American School of Barcelona

The school uses the Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program to teach children important skills for getting along with others, problem solving, and managing emotions, contributing to a safe and supportive learning environment. In K5, a Second Step Child Protection Unit is delivered by school counselors to strengthen safety awareness. Students learn Personal Safety, including safety around sharp tools, fire, and transportation. They learn Touching Safety, including safe, unsafe, and unwanted touches and how to respond. They learn Assertiveness, including asking a grown-up for help and speaking up in unsafe situations. The program also fosters respect for diverse family structures.

Learning Support (LS) teachers and counselors provide support for struggling students across ECC, Elementary, and Middle School. They evaluate needs and coordinate appropriate supports, and an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) may be established for a student with classroom modifications or pull-out/in-class supports. When necessary, parents may provide intervention services from outside providers (psychologists, speech-language pathologists, learning specialists, occupational therapists) at their own expense; ASB can assist in locating services but does not guarantee provider credentials or outcomes. English Language Learners (ELL) and Spanish Language Learners (SLL) receive language support across ECC, Elementary, Middle, and High School. The Learning Support Team collaborates with families to tailor instruction to each student's strengths and needs. Students with learning differences or emotional challenges may require specialized learning support to meet academic demands; a paraprofessional or shadow can be arranged if necessary.

ASB's English Language Center (ELC) has offered English language instruction for over 35 years, with programs emphasizing creativity, active participation, and real-world learning. The ELC provides programs for all ages and proficiency levels and connects participants with ASB campus resources for engaging language practice. English Language Learners (ELL) and Spanish Language Learners (SLL) receive language support across ECC, Elementary, Middle, and High School. The ELC offers Summer, Weekday, and Saturday English Programs and Cambridge exam preparation. Cambridge exam prep is available through the Cambridge track.

Second Step SEL supports emotional management and social skills. What matters most to ASB are student performance, growth and achievement: academically, socially and personally. Wellbeing is central to ASB's approach to education, with the learning framework recognizing and supporting social and personal growth alongside academics. Belonging at ASB emphasizes a safe, inclusive environment where diversity is valued and respected. The school hosts events and initiatives that focus on literacy and wellbeing as part of its broader educational program.

ASB delivers safeguarding through the K5 Second Step program and a dedicated Second Step Child Protection Unit taught by school counselors to strengthen safety awareness. Students learn Personal Safety, Touching Safety, and Assertiveness to stay safe from dangerous or abusive situations. The program teaches children to tell a grown-up if something unsafe occurs and to seek help when needed; it also covers diverse family structures with respect. A whistleblowing channel is available for reporting safeguarding concerns.