hub is located in Centro Comercial La Colonia, Marbella. It is a five-minute drive from Marbella city centre.

Secondary Education; choose between British International or US curriculum.

International education hub offering a hybrid learning model with 24/7 access to learning.

Hybrid learning model with flexible scheduling and 24/7 access to learning.

The school offers the British International Curriculum or the US curriculum.

Programmes are internationally recognised and accredited by Pearson, enabling Learners to apply to top universities worldwide.

1. Watch Our Overview Video. The video highlights BGA's flexible learning model and the available pathways. It explains how learning is structured and what families can expect throughout the admissions journey. It serves as a starting point for decision-making. 2. Book a Call or Meeting with our Admissions Team. Chat with the Admissions Team to learn more about BGA, align expectations, and schedule a trial day if desired. A link to schedule a meeting or a call is provided. The meeting helps families understand fit and next steps. 3. Schedule a Trial Day. Learners and parents are encouraged to experience a BGA Hub to see the environment, meet Learning Coaches, and sense the learning atmosphere. A trial day can be arranged in person or virtually as available. 4. Fill Out the Application Form. Submitting the form triggers an email with a summary of the Admissions Process, a link to a detailed Admissions Guide (curriculum, fees, FAQs), and a link to book the onboarding meeting with the academic team. 5. Attend an Onboarding Meeting with Our Team. The onboarding meeting reviews the learner's academic history, determines placement at BGA, discusses the learning pathway in more detail, and clarifies questions. 6. Complete Full Enrolment. After onboarding, contracts and invoices are issued; upon contract and payment completion, an official enrolment confirmation is issued. 7. Get Ready for Day One. Instructions are provided to help learners start their journey with confidence.

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.

Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, and High School. It is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes.

International Day and Boarding School

The SIS community represents 50 nationalities.

Comprehensive language acquisition programme to support students with additional language needs.

Spain

Three private, air-conditioned bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona; one-way or return options.

The school offers on-site boarding with Full Boarding, Weekday Boarding, and Flexi-boarding. The Boarding House provides a safe, welcoming space with on-site staff, common rooms, and a wide range of evening and weekend activities for boarders.

The school uniform is mandatory and can be purchased from El Corte Inglés stores in Algeciras and Marbella or online.

Home-made food is prepared on-site with a monthly menu designed by a specialist nutritionist, using fresh ingredients.

Sotogrande International School is a member of Inspired Education, one of the world's largest and most innovative school groups, with over 80 premium schools across five continents.

The school is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes and follows an internationally-recognised curriculum.

In 2025 IB graduates achieved an average point score of 33.5 and a highest Diploma score of 43.

Graduates progress to top universities around the world, including US Ivy League, UK Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.

The school facilitates the development of unique gifts and talents.

SIS provides a child-centered, holistic education with a robust pastoral framework. Personal Advisors in the Secondary School and Class Teachers in the Primary School are the main points of contact for parents and students, ensuring daily support and encouragement. The school emphasises wellbeing and personal development, with strong pastoral guidance, and develops leaders and global citizens through programmes like the Global Citizenship Programme and service learning. The SIS community represents 50 nationalities, contributing to intercultural awareness and mutual respect.

Dedicated Student Support Services and an English Language Development department provide support for learners, including those with additional language needs. The school offers personalised learning with flexible language groupings and extra ELD classes led by specialist teachers. Early Childhood includes immersion for English language development to support language acquisition. Students can access targeted language and learning support as part of a broader inclusive education approach.

Although the main language of instruction is English, SIS is committed to multilingualism and intercultural understanding. The English Language Development (ELD) programme supports learners who do not have English as a first language, with personalised learning to improve English while maintaining cultural diversity. Language learning is embedded across the curriculum, with English language development available as a dedicated department and additional language opportunities (Spanish, French, German, Mandarin).

Pastoral care is a core part of SIS, with Personal Advisors and Class Teachers supporting students' wellbeing and development. The school emphasises a safe, supportive environment and fosters a culture of happiness as part of a comprehensive pastoral provision. Pastoral guidance is highlighted as an area of strength alongside academic achievement, contributing to student wellbeing and personal growth.

Safeguarding and child protection are paramount at SIS. The school has a Safeguarding Team and trained staff who act when there is a risk of harm, working with external agencies to safeguard students. The aim is to create a school environment where students feel safe, healthy and well-supported.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Private international day school offering American-style High School and university programs; no boarding facilities.

40 nationalities create the international learning environment.

Personal academic advice is offered to all students.

United States

ACS offers accommodation options for students who are not residents in the Costa del Sol. Administration and student services assist with locating apartments to rent, arranging room rentals with families, and dealing with local hotels.

There is a nearby cafeteria; the Marbella area features shops and restaurants for meals.

The school is governed by a Board of Trustees. It has a Keiser University partnership for a 2+2 program, with the first two years in Marbella leading to an Associate of Arts degree from Keiser University, after which students may continue at Keiser or transfer to another North American university.

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).

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.

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.

The American College in Spain develops students intellectually, socially, and personally through an American-based program. The college emphasizes the recruitment of outstanding faculty and staff whose primary focus is student success on an individual basis, with small class sizes. The program concentrates on developing international and cross-cultural capabilities through excellence in academics, cultural and sports training, inter-campus transfer, and other opportunities. The school provides a diverse, international environment drawn from many countries.

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.

>90% of ACS students go to the USA on scholarships.