Why join for free?
Already have an account? Log In
Spain, Madrid
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
City Country School follows a Montessori approach that treats development holistically—physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive. The curriculum centers on teaching students how to learn, supporting lifelong growth. The Early Childhood program is predominantly English-language, led by a native English-speaking Montessori guide with a native Spanish-speaking assistant. The Adolescent Program uses immersion English, with all academic subjects taught in English by native speakers, while Spanish Language, Literature and Culture are taught as separate subjects.
Enrichment Activities include Aikido, Clay Ceramics, Cooking, Gardening, Music, and Science Experiments, extending learning beyond the classroom. Aikido is studied for six years in Elementary and continues into Adolescence. The Kitchen Classroom fosters practical making-and-thinking work, while Clay Ceramics helps students build a rich interior world of know-how. Music emphasizes connection and expression, and science experiments stimulate curiosity through hands-on inquiry.
The school provides instruction in English and Spanish and uses a bilingual, dual-language immersion approach. Early Childhood learning is predominantly English with a native English-speaking lead guide and a native Spanish-speaking assistant. Lower Elementary is a bilingual environment with native English and native Spanish-speaking guides, while Upper Elementary alternates between a fully Spanish-language Montessori environment with a Spanish lead guide and an English-language Montessori environment with a native English-speaking guide. The Adolescent Program is an immersion English program in which all academic subjects are taught in English by native speakers, with Spanish Language, Literature and Culture taught separately, and Japanese is introduced to Elementary through Aikido.
Self-discovery and self-construction are emphasized through Symbolic Play, Cooking, Aikido, Ceramics, Song, and Activities in Nature. The enrichment program supports children in expressing their inner lives through these media, including clay, language, song, movement, cooking, gardening and play. The approach values the creative process, recognizing that creating is a lifelong activity that develops problem-solving and collaboration. Children are given time, space and expert support to explore their talents and passions.
Enrichment activities include outdoor exploration with neighborhood park outings. Aikido develops balance and discipline as part of a six-year Elementary to Adolescence program. The Kitchen & Garden program integrates cooking and gardening as practical and healthy life skills. Music and science experiments promote well-being through engaging, hands-on learning.
City Country School is a small, independent Montessori school in Madrid serving ages 3 to 16, accredited by Middle States and combining Montessori pedagogy with an American curriculum. Founded in 2012 by Sarah Cardelús, the school invites children to learn through hands-on exploration, collaboration, and discovery rather than a single definition of success. Instruction is bilingual, with Early Childhood predominantly English and native guides, Lower Elementary in a bilingual English/Spanish environment, Upper Elementary alternating between fully Spanish and fully English Montessori settings, and an Adolescent Program taught entirely in English by native speakers. The on-site facilities span Children's House, Elementary, and Adolescence campuses, including a garden, sandbox, climbing frame, kitchen classroom, and outdoor spaces designed for nature-based play. Distinctive features include the Kitchen Classroom, organic vegetarian meals, and an Out Program that integrates field visits with project work. The curriculum anchors Montessori methods within a learner-centered culture that fosters growth.
