Analysis of the best international schools in Barcelona
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for expatriate families moving to Barcelona. The city offers a wide variety of prestigious international schools, with diverse educational methodologies, multiple languages and globally recognized academic programs. In this article, we analyze the best international schools in Barcelona, their pedagogical approaches, languages of instruction, location and reputation, to help you make an informed decision.
1. Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS)
📍 Location: Sarria – Sant Gervasi
🗣️ Languages: English (principal), Spanish and Catalan
🎓 Curriculum: American + IB (International Baccalaureate)
BFIS is one of the most recognized international schools in Barcelona, ideal for families seeking an American education with access to the IB program. It has a multicultural atmosphere, personalized attention and excellent technological and sports facilities.
2. The British School of Barcelona (BSB)
📍 Location: Castelldefels and Sitges (with connections to Barcelona)
🗣️ Languages: English, Spanish and Catalan
🎓 Curriculum: British + IB
Perfect for those who want to follow the British system. BSB has a focus on critical thinking, creativity and solid preparation for university. It also has a modern campus and comprehensive extracurricular options.
3. Lycée Français de Barcelone (LFB)
📍 Location: Les Corts
🗣️ Languages: French (main language), Spanish and Catalan
🎓 Curriculum: French
This school is a reference for French-speaking families or families interested in French education. Its academic reputation is excellent and prepares students to enter the French and European university system with guarantees.
4. Deutsche Schule Barcelona (DSB)
📍 Location: Esplugues de Llobregat
🗣️ Languages: German (main language), Spanish and Catalan
🎓 Curriculum: German
The DSB combines a solid German academic education with integration into the Spanish cultural context. It is a good choice for both German families and those who value a rigorous, multilingual education.
5. St. Peter’s School Barcelona
📍 Location: Sarrià
🗣️ Languages: English (main), Spanish, Catalan, Chinese, Chinese
🎓 Curriculum: IB from kindergarten to High School
An innovative school that has gained prestige for its focus on 21st century skills. St. Peter’s is noted for its science, technology and humanities program, ideal for students with global and creative interests.
6. Oak House School
📍 Location: Sarrià – Sant Gervasi
🗣️ Languages: English, Spanish and Catalan
🎓 Curriculum: British + Spanish Bachillerato
With over 60 years of history, Oak House offers a bilingual education focused on critical thinking and student autonomy. It combines the best of the British and Spanish systems, ideal for local integration with a global vision.
How to choose the ideal school?
When choosing among the best international schools in Barcelona, key factors to consider include:
- Language of instruction and student level
- Curriculum and international validations
- Location and ease of transportation
- Educational values and extracurricular activities
- Classroom size and individualized attention
If you need help in this process, our personalized counseling service in international schools accompanies you step by step: from the pre-selection to the visit to the centers and the final enrollment.
Conclusion
Barcelona has a wide range of first class international schools, able to adapt to different cultures, languages and educational models. This diversity makes the city an excellent choice for expatriate families seeking quality education for their children.
If you are planning your move, we recommend you also visit our page on finding housing in Barcelona for expats, where you will find everything you need to successfully settle in the city.