International schools on the Costa del Sol – why, how and which to choose

Education is crucial for a child's development, and deciding on the right school can be a tough decision. The Costa del Sol offers a diverse lifestyle, and its schools reflect this cultural mix, providing families with a variety of education options, including numerous international schools. But why opt for an international school over a Spanish one? And how do you choose the best one for your child? This article explores the benefits of international schools on the Costa del Sol, offers tips on narrowing down your options, and provides a list of establishments to consider.

Why choose an international school

Children in their formative years spend a significant amount of time at school. From Monday to Friday, they dedicate six to seven hours each day, accumulating a substantial portion of their schooling ages, which in Spain typically range from 10 to 15 years.

The Costa del Sol provides various schooling choices, such as international schools. These educational institutions offer several benefits:

Cosmopolitan experience

The Costa del Sol is home to individuals from numerous nationalities, making it a fantastic place to immerse yourself in a variety of cultures, languages, and perspectives. An international school is one of the best environments for your child to experience this rich diversity. If your child enjoys being around different cultures (and many do), an international school will nurture that passion.

Wider outlook

Regular interaction with diverse cultures broadens your perspective and introduces you to fresh ideas and viewpoints. That's why international schools on the Costa del Sol play a vital role in nurturing open-mindedness in your child. They will be more receptive to various opinions and approaches, which can enhance their creativity—a valuable skill that will benefit them throughout their lives.

New languages

Children living on the Costa del Sol who are fluent in two or more languages are quite common, with many being proficient in several. Enrolling your child in an international school provides them with the opportunity to master both English and Spanish. Studies indicate that bilingual children excel academically and possess strong critical thinking skills. This is a valuable asset to carry into adulthood.

State-of-art technology

International schools on the Costa del Sol provide top-notch facilities and a wide range of subjects. From cutting-edge technology to well-equipped science labs, as well as sports fields and art studios, they ensure your child has access to the finest educational resources.

Cultural familiarity

Opting for an international school on the Costa del Sol has the added benefit of making your child feel right at home. Being in a classroom where the language spoken is familiar and the teaching methods are recognizable can greatly ease the adjustment period.

If your time on the Costa del Sol is temporary, enrolling your child in an international school ensures continuity in their education by following the same curriculum as their previous and future schools.

How to choose an international school on the Costa del Sol?

If the points mentioned resonate with you, it’s likely that an international education could be the best fit for your child. So, how do you determine which school will suit them best?

Every child is unique, with different needs and learning styles. You know your child best, so keep that in mind along with these factors:

Teaching approach – schools employ various teaching methods. Some may focus more on academics, while others might offer a more relaxed, less study-intensive environment.

Curriculum – many international schools on the Costa del Sol follow either the Spanish or British curricula. Consider what will benefit your child the most, especially in terms of their future educational opportunities.

Pupil-teacher ratio – a lower ratio is preferable, ensuring your child receives ample attention from their teacher.

Location – international schools are spread throughout the Costa del Sol. Opting for one closer to home can make commuting easier and help your child connect with friends. However, a school that’s a bit farther away might be a better fit for your child’s needs.

When considering schools, think about the facilities available. If your child loves sports, a school with excellent sports amenities could be a great fit. The same goes for music and the arts. Also, consider the outdoor space—does it provide enough room for your child to enjoy during break times?

If academics are a priority for you, take a look at the school's exam pass rates and overall grades. Many international schools in the Costa del Sol are recognized among the top institutions globally.

Which international school to choose on the Costa del Sol

We've reached the final stage of the process. After understanding the benefits of sending your child to an international school and knowing what to consider when choosing one, it's now time to create a list of potential schools.

To assist you in this task, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all the international schools located on the Costa del Sol. This list includes information on their location, age-range, and curriculum. Take a moment to review the details, make your shortlist, and schedule visits to each school.

Benalmádena

• Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada 3 to 18 years, Spanish and British National Curricula curriculum
• Norwegian School 6 to 15 years, Norwegian National Curriculum
• The British College 2 to 18 years, Spanish and British National Curricula

Estepona

• Atalaya Colegio Internacional 3 to 18, British National and Spanish Curricula, IB
• Atlas American School of Malaga 3 to 18, American Curriculum
• International School of Estepona 2 to 12, British National Curriculum
• Queens British Grammar School 3 to 18 years, English A levels, British National Curriculum
• Schellhammer International School 16 to 18 years, English A levels

Fuengirola

• Finnish School 6 to 18 years, Finnish National Curriculum
• St Anthony’s College 3 to 18 years, British National Curriculum
• Swedish School 3 to 18 years, Swedish National Curriculum
• The Ark Christian School 3 to 18 years, Christian, British National Curriculum

Malaga

• British School of Malaga 3 to 18, British National Curriculum
• Lycée Français International 3 to 18, French National Curriculum
• MIT School 3 to 18, Spanish National and IB curricula
• Sunland 3 to 18, British National Curriculum

Marbella

• Aloha College 3 to 18 years, British National Curriculum & IB
• Calpe School 2 to 11 years, British National Curriculum
• Casa del Mar 2 to 12, Montessori programme
• École Française Internationale Marbella 3 to 11, trilingual education with French Curriculum
• English International College 3 to 18 years, British National Curriculum
• German School 3 to 18 years, German and Spanish curricula
• Laude San Pedro 2 to 18 years, British National Curriculum
• Marbella Montessori School 3 to 11, Montessori programme
• St George’s School 2 to 8 years, British National and Spanish curricula
• Swans International School 3 to 18 years, British National and Spanish curricula

Sotogrande

• Alma Forest School 3 to 14 years, International curriculum
• Sotogrande International School 3 to 18 years, IB programme

Torremolinos

• Sunny View 2 to 18 years, British National Curriculum

Benahavis

• Creators International School  7 to 13 years, British National Curriculum