If you’re planning a move to Spain with teenagers, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is choosing a school. The Spanish education system is quite different from what many American families are used to, so getting familiar with how it works early on can really ease the transition — both for you and your teen.

In this post, we’ll walk you through five key things to consider when choosing a school, from the structure of secondary education to how enrollment works. We’ll also explain the differences between public, chartered (concertado), and private schools, using Granada as an example — a city where many of our relocating families settle.

1. Understand How Secondary School Works in Spain

In Spain, teenagers from age 12 to 18 usually attend the same school. There’s no middle school/high school divide like in the US. Instead, secondary education is split into two stages:

• ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) – Mandatory for students aged 12 to 16
• Bachillerato – An optional academic program for ages 16 to 18, usually required for university access

Both stages are often taught in the same building, and all schools follow a national and regional curriculum. That said, schools have flexibility to place emphasis on certain areas — such as languages, science, arts, or technology. We recommend visiting a few selected schools before making your decision, or consulting a local relocation specialist who can provide insight into each option.

2. Grade Placement Is Based on Year of Birth

This surprises many American families: in Spain, your child’s grade is based on the calendar year they were born, not their academic level or a flexible cut-off date.

For example, a child born in November 2010 will be placed in the same grade as one born in January 2010. This can feel like skipping ahead, especially for kids born in the second half of the year.

Public and concertado schools have no flexibility in adjusting the grade level. Private schools may offer some flexibility, especially in international programs, but generally they stick to the Spanish system — particularly as students approach Bachillerato and the Selectividad exams (Spain’s university entrance exams).

3. Know Your Options: Public, Concertado, or Private?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the three main types of schools in Spain:

Public Schools (Escuelas Públicas)

These are free and run by the state. In cities like Granada, admission depends on a point-based system, with priority given to families living in the school’s catchment area. This means where you live can determine what schools you can apply to — and whether you’ll be admitted, especially if demand is high.

School day: 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. (no lunch or afternoon classes)
Language support: The ATAL program helps students who are new to Spanish.

Schools follow the same curriculum but can emphasize different areas — for example, languages, the arts, or science.

If you’re not already living in Spain, you’ll need to apply to schools that open spots to new applicants for the following year.

Chartered Schools (Colegios Concertados)

Concertado schools are partly funded by the government but privately managed, often by religious foundations. They’re somewhere between public and private in terms of cost and structure.

• School day: 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.(lunch program available after 2:45 pm).
• Costs: Low tuition (or voluntary contributions), but families pay for uniforms, and meals.
• Language support: Spanish support is usually built into the school day, often based on the teachers good will.
• Catchment rules apply when demand exceeds capacity.

Like public schools, concertados follow strict year-of-birth grade placement.

Private Schools

Private schools are fully independent and charge for tuition and books. They typically offer smaller classes, longer days, and more extracurricular activities. Many are bilingual or international, although in Granada, all private schools follow the Spanish curriculum. They are located on the outskirts — but schools provide school bus transportation.

• School day: 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., including transport, lunch and activities
• Language: Most start off bilingual, but reduce English instruction in later years to prepare students for Bachillerato and Selectividad, which are conducted in Spanish.
• Enrollment: Flexible — private schools can often accommodate mid-year arrivals.

4. Application and Enrollment Timing

For public and chartered schools, enrollment follows a strict calendar:

• Applications open in March
• Decisions are made in May
• Full enrollment takes place in July
• The school year starts in mid-September

If you arrive outside this window, it can be hard to find a spot in these schools. In that case, private schools are usually your best option — most have rolling admissions and can accept students throughout the year, space permitting.

5. Daily Schedule and Family Logistics

Another key factor to consider is the daily schedule. In Spain:

• Public and chartered schools finish by 2:45 p.m., and students go home for lunch.
• Private schools offer full-day programs, from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with lunch included.
• Transportation is rarely provided by public or concertado schools, but private schools typically run their own bus service — especially important in cities like Granada where private schools are always outside the center.

This difference can have a real impact on your family’s routine, especially if you’re working or managing multiple school-aged children.

Choosing a school in Spain isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your family’s priorities, your arrival date, your housing plans, and your child’s language needs.

Need help navigating schools in Spain?

At Your Year in Spain, we guide families through the entire relocation process — including school selection (we´re happy to share our insiders information Granada high schools), applications, paperwork, and local orientation. If you’re planning a move and want expert support from someone who knows the system inside out, we’d love to help.

👉 Contact us to learn more or get started.