Españaula Blog: Your Guide to Schools & Education in Málaga & the Costa del Sol

One of the biggest concerns for expat and immigrant families moving to Spain is how their children will cope in a classroom where Spanish — and sometimes Catalan, Gallego, or Valenciano — is the language of instruction.

If you’re planning to enroll your child in a Spanish public or concertado school, you might be wondering:
Will my child receive Spanish language support?
Is there help for non-Spanish speakers during the transition?

The short answer: yes, but to what extent depends on a variety of factors.

Let’s break down what kind of language support is actually offered in Spanish schools, what varies by school-type, and how to best prepare your child.

1. Spanish as a Second Language (ELE Programs)

In many parts of Spain — including Málaga — public schools offer ELE support (Español como Lengua Extranjera). These are special programs designed to help non-Spanish-speaking students catch up in language skills.

What ELE support can look like:

• Pull-out sessions: A specialist teacher takes small groups out of class for focused Spanish instruction.
• In-class scaffolding: Teachers may simplify instructions, offer visual aids, or pair newcomers with Spanish-speaking peers.
• Gradual immersion: Younger children especially are eased into full participation with lots of support and patience.

These programs are more developed and robust available in schools with a higher population of international students, however legally speaking, public schools are required to offer these services to students who need the support.

2. It Varies by Region and Even by School

Spain’s education system is decentralized, meaning that each autonomous community has different budgets and policies. And even within the same city, language support can vary widely.

Some schools have dedicated ELE teachers, while others rely on general classroom support. In general:

• Larger schools and those in urban areas are more likely to have formal support.
• Rural schools may offer less structured help but more flexibility and individual attention.
• Public schools typically offer more support than concertado schools.

3. Support Also Depends on Age and Grade Level

Infantil (Ages 3–6): Early Immersion Through Play

In this stage, through routine, repetition, and sensory learning — using songs, storytelling, puppets, and visual cues, teachers are often able to quite effectively help children understand the flow of the day. Many (not all) kids pick up basic Spanish through daily structure and social play, even within the first few months.

Primaria (Ages 6–12): Beginning Academic Language

Once children enter primary school, expectations for reading, writing, and classroom participation increase. Schools often offer pull-out ELE classes, especially for newcomers in early grades.

Language support strategies may include:

• Weekly ELE sessions with a specialist teacher
• Modified classwork or assessments for non-native speakers
• Classroom “buddies” to help with communication
• Extra review time for language-heavy subjects like science or social studies

ESO (Ages 12–16): High Language Demands

In secondary school, subjects become more complex and abstract, making Spanish fluency much more important for success. ELE support might look more structured, but also more limited due to scheduling and curriculum constraints.

Important to know:

• Students may be offered the option to repeat a year to consolidate language and content learning. Depending on a variety of factors, including month of birth, future plans and goals, this is not a bad option at all, and certainly nothing to feel shame about.
• Some schools may reduce the number of subjects initially (e.g., delaying a foreign language or advanced history).
• Teachers expect students to ask for help, so advocating for additional support is key.

4. Will My Child Be Left Behind?

This is one of the most common — and completely valid — fears for parents moving to Spain. Starting school in a new country, especially in a new language, can feel overwhelming for both kids and their caregivers. But the good news is that children are often more resilient than we expect. Many adapt surprisingly quickly, especially with the right support and encouragement.

In many cases, kids reach conversational fluency (remember, fluency means the ability to communicate with general ease, not grammatical perfection) within the first year, particularly younger children in infantil and lower primaria. That said, it’s not always a smooth or linear process. Some days will be hard, and it’s normal for children to feel frustrated, exhausted, or even say they don’t want to go to school — especially in the first few months.

What makes the biggest difference? Patience, consistency, and emotional support at home. Keep the lines of communication open, validate your child’s experience (“I know it’s hard not understanding everything yet”), and celebrate small wins — like making a new friend, answering a question in class, or remembering a new word.

Here are some gentle ways to support language development outside of school:

Private or small group Spanish tutoring — Focused sessions with a kind, experienced teacher can boost confidence and reinforce classroom learning.

After-school activities or playgroups in Spanish — These give kids a low-pressure way to use the language socially and build vocabulary around their interests.

Spanish-language shows or cartoons with Spanish subtitles — Hearing and reading the language simultaneously can strengthen listening and comprehension skills in a relaxed way.

Immersion summer camps — If you’re arriving in Spain during the summer, camps can be a fantastic way for kids to pick up language while having fun and making local friends before school starts.

Every child adjusts at their own pace, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s helping them feel safe, seen, and supported as they find their voice in a new language.

5. What If My Child Already Speaks Some Spanish?

If your child already has average to strong Spanish ability, schools may still offer light support, but they might be placed directly into full immersion. The focus then shifts to:

• Expanding academic vocabulary
• Adjusting to cultural differences
• Building confidence in a new learning environment

While Spanish public schools do offer language support, the level and style of support can vary greatly, and you might need to advocate for the support your child needs. The good news? Most schools are used to welcoming newcomers and will do their best to help your child feel comfortable.

Before enrolling, be sure to:
✔️ Ask specific questions about language support
✔️ Visit schools in person if possible
✔️ Join local parent groups to hear real experiences

Need help choosing the right school or navigating enrollment in Málaga?
Españaula offers personalized support for families.