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

One of the biggest surprises for many foreign families enrolling in school in Spain is just how long the school day can be if you’re in a concertado or private school.

In the public system, school typically runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and that’s it. Lunch and after-school programming are services that can be requested by families, but it is not part of the day, and there are no classes in the afternoon. For many working parents, that schedule can be tricky to manage.

In contrast, concertado and private schools offer longer, full-day programs—usually running from 9:00 am to 4:00 or even 5:00 pm. These extended days include a hot lunch and often a built-in menu of extracurriculars, making them a more practical fit for many families.

What Does a “Split Day” Really Mean?

When we talk about longer school days in concertado and private schools, it’s important to understand that the day is often split into distinct blocks, with a long lunch break in between. This isn’t like a continuous school day elsewhere—here, families are often given choices about how their child spends that mid-day stretch.

Typical Schedule:

• Morning classes: 9:00 am – 1:00 or 1:30 pm
• Lunch + break: 1:30 – 3:00 or 3:30 pm
• Afternoon block or activities: 3:00 – 4:30/5:00 pm

Here’s a general comparison:

These longer schedules aren’t about piling on more academics—instead, they build in:

• A lunch hour
• A break or supervised recess after lunch (often when extracurricular activities are offered).
• Afternoon learning, which can help break up denser activities and help younger kids stay tuned in.
• Optional extracurriculars from end of school onward.

So, What Should Parents Consider?

When choosing between school types, think about how your family’s daily rhythm will fit with the school’s structure. Key questions to ask:

• What are the school hours?
• Is lunch served onsite, or do kids go home at 2?
• Are there structured afternoon classes or enrichment activities?
• Is aftercare or extracurricular programming available? Do you prefer the ease and continuity of this being part of the school day, or do you prefer to look for private, third-party activities?

Need Help Navigating the Options?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the moving parts of the Spanish school day—or trying to decide whether public, concertado, or private is right for your family—you’re not alone.

Españaula was created to help families like yours navigate Spain’s education system with confidence.
Join our Facebook group to connect with other parents, ask questions, and get support as you explore your school options in Málaga and beyond.

Have a specific question or need hands-on help? Reach out for personalized consulting or enrollment support. We’re here to guide you, every step of the way.