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Spain, Malaga
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The school uses a three-strand curriculum that blends Imposed Literacy and Numeracy workshops with Emergent transdisciplinary Explorations. Literacy and numeracy are delivered through dedicated workshops, including Jolly Phonics, Words Their Way, Reading and Handwriting, and numeracy is taught with Contexts for Learning Mathematics, Number Talks and Mathletics. The Emergent strand guides projects that integrate Science, Humanities and Arts, while Explorations are co-created with students and guided by their interests. About 25% of school time is devoted to self-directed personal projects planned and carried out with peer and teacher support.
Arts are embedded through Emergent Explorations, with the Emergent strand explicitly including the Arts alongside Science and Humanities. Explorations integrate Arts into cross-disciplinary projects rather than treating Arts as a separate subject. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning where creative inquiry and expression are part of the beach and forest explorations.
The common language of the school is English and it is spoken inside and outside the classroom. Spanish lessons are regularly offered during academic workshop time and are connected to Explorations, using conversational activities to build vocabulary. Although not an immersion school, English language learners receive support and opportunities to acquire English within the active curriculum. With over 20 nationalities represented, Alma Forest School hosts a diverse international community.
Personal, Social and Physical Education is interwoven with all activities, and Morning Circles address conflict resolution, healthy relationships, bodies and current affairs. A non-violent, restorative approach to conflict resolution underpins daily interactions. Students participate in residential trips and school sleepovers that build community and independence. Guest workshops and local partnerships bring external experts into learning and broaden horizons.
The parent community is a valuable resource and shares experiences to support learning. The school collaborates with local organizations and regularly invites guest workshops to bring real-world knowledge to students. Residential trips and sleepovers reinforce community and relationships and provide opportunities for extended learning outside the classroom. Families participate in events and partnerships that connect Alma Forest School with the local community.
Students plan and carry out self-directed personal projects with the support of peers and teachers. Explorations are co-created with students and guided by their interests, fostering leadership, collaboration and problem-solving. The school supports a village-like culture where students are partners in learning and in shaping the curriculum. Tutorials and group workshops provide structured opportunities for shared leadership and peer learning.
Escuela Bosque is a forest-school program for ages 3-6, with children learning outdoors in the natural environment. Alma Forest School emphasizes an unhurried approach to childhood and intrinsic motivation, avoiding unnecessary stress. Daily routines include mindfulness, Morning Circles and culture-building activities, with a strong emphasis on healthy living and movement. Residential trips and school sleepovers, along with regular outdoor activities, support wellbeing and community.
Alma Forest School is a microschool located on a finca outside Sotogrande, offering ages 3 to 14. The campus comprises Escuela Bosque for ages 3–6 and a Primary School extending to 11, with Middle School to 14. The school is internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators. The curriculum combines IB PYP with a bespoke, transdisciplinary framework built around three strands: Imposed Literacy and Numeracy workshops; Emergent Explorations that integrate Science, Humanities and the Arts; and student co-created Explorations guided by interests. About 25% of school time is devoted to self-directed projects. Learning is outdoor and nature-based, with mixed-age groups and real-world application across disciplines. English is common language; Spanish lessons are offered and English learners receive support. Facilities include a finca with fields, trees, animals, and access to farm, forest, beaches, and natural parks. The school offers Off the Grid Summer Camp and trips to deepen community and belonging.
