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

When comparing private schools in Spain, many families start by looking at tuition — but the true cost goes well beyond the monthly fee. From books and uniforms to meals and extracurriculars, expenses can add up quickly, especially in private schools. Meanwhile, concertado schools may appear low-cost or “free,” but they often come with their own set of monthly contributions and out-of-pocket charges.

Here’s what you can realistically expect.

Private School: Premium Price Tag

Private schools in Spain vary widely, but most come with multiple layered costs beyond tuition.

1. Enrollment & Monthly Tuition

• Enrollment fee (matrícula): €200–€1,000+ (one-time or annual)
• Monthly tuition: €400–€1,200+ depending on the school, location, and curriculum (e.g., British, IB, Montessori)

2. Books & Materials

• Annual cost: €250–€600+ per child
• Many international schools also charge tech fees, e-learning subscriptions, or require specific tablets/laptops.

3. Uniforms

• Required at most private schools
• Initial investment: €150–€300+, with additional costs each year as children grow
• Limited vendor options can make replacements expensive

4. Meals

• School lunch (comedor): €100–€150/month
• Some schools require full-term or annual meal plans
• Some schools charge a fee for those who choose not to use the comedor and instead, bring a lunch from home

5. Extracurriculars & Extended Hours

• After-school clubs: €20–€60/month per activity
• Before/aftercare programs: €30–€100/month

6. “Extras” That Add Up

• Field trips, end-of-year events, graduation fees
• School supplies and classroom funds
• Photos, yearbooks, and other add-ons

7. Transport

• School bus service: Typically €80–€180/month, depending on distance and number of stops
• Some schools require you to commit for the full academic year
• Carpooling with other families may be a more affordable option

For families living farther from school or without a car, transport can be one of the most significant monthly add-ons. Additionally, it is common for private schools to be on the outskirts of the city versus in central areas easily reachable by public transportation or walking.

It’s not unusual for families to spend over €1,000/month per child all-in, even if base tuition seems manageable.

Concertado Schools: Lower-Cost, But Not “Free”

Concertado schools are partially funded by the government, specifically the tuition is subsidized, but some still ask families for monthly contributions and additional costs exist in the form of transportation and supplies.

1. Monthly “Voluntary” Contributions

• Typically €50–€150/month
• While technically optional, these payments can feel expected, depending on the school

2. Books & Supplies

• Parents buy textbooks and workbooks: €150–€300/year
• Some schools use digital platforms with annual license fees

3. Uniforms

• Common in concertado schools
• Expect to spend €100–€200+ upfront with additional costs throughout the year as children grow or items get lost

4. Meals

• Lunch plans: €100-170 per month
• Many schools operate on a split schedule, so technically a child could go home for lunch

5. Activities & Extended Care

• After-school programming: €15–€50/month per activity
• Early drop-off and late pickup available in many schools for an extra fee

6. Transport

• Optional school bus service if offered: €40–€120/month
• Not all concertado schools provide transportation, especially in urban areas with public transit

While more affordable than private schools, the total cost of concertado schooling can still come to several hundred euros per month.

Private schools in Spain offer a wide range of benefits — bilingual education, smaller class sizes, international programs — but the costs can escalate quickly. Meanwhile, concertado schools may feel like a middle ground, but they still require a monthly financial commitment and don’t include everything.

If you’re weighing your options, make sure to:

• Request a full breakdown of all fees
• Clarify what’s optional vs. required
• Ask other parents what they actually pay each month

Understanding the full picture of school costs helps you choose an option that works both academically and financially.

Need Help Navigating School Choices in Spain?

If you’re moving to Spain or exploring new school options, you’re not alone. At Españaula, we help families understand the local education system, compare schools, and feel confident in their decisions—whether you’re considering public, concertado, or private.

👉 Join our Facebook group to connect with other parents, ask questions, and get real-time advice.