American School of Madrid

Since 2015, Ben Weinberg BA. A tall, warm, unassuming and quietly spoken man who first joined the school (as lower school director) in 2013. Hailing from Maine, he first followed an unusual career path with stints as an organic farmer, commercial

The school follows an American admissions policy. Applicants must turn three or four years old before September 1st for entry into K1 and K2 in that same year. American students are given priority at this school, followed closely by international

Student departures before graduation tend to be the result of unexpected relocations.

The counselling programme in upper school offers career advice and university planning (for Spain and across the globe) as well as academic and social and

All students graduate with a US high school diploma (no AP courses on offer). The majority of students also choose the IB diploma programme.

2022 results saw students achieve an average IB diploma score of 36.4 (from a cohort of 40 students).

‘Rigorous, tough and caring’ is often repeated by parents here. Parents praise the school’s high academic standards (‘my daughter got into every US university she applied to’).

Class sizes of between 20-22 students in middle and upper school and

The learner support team are referred to glowingly by teachers and parents alike. ‘Attentive’, ‘supportive’, and ‘collaborative’ are just some of the words used to describe them.

Students applying to middle and upper school must submit all IEPs

The teaching language is English. The school proudly boasts that it is a third American, a third Spanish and a third international, but English language dominates. Lower grade levels are more accommodating towards students needing English support on

The music programme is truly outstanding. Our visit coincided with the school hosting the AMIS (Association for Music in International Schools) European High School Honour Orchestra Festival with over 70 student musicians from 12 international

Basketball is the preferred sport here, volleyball also popular. Although the school is American in every way, there is no American football and baseball is managed externally. The school recently (2022) hired an athletics director to help the school

Over 60 student nationalities make this one of the few truly international schools in Madrid. Although perhaps not the most diverse which is something the school is intent on improving.

Both the academic and emotional needs of students are cared

A mixed bunch. Diplomats, footballers, local Spanish celebrities and artists are just some of the types of families here. School stresses that at the end of the day ‘all are moms and dads’ and aren’t treated any differently. Others are students whose

The school is not for profit and is funded by tuition fees, managed by a self-perpetuating board of 11 members. The majority are active parents, only two are not.

Fees are considered high, exceptionally so when one considers Spain’s average wage.

Is this a glitzy, shiny, sparkly school? You bet. And does it have the substance to match the shine? Absolutely. Super results and top facilities make this school a very attractive and enticing school choice for international families.