Comparing 6 schools side by side in USD.
Urb. El Angel, Nueva Andalucia, 29660 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. The campus is in Urbanización El Ángel, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella.
Early Years (Nursery & Reception, ages 3–4); Primary (Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2, ages 5–10); Secondary (Key Stage 3 & Key Stage 4, ages 11–15); Sixth Form (IB Diploma & A-Levels, ages 16–18).
International school
SEN is supported within the mainstream classroom; families must provide full written documentation of any known SEN at registration.
British international education (UK curriculum elements such as English National Curriculum and IPC).
Primary day runs 9:00–15:40 (with supervision from 8:30 and until 16:00); Secondary day runs 9:00–16:00.
Yes. Supervised bus routes from Fuengirola and Estepona.
The school has a uniform. A second-hand uniform shop is run by the Aloha Parents Society.
On-site catering provides nutritious meals prepared daily by the in-house team. Dietary requirements are fully accommodated, with vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free options. From Monday to Friday, hot lunches and healthy break-time snacks are provided. Two dining spaces serve over 1000 individuals daily, and the School Food Committee involves students in shaping menus.
Pupils are grouped into Houses and earn House points across school life. A House points system recognises student contributions, with annual or termly House winners (e.g., Wolves).
Fundación Aloha College is a not-for-profit foundation governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board includes parent Governors and sets the long-term vision, with the Foundation supervised by the Protectorado de la Junta de Andalucía and compliance with Law 50/2002.
The school offers a British international education for students aged 3 to 18. From Early Years to Year 6, the English National Curriculum is followed with the International Primary Curriculum. In Years 10–11, students prepare for IGCSEs. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), they can choose between the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) or the International A-Level programme.
Average class size: Years 7–11, 16 pupils; Years 12–13, 10 pupils.
2024 Exam Results: the school achieved a 100% pass rate across IB, A-Level and IGCSE examinations. In the IB programme, the average score was 35.56 points, with nine students exceeding 40. In A-Level, 31% of examinations were awarded A to A, with a 100% pass rate. In IGCSE, 93% of examinations were graded 4–9, with 46% achieving 7–9, and all early-entry Spanish candidates earning top grades (8–9). 2025 Exam Results: published with continued strong achievements.
96% of the 2024 cohort progressed to their first-choice universities. 17 graduates pursued UK universities including Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol. About 69% studied abroad in the US, Canada, Europe and beyond. 77% chose Arts and Humanities degrees and 23% pursued STEM fields.
PSHEE supports students from Year 1 to Year 13, equipping them with knowledge, understanding and life skills to lead healthy, happy lives and to become confident, responsible global citizens. The programme is tailored to reflect the needs of our students, the ethos of the school and the context of our international community. It is delivered by a dedicated team of trained staff. Lessons are supported by the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) programme, which nurtures resilience, empathy, focus and mindfulness. Through a spiral curriculum, students develop emotional literacy, self-esteem, healthy relationships, decision-making, risk awareness, financial understanding, personal responsibility and resilience, with regular parent workshops.
Aloha College Marbella identifies and supports students with SEND through an early identification approach across both Primary and Secondary. Learning support is embedded across all teaching, with a whole-school approach and SEND coordinators who work closely with parents and the student to remove barriers to learning. A four-part cycle—Assess, Plan, Do, Review—drives the development and review of support, with Learning Plans and Individual Education Plans and regular progress discussions. Where appropriate, external professionals such as Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists or medical professionals may be involved, with cooperation from parents. English as an additional language is addressed within the SEND framework; lack of English competence alone is not treated as SEND, and where ESL progress is slow other educational needs are considered; the school may advise external provision if needed.
English is the language of instruction; non-native English speakers must provide evidence of their English level as part of the application. Spanish is taught as a second language. English as an additional language is recognised within the SEND framework; lack of English competence should not be equated with learning difficulties, and when ESL progress is slow other educational needs are considered; language support is planned as part of the student's overall education.
Pastoral care at ACM is a recognised area of excellence with Beacon Status from COBIS. Every student is valued and pastoral support is tailored to meet each child's needs, with the aim of equipping them to thrive in and beyond the classroom. The approach emphasises emotional security, empathy, resilience and a positive sense of self as essential to sustaining mental health. Students are supported to become confident, autonomous and socially responsible members of a diverse, compassionate community, with strong collaboration between staff and families. The Medical Centre is staffed by a full-time on-site nurse, and the school works with local doctors and paramedics for more serious concerns.
The Admissions Policy includes safeguarding procedures, with the safeguarding lead responsible for requesting information from a pupil's previous school to check for safeguarding issues. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, with open collaboration between families and staff to maintain a safe school community. The on-site medical and pastoral provisions support safeguarding in daily practice.
1. Enquiry Stage. The process starts with an enquiry on the school's site. OpenApply provides access to upload documents, track progress, and complete the application. The most recent school reports, copies of passports (child and both parents), and proof of English proficiency for Year 1 and above (if English is not the first language) are requested. There are two application periods: 1 November–31 January for entry in the following academic year and 1 March–31 May; applications outside these periods may be considered subject to availability.
Waiting list. If no place is available, an offer is made on the waiting list. To accept, pay €1,250 within one week; this payment is refundable if no place is offered. If a place becomes available, the remaining €1,250 must be paid within 48 hours to secure the spot.
Estepona, Málaga, Spain. Calle Monda Nº2, Selwo Hills, 29680 Estepona. Selwo Hills area; sits on a municipal plot awarded through an administrative concession. Phone +34 952 938 155; admissions@atlas-asm.es.
Preschool (K1–K3, ages 3–6); Elementary School (1st–6th); Middle School (7th–8th); High School (9th–12th).
Private international school offering the American curriculum.
Student Support Services including English as a Second Language and Spanish as a Second Language.
United States
School bus service available.
All students are assigned to a house to compete in sports and recreational activities. This house system facilitates social integration by enabling students of different ages and grades to share time and activities, fostering a sense of belonging to the community.
The school is part of Mathema Education, an educational group founded in 2012 by Antonio Arcones that also manages Aquinas American School and the International School of Navarra.
Atlas American School of Malaga follows the American academic curriculum and prepares students for university entrance in Spain or elsewhere. The program emphasizes both content knowledge and the development of skills, training students through reflection, inquiry, and communication. The curriculum provides access to Spanish and international universities. It is organized into four stages: Preschool (K1–K3, ages 3–6), Elementary School (1st–6th), Middle School (7th–8th), and High School (9th–12th). The school emphasizes collaborative inquiry and personalized learning to foster logical thinking, reading comprehension, public speaking, and other core competencies.
Atlas American School of Malaga emphasizes university readiness and provides pathways to universities in Spain and abroad. Graduates have access to higher education institutions in both Spain and international locations. The program supports development of analytical, discourse, and communication skills to strengthen college applications. Graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world.
The school has Counseling Services focused on social, emotional, and academic well-being for all students. Counseling includes individual sessions, small group sessions, teacher and parent consultations, and workshops. Key topics include Kindness in the Classroom, Study Skills, Time Management, Conflict Resolution, and Personal Safety.
The school has Learning Support Specialists who provide assistance inside the classroom and in specialized settings, using targeted strategies and interventions. Support ranges from short-term interventions to ongoing support for mild to moderate needs.
The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. Placement is determined by the principals and academic team; progress is regularly tracked in both the EAL program and the classroom. When ready, EAL and classroom teachers collaborate to transition the student out of the program, with post-transition monitoring to ensure continued success in the mainstream curriculum.
The school provides mental wellbeing support through Counseling Services, focusing on the social, emotional, and academic well-being of students. This includes individual counseling, small group sessions, and workshops.
Counseling topics include Personal Safety, and counselors contribute to safeguarding the wellbeing and safety of students as part of Student Support Services.
Schedule a school tour to learn more about Atlas ASM. Complete the Online Application at atlas-asm.openapply.com/apply. After reviewing the student's academic history, an interview and placement test will be scheduled to assess academic capabilities. Final admission decisions are communicated by a formal admissions letter; admitted families receive a service provision agreement to sign by the indicated date and a bank deposit is required to finalize enrollment. Notification of admission: Upon notice of admission, you have 15 calendar days to confirm in writing your intention to enroll using the form included in the Notification of Admission; if not confirmed, the space is relinquished. Documents requested: school transcripts for the previous two years and the current year; applicant information; ID/passport copies; one letter of recommendation issued and sent from the admissions platform to the designated teacher, principal, or advisor. Non-native English speakers applying for grades 9–12 must provide results from the Duolingo English Test (DET) with a score of 120 or higher; the DET is computer-based and requires Google Chrome, a self-facing camera, and a microphone; results are available within 48 hours. Instructions to share DET scores appear at englishtest.duolingo.com/sharing. The admission process is conditional on the receipt of final grades for the current academic year. All G7–G11 students studying abroad must bring all original documents certified by the country of origin and with the Hague Apostille.
Located on a Spanish finca just outside Sotogrande, Spain. Expansive views across to Gibraltar and Morocco, with fields to play on, trees to climb and animals to care for. Surrounding natural parks and beaches are used to immerse learning in the natural environment. The school is internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators.
Escuela Bosque Ages 3-6; Primary School Ages 6-11; Middle School Ages 11-14.
Microschool; intentionally small school; internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators.
24 nationalities represented; 80% of families relocated to join Alma Forest School.
Spain
Lunch catering is provided; parents supply a healthy daily snack. Catering costs EUR 93 per month for Escuela Bosque and EUR 110 per month for Grade 1 through Grade 7, with meal prices of EUR 5.50 for Escuela Bosque and EUR 6.50 for the rest of the school.
Sharyn is Co-Founder and Director. Philipp Klaus is Principal. The school is affiliated with LearningPlanet Alliance and QUEST, among other networks.
Escuela Bosque is the pre-school for ages 3-6, and the Primary School serves ages 6-11 with Middle School for ages 11-14. The curriculum is built around three overlapping strands: the Imposed strand of Literacy and Numeracy workshops; the Emergent strand of class- or school-wide Explorations that integrate Science, Humanities and the Arts; and the Explorations framework that is co-created with students and guided by their interests. The curriculum draws from international, self-directed, democratic, project-based and outdoor education models, adapting these strengths to Alma Forest School's unique learning environment. Academic workshops align with international standards and use materials developed by leading international schools; most subjects are taught through Explorations rather than in isolated lessons. About 25% of school time is spent on self-directed projects chosen and planned with peers and teachers. Learning emphasizes outdoor, nature-based contexts and mixed-age group work, with a focus on intrinsic motivation and real-world application across disciplines.
In the Escuela Bosque, the teacher-to-student ratio is 1:8. In the Primary School, younger groups are supported by a teacher and teaching assistant while older groups have a class teacher; class sizes do not exceed 15 learners.
Academically, students achieve at par with counterparts in other international schools. Teaching materials are drawn from curricula used by leading international schools globally. Graduates depart Alma Forest School with skills that empower independent, self-directed learning and the ability to apply knowledge across contexts.
The school emphasizes Radical Empathy and empathy-building to connect with others and foster compassionate individuals. It follows a Consent-Based approach, with unhurried learning and students co-creating the curriculum. Alma Forest is a Microschool where everyone is known, heard and has the opportunity to contribute, supporting a strong social fabric. The school promotes open, honest exchanges and relationships based on shared humanity, with social, emotional and ethical development embedded in practice.
The school has staff with experience in Special Educational Needs. Inma, a Primary Teacher, specialized in International Education with a special emphasis on Special Educational Needs, English, and Physical Education.
The school does not require children to speak English; as an international school it supports learners who are learning English as an additional language.
The school supports mental wellbeing through a holistic approach to development, with social, emotional and ethical growth described as part of learning. Staff express commitment to meeting children's emotional needs alongside academic progress.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and recruitment includes child protection screening and appropriate pre-employment checks.
Step 1: Get to Know Us. A video call or a physical tour of Alma Forest School is arranged to walk you through our approach and ethos. Before the meeting, read the website and our social media pages to understand the school's ethos and activities. This helps families determine if the environment aligns with their expectations.
Step 2: Complete an Application Form. After the tour, complete the Application Form to apply for a free space or to join the waitlist. Provide as much information as possible about the prospective student and family, and include supporting reports and assessments with the completed forms. Create an account to view your application after submitting it.
Step 3: Student Trials. When logistically possible, prospective students are invited to attend trial days before an offer can be extended. This ensures Alma Forest is the best environment for the child.
Step 4: Invitation to Join the Alma Tribe. Following the successful outcome of the above steps, an offer to enrol with Alma Forest is issued.
Waitlist overview: A waitlist is used for enrolment at Alma Forest. Completion of the Alma Forest Waitlist Enrolment Form entitles the Applicant to be added to the waitlist. A separate form is required for each child. The form collects Child Details, Parental Details, and the intended enrolment dates, along with Additional Information. The form includes an Agreement between Parent/Guardian and Alma Forest Primary outlining commitments such as active parent participation, ensuring the child is well nourished and rested, and outdoor learning in all weather. Completion of the form entitles the Applicant to the waitlist. A separate Application for Enrolment and a registration fee are required for each child when moving from waitlist to enrolment. Return completed form to info@almaforestschool.com.
Av. de la Reserva, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cadiz, Spain. The school serves students from 6 months through 18 years, from Early Years to High School. It offers day and boarding options. Private bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona.
Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, and High School. It is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes.
International Day and Boarding School
The SIS community represents 50 nationalities.
Comprehensive language acquisition programme to support students with additional language needs.
Spain
Three private, air-conditioned bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona; one-way or return options.
The school offers on-site boarding with Full Boarding, Weekday Boarding, and Flexi-boarding. The Boarding House provides a safe, welcoming space with on-site staff, common rooms, and a wide range of evening and weekend activities for boarders.
The school uniform is mandatory and can be purchased from El Corte Inglés stores in Algeciras and Marbella or online.
Home-made food is prepared on-site with a monthly menu designed by a specialist nutritionist, using fresh ingredients.
Sotogrande International School is a member of Inspired Education, one of the world's largest and most innovative school groups, with over 80 premium schools across five continents.
The school is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes and follows an internationally-recognised curriculum.
In 2025 IB graduates achieved an average point score of 33.5 and a highest Diploma score of 43.
Graduates progress to top universities around the world, including US Ivy League, UK Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
The school facilitates the development of unique gifts and talents.
SIS provides a child-centered, holistic education with a robust pastoral framework. Personal Advisors in the Secondary School and Class Teachers in the Primary School are the main points of contact for parents and students, ensuring daily support and encouragement. The school emphasises wellbeing and personal development, with strong pastoral guidance, and develops leaders and global citizens through programmes like the Global Citizenship Programme and service learning. The SIS community represents 50 nationalities, contributing to intercultural awareness and mutual respect.
Dedicated Student Support Services and an English Language Development department provide support for learners, including those with additional language needs. The school offers personalised learning with flexible language groupings and extra ELD classes led by specialist teachers. Early Childhood includes immersion for English language development to support language acquisition. Students can access targeted language and learning support as part of a broader inclusive education approach.
Although the main language of instruction is English, SIS is committed to multilingualism and intercultural understanding. The English Language Development (ELD) programme supports learners who do not have English as a first language, with personalised learning to improve English while maintaining cultural diversity. Language learning is embedded across the curriculum, with English language development available as a dedicated department and additional language opportunities (Spanish, French, German, Mandarin).
Pastoral care is a core part of SIS, with Personal Advisors and Class Teachers supporting students' wellbeing and development. The school emphasises a safe, supportive environment and fosters a culture of happiness as part of a comprehensive pastoral provision. Pastoral guidance is highlighted as an area of strength alongside academic achievement, contributing to student wellbeing and personal growth.
Safeguarding and child protection are paramount at SIS. The school has a Safeguarding Team and trained staff who act when there is a risk of harm, working with external agencies to safeguard students. The aim is to create a school environment where students feel safe, healthy and well-supported.
Register Your Interest by completing the Enquiry Form and arranging a visit. Open Days are held throughout the year on Saturdays. Complete the Application Form on the Open Apply platform and upload the last two years of school reports translated into English; a registration fee is due: Primary €350 per child; Secondary €550 per child. Examinations: Primary students entering PYP5 (9 years) and PYP6 (10 years) complete an online Cognitive Test invigilated by Admissions. Secondary students aged 11–15 take an online Cognitive Test plus the iDAT 360 assessment. Diploma and A‑level students aged 16–18 complete an online assessment including Cognitive, English and Maths. Admissions Review and Conditions: The Admissions Committee reviews applications and assessments and informs the outcome; Diploma students have an online interview with the IB Coordinator. Successful Application: You receive an email with the offer letter and payment conditions. Upload to OpenApply the following documents: copy of student's passport, copies of parents' passports, student NIE, parents' NIE, contract signed by both parents, and Image Consent Form. All documents must be received before your child starts at SIS; if relevant information is withheld, the school reserves the right to withdraw from the place offered.
Nsouli Scholars Programme enables 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. Scholarships at Sotogrande International School are merit‑based and cover reduced IB tuition fees for students who excel in academics, expressive arts and sport; learners of all ages may apply. Complete the Scholarships Application Handbook and the Scholarships Application Form to be considered; download the Scholarship Guide 2026 - 2027. Bursaries: SIS provides financial assistance to families; to be considered, students must have completed at least one full academic year; download the Economic Aid Guide 2025 - 2026.
Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain (Calle Ronda del Golf Este 7-11, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga)
Infant PYP; Primary PYP; Secondary MYP; Baccalaureate DP
International Baccalaureate World School offering IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP)
More than 30 nationalities are represented in the educational community
Psycho-educational guidance and first aid services: a Psycho-educational Guidance Office handles pupil care, teacher support, observation, diagnosis and follow-up; university orientation tests for High School pupils; guidance talks for parents; first aid service with health education projects and emergency protocols
Spain
Transport is provided as part of the school services; Transport is listed as a service at Primary
The school has a uniform. The uniform symbolises unity and carries the motto UT UNUM SINT. There is a school shop inside the campus and an online booking service to purchase uniform items; opening hours are Monday 9:00–10:30 and 15:00–17:30, and Tuesday to Friday 9:30–10:30 and 15:30–15:30.
The school has on-site food prepared by a large kitchen team. The menu is based on the Harvard Plate model with a balanced main course supported by two islands of varied dishes, including raw vegetables. Bread, fruit and water are provided daily.
The school is part of Affinitas Education, an international group of bilingual and international schools. Affinitas provides resources, training and an international network to support schools while allowing them to maintain their own identity.
IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) from Infant to Baccalaureate; private bilingual school with instruction in English and Spanish; experiential curriculum that combines academic learning with real-world experiences. Diploma Programme delivered with roughly 80% Spanish and 20% English.
Access to prestigious universities in Spain and around the world; personalised guidance tools for each student to choose their path with confidence and success.
The school has a Psycho-educational Guidance Office which, in coordination with Management, deals with pupil care; teacher support; observation, diagnosis and follow-up; professional/university orientation tests for High School pupils and guidance talks for parents. The First Aid service covers accidents and unforeseen health problems during school hours, with an accident insurance plan that allows referrals to medical centres with which we have agreements. The department carries out health education projects and prevention programmes for students, adapted to their different ages and needs through the organisation of training courses, conferences and specific projects and other activities. It is responsible for developing and maintaining the school's protocols for action in matters related to the health and well-being of our students. Finally, CIT staff have basic first aid skills and are able to act if necessary in an emergency.
The Educational Philosophy describes a multilingual educational project. Extracurricular activities include English, German and French.
Emotional and physical well-being are key to meaningful learning. The school accompanies students in all dimensions of their growth, ensuring that their educational experience is enriching not only academically, but also personally and emotionally. We are a Positive Discipline school, and our teachers are trained in this approach. The Culture of Care emphasizes that students feel safe, respected, and connected, and safeguarding policies are enacted daily. The safeguarding curriculum includes Relationship & Sex Education; Protective Behaviours; and Digital Safety & Citizenship.
We are committed to providing a school environment where students are valued, heard and supported by trusted adults; staff are supported to thrive professionally and emotionally; families are welcomed as trusted partners; safeguarding policies are turned into daily, visible and proactive daily actions. We provide ongoing training, set clear behaviour standards, and ensure these are applied consistently by all staff. Key policies include Safeguarding & Child Protection; Anti-Bullying & Positive Behaviour; Staff Code of Conduct; Whistleblowing, Health & Safety, First Aid; Digital Safety & Acceptable Use. Our safeguarding curriculum in the learning program includes Relationship & Sex Education; Protective Behaviours; and Digital Safety & Citizenship. Safer recruitment follows international best practices with identity, qualifications and reference checks, background screening and social media reviews; contracts are conditional until standards are met.
01 Request information: Fill in the admission form and we will contact you to answer your questions and arrange a visit.
02 Appointment with the admissions team: We will welcome you at CIT to meet you, talk about our educational project and show you our facilities.
03 Offer of a place: We will inform you about the availability of places and the next steps in the admission process.
04 Admission interview: A key moment to get to know the student, their interests, expectations and academic aspirations.
