Public Schools in Madrid
Madrid has invested over 42 million euros over the last four years to open 21 new schools. Madrid now boasts 36 educational facilities that are generally of a good quality. Public schools are free to attend and survive on government funding. Therefore, the Spanish government has a say in the educational process and syllabus taught at public schools. However, in the majority of cases, families still have to pay for texts books, extracurricular activities and learning material, unless they qualify for a grant from the local authority. Below is a small selection of secondary schools in Madrid.
Instituto de Educación Secundaria (IES) Príncipe Felipe
C/ Finisterre, 60
T: 91 314 63 12
METRO: Barrio del Pilar
Specializes in humanities, technology and the sciences.
Instituto de Educación Secundaria (IES) Antonio Machado
C/ Alfonso Fernandez, 25
T: 91 508 59 40
BUS: 47
Specializes in the sciences and humanities.
Escuela de Arte de Madrid Número 2
C/ Marques de Cubas, 15
T: 91 521 24 07
METRO: Banco de España
Specializes in the arts (textiles, fashion, etc.).
Instituto de Educación Secundaria (IES) Juan de la Cierva
CALLE LA CAOBA, 1
C/ La Caoba, 1
T: 91 506 46 12
METRO: Acacias
Specializes in Science, health, technology and humanities.
Enrolment for public schools generally begins in March. Early enrolment ensures that your child will be placed at the school of your choice for the coming school year, which starts in September. If you apply too late, the local authority is obligated to find your child an open space at another local school.
In order to enroll, you will need a sworn copy of your child’s educational record, which can be an expensive (300-1200 euros) and time consuming process, so it is advised to have the document validation completed before your arrival in Spain. Enrolment also requires a parent interview with either the admissions director or the principal and, in rare cases, an exam. Furthermore, you will have to present your child’s birth certificate or passport and proof of immunization, and proof of residency in Spain, which can be either a bill with your name and address on it or a lease or rent receipt. If the child is entering secondary school, you will also need a passport sized photograph, which is used for a student ID.
Public schools do admit foreigners into their classes, however, the teaching language is Castilian Spanish, with English taught as a foreign language. This does have the advantage of immersing your child in the language, but bear in mind that homework, letters home and exams will all be issued in Spanish, and it is the job of the parent, not the school, to ensure that the child is performing well at school.
The following Web site displays an extensive list of both public and private schools. It shows the location, specialty and contact details:
http://www.aprendelo.com/colegios/
The majority of expats enroll their children in public schools because it helps the child integrate into the community and learn Spanish. Moreover it is also a matter of economics, as international and private schools charge a sizable fee each term.
