Schools in Málaga & the Costa del Sol
An overview for American families: the kinds of schools available, how the Spanish system works, and how to plan admissions around your move.
Public or international?
Public and concertado schools are free or low-cost and taught in Spanish; international schools charge tuition and teach in English or bilingually.
When do I apply?
Public and concertado applications in Andalucía usually open in March for September. International schools admit year-round if places are available.
What should I bring?
Passports, vaccination records, school reports/transcripts — and apostilled documents for older students who need studies recognized.
Types of schools
Families in Málaga generally choose between three kinds of school.
Public schools (públicos)
- Free to attend (you may pay for books, uniforms, lunch or activities).
- Taught in Spanish, with many Andalusian schools offering bilingual programs that include English.
- Places are allocated with priority for families living in the school's area, so your address matters.
Semi-private schools (concertados)
- Privately run but publicly funded; often religious.
- Use the same admissions process and calendar as public schools.
- Usually low fees, though some charge for extras.
Private & international schools
- The Costa del Sol has international schools following British, American and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, among others.
- Tuition is paid by the family and varies widely — request current fees directly from each school.
- Popular schools can have waiting lists, so contact them early.
Choosing for your child
- Younger children often adapt to Spanish-language schooling quickly; teens may find an international or bilingual school an easier transition.
- Think about whether you'll stay long term — this affects which curriculum makes sense for university later.
- Visit or video-call schools and ask about support for students who are new to Spanish.
How the Spanish system is organized
School stages
- Educación Infantil — early years, up to age 6 (the second cycle, ages 3–6, is free in public schools but not compulsory).
- Educación Primaria — ages 6 to 12, compulsory.
- ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) — ages 12 to 16, compulsory.
- Bachillerato (ages 16–18) or vocational training (Formación Profesional) after ESO.
School year
- The school year generally runs from September to June, with breaks at Christmas and Easter (Semana Santa).
- Children are placed by calendar year of birth, not by a cut-off birthday as in many U.S. states.
- Exact dates are set each year by the regional government and schools.
Admissions and paperwork
Public & concertado admissions
- In Andalucía, the main application window for the next school year is usually in March. Check the Junta de Andalucía's escolarización page for current dates.
- Arriving mid-year? Children of compulsory school age can still be enrolled — contact the local education office or the school about available places.
- You'll typically need proof of address (often your padrón registration), your child's passport and ID, and your own ID.
Bringing U.S. school records
- Bring report cards, transcripts and vaccination records. Older students may need U.S. studies officially recognized (homologación/convalidación) through Spain's Ministry of Education.
- Official documents may need an apostille and a sworn translation — check requirements before leaving the U.S., since getting an apostille is easier there.
- International schools set their own admissions requirements; ask each school what they need.
Fresh Start can help with
Planning your school search
- Matching your neighborhood search to the schools you're considering.
- Building a timeline around admissions dates and paperwork.
- We don't give legal or educational advice and don't decide placements — schools and the education authority do.
Official sources
Want help planning this part of your move?
Start a free relocation plan, or talk it through in a consultation.
This guide is general relocation information, not legal or educational advice. Admissions dates, requirements and school fees change — confirm directly with each school and with the Junta de Andalucía before making decisions.