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

So you’ve just moved to Spain… and now what?

If you’re like many families, you arrive during summer because it’s a logical transition period when you have school-aged children. And while it can be an exciting time, you might also feel stressed as you find yourself in that strange in-between period —boxes half-unpacked, routines in flux, and a summer stretching out ahead of you.

And if you’re enrolling in a public school, here’s the part nobody really warns you about: you probably won’t be able to even begin the enrollment process until September. Add in August closures and language barriers, and it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck in limbo.

But take a breath—this waiting period can actually be a gift. With a little intention, these weeks can help your kids adjust, your paperwork get sorted, and your family start to feel at home.

Embrace the Summer Slowdown

Spain in the summer runs on its own rhythm—especially in August, when many offices shut down, and locals head for the beach or mountains. It can be a bit of a shock if you’re coming from a more fast-paced system, but try leaning into it.

This is your family’s chance to rest, explore, and adjust before routines kick in. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. You just need a plan for this unique window of time.

What You Can Do Now (Before August Hits)

Even though you can’t begin the enrollment process in a public school until at least the first Monday in September, there’s still quite a bit you can do to lay the groundwork:

✅ Get your empadronamiento (local registration)

This is required for school enrollment (though proof of application is often sufficient to start as it can take up to 6-weeks to process), however depending on your area, it can be hard to get an appointment, so this should be a priority.

✅ Gather other key documents:

• Passports for all family members
• NIE
• Birth certificates (translated if needed)
• Vaccine records (not necessarily requested, but wise to have on hand)

✅ Request your digital certificate (Certificado Digital)

This isn’t essential right away, but it’s incredibly helpful for managing school paperwork and accessing services online.

If you’re reading this in mid-July or early August, don’t panic—some of this can wait. But the more you can check off now, the smoother September will feel.

Help Your Kids Settle In (Gently)

While kids are wonderfully adaptable, they also thrive on familiarity and routine—two things that may feel in short supply after a move.

Here are a few ways to ease the transition:

• Take daily walks in your new neighborhood. Visit the same park or bakery each morning. Familiarity builds comfort.
• Watch Spanish shows together to get ears tuned to the language.
• Let kids choose a local treat at the grocery store or market—something that feels “theirs.”
• Keep nap and bedtime routines as consistent as possible (even if meals and schedules are adjusted to local schedules).

Get to Know the Community—Even Without School

Even if your kids aren’t enrolled yet, there are still ways to begin feeling connected:

• Look into local summer camps —some run through August and may have spots left.
• Explore local plazas and playgrounds.
• Look for ferias or family-friendly events happening in your area.
• Join a local Facebook or WhatsApp group for parents. A quick intro message like “Just moved to Málaga with a 5-year-old—any playground or coffee spot recs?” can open doors fast.

You don’t need to have your long-term village yet. You just need a few familiar faces and go-to spots to start building from.

What to Expect in Early September

This is when things finally start moving again. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

• On the first Monday in September, school offices reopen, and late enrollment (called matrícula fuera de plazo) resumes. You’ll either go directly to the school you’re hoping for or to your local education office (Delegación Provincial or Unidad de Escolarización).
• Be prepared to visit in person, with your documents in hand.
• You may not get a placement right away, and sometimes you will be given an option between 2-3 schools. Sometimes you’ll be told to “come back in a few days” or wait for a call. It’s normal—and yes, a bit chaotic.
• Once your child is placed, you can start buying materials or uniforms (if required). Many schools post their supply lists on their websites or front doors.

Final Words—from One Parent to Another

This summer may feel open-ended and uncertain—but it can also be a beautiful pause before the next chapter begins.

Give yourself permission to move slowly, to make mistakes, and to not have every answer yet. You’re doing a brave, complex thing—and your kids are watching you adapt with curiosity and courage.

If you need help navigating the public school system or want personalized advice based on your child’s age, language level, or location—feel free to reach out. This is exactly the kind of transition I support families through, and I’d love to help you settle in with a little more clarity (and a little less stress).