Parenting and Consulting Through the Transition
When we moved from New York City to Málaga, we weren’t just switching time zones—we were entering a completely different rhythm of life, family culture, and education system. I had supported families through countless school transitions in the U.S., but now I was making the same choices for my own daughter… in a different language, that while fluent, I had never navigated school enrollment in, with unfamiliar processes, and an entirely different structure.
The transition wasn’t just logistical. It was emotional. It was humbling. And it taught me more than any guidebook ever could.
Now, through Españaula, I help families navigating the same challenges: understanding school options, timelines, what’s truly bilingual (and what’s not), and how to choose a path that works for your unique family—not just on paper, but in real life.
🏫 1. The “Best” School is the One That Fits Your Family
Before we moved, I spent hours researching school rankings, looking at photos, checking locations on Google Maps, timed walks and bus rides to and from potential home addresses. But the truth is, what looks great on a website might not feel great when you’re actually there.
Google reviews can only tell so much, and let’s be honest, depending on the review, it can illicit fear or uncertainty as it is difficult to decipher what is an isolated experience versus what is a true red flag. Within public and concertado schools, websites range from non-existent, to not recently updated, though once in a while you’ll find a unicorn of a website that allows you to get a stronger feel for the school and its culture. At the end of the day, I have found that some of the most fantastic schools have very little internet visibility, and not infrequently, schools with average Google reviews are absolutely beloved by many families. Often, you need to be here, on the ground and engaged in the community to gauge a school and define what matters most to your family.
For some, it’s walkability. For others, it’s a nurturing environment, strong support for newcomers, or a program that supports their child’s specific learning needs.
🌐 2. Bilingual Doesn’t Always Mean What You Think
One of the biggest surprises for many international parents is that public and concertado “bilingual” programs in Spain are not truly bilingual in the way we think of them. Most often, only a portion of the curriculum is taught in English—maybe one or two subjects a few times a week. Some schools are stronger than others, and the term “bilingual” is used broadly.
Does that mean these schools are a bad choice? Absolutely not. They can be fantastic for integrating into local culture and building strong Spanish language foundations. But it’s important to go in with realistic expectations—especially if your child is coming from a fully English-speaking background.
🧹 3. Community is Just as Important as Curriculum
A school is more than a building and a curriculum—it’s the people, the pace, the welcome you receive at drop-off. Some of the most valuable support we received early on came from local parents who had been through it all and were happy to guide us.
If you’re moving to Málaga or the Costa del Sol, you’re not alone. There are communities forming all the time—especially in areas with higher numbers of international families. And getting to know your neighborhood and school community can make a massive difference in your family’s transition. My daughter and I live in a community with very few foreigners, and although we came in mid-school year to a community where families have known each other for years, we have been welcomed with open arms. I speak Spanish fluently, and so does my daughter, which has allowed us to integrate quickly and has made such a difference in our ability to adapt to a new world.
⌕️ 4. Timelines Are Tight—But You Still Have Options
If you’re applying to a public or concertado school, March is the main enrollment period. But if you’re arriving after that, don’t panic. There is a process for families arriving mid-year or outside the standard timeline—though it can be complex and often requires some persistence (and paperwork).
Understanding your local zona de influencia (school zone) and being strategic about where you live can increase your chances of finding a good-fit school with availability. That’s something we help families navigate all the time.
💼 5. You Don’t Have to Figure It All Out Alone
Helping families find the right school isn’t just my job—it’s personal. I’ve been through the applications, the school visits, the lost-in-translation moments, and the “is this the right fit?” questions.
That’s why I started Españaula—to give families like yours practical, informed support as you settle into life in Spain. From public school paperwork to private school research and personalized recommendations, I offer tailored services to meet you where you are.
Ready to Make the Leap? Let’s Talk.
📩 If you’re planning a move to Spain and school is on your mind, download my guide or reach out for a free consultation.
Your family’s journey is unique. Let’s find the path that fits you.
Españaula Blog: Your Guide to Schools & Education in Málaga & the Costa del Sol 
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