Choosing a school in Madrid is an essential decision for parents, as it can determine the professional future of their children. Location, academic quality, values, educational approach, reputation, languages, and extracurricular activities are some of the most important factors when comparing different schools. We know it is not an easy decision and, because of this, in this article, we will explain what types of schools currently exist and give some tips on how to choose a school in Madrid.

What do you need to know before choosing a school in Madrid?

Although many parents consider that the pedagogical project is the most important thing when choosing a school in Madrid, the truth is that practical and ideological aspects should be considered. A general idea of what kind of person you want your child to be, what kind of abilities you want them to develop, and what values you would like to teach them.

In addition, it is also a good idea to get to know the centre in person and see if the facilities are in good condition of health and hygiene to guarantee the wellbeing of our children.

In any case, avoid making a hasty decision. Bear in mind that your child is likely to be in school for several years, so it is important to be sure and consider all aspects before choosing a particular school.

Types of schools in Madrid

Choosing a school in Madrid is not always easy. Currently, there are three types of schools to choose from:

  • Public schools: they are created, managed, and financed by the public funds from the State. As a result, education, apart from being free, is secular and inclusive. In general, children spend about five hours in the classroom.
  • Charter schools: they are created and managed privately, but funds come mainly from the State, with a small percentage of their funding being supplemented by money from parents. They usually provide six hours of lessons per day, which translates into an average of 220 hours more per year than public schools.
  • Private schools: they are created, managed, and funded entirely privately by the fees paid by families. However, they must follow the same general curriculum as other schools. As in the case of charter schools, they usually provide a school day of 6 hours per day, so children also receive more education than public schools. In addition, these schools tend to have a wide education offer, more extracurricular activities, and a more personalised attention to students.

Tips to choose a school in Madrid

We all want the best for our children and it is clear that the educational stage is one of the key moments that will have an impact on children’s lives.  From the age of 3, they will spend most of the week in a school where they will learn not only theoretical knowledge but also develop and defend themselves in life.

For this reason, to be certain and have the peace of mind that you are well informed when choosing a school in Madrid for your children, there are certain questions that you should consider:

1. Facilities

One of the most important aspects when assessing different schools is facilities, especially those for daily use. Don’t get carried away by a few common areas that look idyllic. It is in the everyday classrooms that you can best see the type of groupings that are made and the materials that are used, for example. Even the decoration says a lot, as it can make you feel more identified with it and with the philosophy of the school, i.e. with what you want for your children.

2. Teachers

While facilities are obviously important, the soul of a school is its teachers. It is essential to know what the specific training of teachers is, what their experience is, and whether they undergo a process of regular refresher training. 

3. Type of school methodology 

When choosing a school in Madrid, you can use as a guide some of the most well-known alternative pedagogies. You have probably heard of the Montessori educational system, which is based on learning through play. But also well-known is the Pikler pedagogy, which is focused on emotional management and the theory of positive attachment.

4. Language of the lessons

One of the main concerns of parents when choosing a school in Madrid is the language. The language in which the lessons are taught will play a key role in the subsequent development of the child, whether it is its native language or another foreign language. Some parents give great importance to their children attending bilingual schools or even schools where the language is another one.

To sum up, the school stage is decisive for our children’s lives, both from a personal and professional point of view, so it is essential to choose carefully, taking into account all the points we just have mentioned. It is not an easy decision, but neither should we be anxious. We must be clear that there is no perfect school that meets all the requirements we want. Therefore, what we must do is to choose the most suitable among all the options, not the perfect one.