For most expats with children, decisions must be taken as soon as possible with regards to education. Home schooling is not allowed in Spain, therefore the main choice lies between private and state education. There are the excellent local state schools, which operate a points system to allocate places. The benefit of sending your child to state school is obvious – acquiring a second (or sometimes third or fourth!) language at a formative age is a great gift and easily attained at a young age.
Should you decide that an international school is right for your child, there are several very good options in San Pedro.
Primary education
Parents wanting to send their child to an international school in San Pedro Alcántara benefit from a varied selection.
The Marbella Montessori School is set in a large villa surrounded by 6,000 square metres of land and includes a forest school (learning in a natural environment) and growing garden. The English curriculum is followed with teaching according to the renowned Montessori method.
Calpe School is one of the original Marbella international schools, being a local point of reference for over 45 years. Children from the age of 18 months to ten years are accommodated with all teaching taking place in English following the British curriculum. It is situated opposite the Roman ruin of the Basilica just metres from the beach in San Pedro.
St George’s is another primary school, located in the quiet residential area of Cortijo Blanco. The school accepts children from two to eight, and is housed in a large villa with gated pool and offers home-cooked meals.
Secondary education
There is one international secondary school, Laude International College. This school also has a primary section, taking children from two to eighteen years. UK curriculum GCSEs and A-level courses are taught in a well-equipped school in the heart of San Pedro. The prestigious college was recently named as one of the best schools in Spain by El Mundo newspaper and benefits from state-of-the-art facilities.
Most schools are more than happy to talk to prospective children and their parents, so make the most of their hospitality to get a feel for the educational offer available before you commit.