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

Finding the right school abroad can feel like one of the biggest decisions your family will make. In Spain, the options range from local public and concertado schools to bilingual programs and international schools—each with its own rhythm, culture, and philosophy. For families relocating to the Costa del Sol, the challenge is often balancing values, language, and logistics to find a school where your child can truly thrive.

Start with Your Family Values

Before comparing curriculums or campuses, take a step back and think about what matters most to your family.

• Do you prefer a more traditional structure or a creative, curiosity-driven environment?
• How important is full Spanish immersion versus maintaining strong English academics? Are you immigrating or do you have plans to return to your home country?
• Do you value nature-based learning, a traditional setting, small class sizes, or a focus on social-emotional growth?

Your answers to these questions will help narrow your focus before diving into the details of each school type.

Language: Immersion, Bilingual, or International

Language is often the defining factor in school choice for families, and age of the child is often a huge consideration as older children will have a significantly harder time learning a new language while maintaining academics and trying to integrate and make new friendships than a preschooler or early elementary student.

• Public and concertado schools offer full Spanish immersion and integration into local life. Though the first year can be a challenging adjustment period, language acquisition happens quickest here.
• Bilingual schools mix Spanish and English instruction, sometimes offering a gentler transition. An important consideration is that bilingual in practice spans a wide range of experiences, and it is important to ask what the language split is like, and who is teaching each language.
• International schools tend to follow UK, US, or IB curricula and maintain English as the main language of instruction—ideal for continuity, especially if your family may relocate again or a child is nearing university age and would have a challenging time staying on track in a new language.

There’s no single “best” option—just the one that aligns with your child’s temperament, age, and long-term goals.

Logistics Matter

Even the most inspiring school can become stressful if the logistics don’t fit your daily routine. Consider:

• Commute times and transportation—many families prefer schools within a short drive or school bus route. Traffic can be heavy depending on the region, and a long bus or car ride can make an already long day unbearable and unsustainable quickly.
• School hours and calendars, which vary between public and international options.
• Extracurriculars and after-school care, especially if both parents work or need extended hours.

Talking to other parents—both Spanish and international—is one of the best ways to understand what life at a school is really like. School websites and Instagram pages can tell you about curriculum, but parents can tell you about teacher warmth, communication, and community.

Choosing a school abroad isn’t about finding the “perfect” fit—it’s about finding a community that aligns with your family’s rhythm and values. Kids are remarkably adaptable, and with the right support, many transition surprisingly well between systems and languages.

At Españaula, we help families navigate this process every step of the way—from understanding the Spanish education system to choosing the schools that best match your child’s needs and your family’s lifestyle.