Costa del Sol, a picturesque region in southern Spain, is renowned for its sunny beaches, vibrant culture, and a thriving expatriate community. This diverse demographic is mirrored in the wide array of educational institutions available, catering to both local and international families. Here, we explore the various types of schools in Costa del Sol and how they operate.
Public Schools (Colegios Públicos)
Public schools in Costa del Sol are state-funded and free for residents. They follow the Spanish national curriculum, which is regulated by the Ministry of Education. The primary language of instruction is Spanish, with English taught as a second language.
Structure: Education is divided into several stages: Educación Infantil (preschool), Educación Primaria (primary education), Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO, compulsory secondary education), and Bachillerato (pre-university education).
Enrollment: Enrollment in public schools is based on the family’s place of residence, ensuring children attend schools within their local area.
Good rated public schools:
Estepona
CEIP Simón Fernández- Known for its strong community involvement and academic programs. https://colegiosimonfernandez.blogspot.com/p/plano.html
CEIP Ramón Lago- Offers a comprehensive education with a focus on bilingualism. https://colegioramonlagoblog.wordpress.com/
Marbella
CEIP María Teresa León – Offers a bilingual program and has a good reputation for academic excellence. https://ceipmariateresaleon.es/
CEIP Juan Ramón Jiménez – Recognized for its innovative teaching methods and strong community ties. https://colegiojuanramonjimenez.com
Mijas
CEIP Virgen de la Peña – Offers a strong bilingual program and is well-regarded in the area. https://www.vdpmijas.es
CEIP Jardín Botánico- Known for its modern facilities and inclusive education programs. https://ceipjardinbotanico.blogspot.com/
Fuengirola
CEIP Acapulco – Known for its inclusive environment, it supports students with special educational needs. https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/averroes/centros-tic/29009648/helvia/sitio/
CEIP El Tejar is a public school in Fuengirola, Málaga, providing early childhood and primary education. It emphasizes innovative teaching methods, including technology integration and cooperative learning. The school offers morning care, dining, and extracurricular activities
https://blogsaverroes.juntadeandalucia.es/ceipeltejar
Benalmádena
CEIP La Paloma- Known for its excellent educational programs and student support services. http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/averroes/centros-tic/29602232/helvia/sitio/#
CEIP Jacaranda- Provides a comprehensive education with a focus on personal development. https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/averroes/centros-tic/29001674/helvia/sitio/
Torremolinos
CEIP Atenea – The school offers early childhood and primary education with a strong emphasis on bilingualism, particularly in English. It participates in various educational projects, including Erasmus+, aimed at enhancing scientific knowledge and language skills. https://www.ceipatenea.org/
CEIP Benjamina- Is a public, bilingual school. It offers education for early childhood and primary levels, emphasizing a holistic educational approach that includes academic, social, and emotional development. https://www.colebenyamina.org/
Málaga
CEIP Lex Flavia Malacitana- Offers a comprehensive education with a focus on bilingualism and technology integration. https://blogsaverroes.juntadeandalucia.es/lexflaviamalacitana/
CEIP Prácticas Nº1- Renowned for its academic excellence and innovative teaching approaches. https://ceippracticas1.wordpress.com/
Private Schools (Colegios Privados)
Private schools in Costa del Sol are independently funded and charge tuition fees. They offer a variety of curricula, often including the Spanish national curriculum, International Baccalaureate (IB), or British and American programs.
Structure: These schools tend to offer more personalized education, smaller class sizes, and enhanced extracurricular activities.
Curriculum: While some private schools adhere strictly to the Spanish curriculum, others offer bilingual or international programs, attracting both local and expatriate students.
Good rated private schools:
Estepona
The International School Estepona – Offers a bilingual Montessori approach for nursery and primary education, preparing students for British secondary schools (The Good Schools Guide). https://marbellaschool.com/
Mayfair International Academy – Known for its new state-of-the-art campus and a curriculum that includes IGCSE and A Levels (The Good Schools Guide). https://www.marbellafamilyfun.com/mayfair-international-academy.html
Marbella
Aloha College – A British International school with a strong academic record in IGCSE, IB, and A Levels, and a broad co-curricular program (Aloha College). https://aloha-college.com/
The English International College – Offers the National Curriculum for England, known for high academic achievements and a strong sporting program (The Good Schools Guide). https://www.eicmarbella.org/
Swans International School – Follows the British curriculum and offers the International Baccalaureate, known for its strong academic performance and diverse student body (International Schools Database). https://www.swansschoolinternational.es/
Mijas
St. Anthony’s College – A British school offering the National Curriculum for England, with a focus on a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities (Right Casa Estates). https://www.stanthonyscollege.com/
Fuengirola
Colegio Salliver – Recognized for its early stimulation system and language programs, including German and Chinese. https://www.colegiosalliver.es/
Swedish school – https://sites.google.com/skolan.es/hem
Benalmadena
The British College of Benalmadena – Provides the National Curriculum for England and is known for its high academic standards and comprehensive education https://thebritishcollege.com/
Benalmadena International College – Offers a blend of the British and Spanish curriculums, catering to a diverse student body and focusing on bilingual education https://www.benalmadenainternationalcollege.com/
Torremolinos
Sunny View School – Located near Torremolinos, this school offers the British curriculum and has a strong reputation for academic excellence and student support https://www.sunnyviewschool.com/
Malaga
The British School of Malaga – Formerly St. George’s School, this institution provides a strong academic program blending the National Curriculum for England with preparation for Spanish exams https://www.britishschoolmalaga.com/
Lycée Français de Malaga – Offers a dual French and Spanish curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to pursue either the French Baccalaureate or the Spanish Bachillerato (The Good Schools Guide). https://lfmalaga.com/
Semi-Private Schools (Colegios Concertados)
Semi-private schools, or concertados, are partially funded by the government and partially through tuition fees paid by parents. They combine elements of public and private education.
Structure: They follow the Spanish curriculum but often have more resources than purely public schools.
Accessibility: These schools are an affordable option for many families, providing a quality education with additional programs and extracurricular activities.
Estepona
APRONA Centro Privado de Educación Especial – Colegio A.P.R.O.N.A de Estepona is a semi-private special education school for children and young adults aged 6-21, focusing on autonomy and social integration. https://aprona.jimdofree.com/
Colegio Diocesano Juan XXIII in Estepona is a semi-private (concertado) Catholic school that offers education from preschool to Bachillerato. It focuses on providing a comprehensive education rooted in Christian values, aiming to foster personal development, respect, and social responsibility among its students https://juanveintitres.fvictoria.es/
Marbella
Colegio Las Chapas-Ecos in Marbella is a private bilingual school, part of the Attendis group, offering education from preschool to secondary levels. The school focuses on personalized learning and values-based education
Colegio María Auxiliadora in Marbella is a semi-private (concertado) Catholic school run by the Salesian Sisters. It offers education from early childhood (infant) through primary and secondary levels. The school emphasizes values-based education and community spirit, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for students. Key features include extracurricular activities, extended hours, a dining hall, and school transportation. https://marbella1.salesianas.org/
Fuengirola
El colegio Sohail is the oldest school in Fuengirola, inaugurated in 1958. The school is located in the old town of Fuengirola, on one of the main avenues, very close to important services such as the Municipal Library, the Town Hall, the Health Center, the House of Culture, the City Museum and extensive parks. https://ceipsohailfuengirola.es/
Benalmadena
Colegio Maravillas, located in Benalmádena, offers comprehensive educational programs from early childhood through secondary education and baccalaureate. The school emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating extracurricular activities like sports, theater, and language certifications (e.g., Cambridge exams). They provide detailed information about their faculty, departments, and various student activities. https://www.colegiomaravillas.com/
Torremolinos
Colegio del Rincón in Torremolinos offers comprehensive education with a focus on holistic development. The school provides a range of services including an English academy, extracurricular activities, summer camps, and a dining program. They emphasize both academic and personal growth, offering modern educational materials and facilities. The school is dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for students.
Malaga
Colegio Platero Green School in Málaga is a semi-private institution that offers education from early childhood through secondary education. The school focuses on a bilingual curriculum, integrating English alongside Spanish, and emphasizes values, environmental education, and new technologies. They offer a variety of extracurricular activities including sports, arts, and cultural programs. The school also provides services like a dining hall with special menus and before/after school activities to support family life. http://www.platerogreenschool.es//portal/home?i18n=es
Colegio Los Olivos, located in Málaga, offers a comprehensive education from early childhood through secondary levels. This Catholic school integrates values-based education with strong academic programs, including bilingual education and international exchange opportunities. Facilities include a school garden, sports fields, libraries, and specialized classrooms. Extracurricular activities range from sports to performing arts. https://colegiolosolivos.net/
International Schools
Given Costa del Sol’s significant expatriate community, there are numerous international schools catering to various nationalities. These schools offer foreign curricula such as the British, American, French, or German systems.
British Schools: These follow the National Curriculum of England, offering GCSEs and A-Levels. Schools like The British School of Málaga provide a seamless transition for British expatriates.
American Schools: Following the U.S. educational system, these schools offer American-style education culminating in a High School Diploma. Examples include The American School of Marbella.
Other Nationalities: French and German schools follow their respective national curricula, providing continuity for students from these countries.
Here is a list of some international schools on the coast:
Aloha College (Marbella): Offers a British curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB) for students aged 3-18. Known for its academic excellence and diverse student body. https://aloha-college.com/
British International School of Marbella: Follows the National Curriculum for England for ages 2-12. Part of the British Schools Foundation, it emphasizes high-tech classrooms and sports facilities. https://bsm.org.es/
British School of Málaga: Provides education from ages 3-18, combining the British National Curriculum with Spanish education. It is part of the International Schools Partnership. https://www.britishschoolmalaga.com/en/
Calpe School (Marbella): A primary school for ages 2-11 following the British curriculum, focusing on early childhood education. https://www.calpeschool.com/
Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada (Benalmádena): Bilingual school offering both Spanish and British curricula, and recognized as an IB World School. https://www.colegiotorrequebrada.com/
International School of Estepona: Provides education for ages 2-12, combining the British curriculum with Montessori methods. https://marbellaschool.com/
Lycée Français de Malaga: Offers French and Spanish curricula, catering to students from ages 5-18. https://lfmalaga.com/
Sotogrande International School (Sotogrande): Known for its IB program, it provides education for students aged 3-18, focusing on academic excellence and sports programs. https://www.sis.ac/
Swans International School (Marbella): Offers bilingual education in Spanish and English for ages 3-18, including French as a third language from primary school. https://www.swansschoolinternational.es/
The American College in Spain (Marbella): Provides an American-style education with pathways to American universities for high school and university students. https://www.americancollegespain.com/
Montessori and Alternative Schools
There are also Montessori and other alternative educational institutions in Costa del Sol, offering different pedagogical approaches focused on student-led learning and holistic development.
Montessori Schools: These schools, such as Marbella Montessori School, emphasize independence, hands-on learning, and mixed-age classrooms.
Other Alternatives: Schools like Waldorf or Steiner schools provide alternative educational philosophies, focusing on creative and experiential learning.
Estepona
Villa Insolita Monte Mar https://colegiosmontessori.es/villa-insolita-monte-mar/
Marbella
Little Einsteins Montessori Marbella https://colegiosmontessori.es/little-einsteins-montessori-marbella/
Fuengirola
Montessori Fuengirola Children’s House https://montessorifuengirola.com/
Benalmadena
Matricula Raíces Montessori Benalmádena https://www.montessoribenalmadena.es/
Malaga
Centro Internacional María Montessori https://www.montessorimalaga.com/
Centro Concertado De Educación Infantil Montessori Puerto https://www.escuelasmontessori.es/montessori-puerto/
Escuela Infantil Concertada Montessori Ii https://www.escuelasmontessori.es/montessori-2/
The educational landscape in Costa del Sol is as diverse as its population, offering a range of options to suit various needs and preferences. From state-funded public schools to exclusive private and international institutions, families in Costa del Sol can find the ideal environment to support their children’s educational journey. Whether you’re a local resident or an expatriate, the region’s schools provide a rich array of programs and curricula to ensure quality education for all students.
