If you are planning to move to the beautiful city of Valencia and you have children, it is important to be well-informed about the region’s education system. Finding the right education to suit your children’s needs and expectations can be a crucial step in successfully integrating into your new homeland.

Education system in Spain

The Spanish education system consists of different levels: kindergarten (educación infantil), primary school (educación primaria), secondary school (educación secundaria) and higher education (educación superior).

In Valencia, as in the rest of Spain, the education system is free and compulsory for children between 6 and 16 years old. The system is based on the principles of equality, inclusion and educational quality.

Public education

The public education system in Valencia is managed by the regional government and provides a solid basic education for all students. Classes are taught in Spanish, but there is also a focus on the regional language, Valencian.

A major advantage of public education is that it is free. Moreover, public schools are usually well equipped and have qualified teachers who can pay specific attention to students with special needs.

Private education

Besides the public education system, there are also several public schools available in Valencia. These schools vary in price and quality, but generally offer a more personalised approach to education.

Public schools can be bilingual or international and often offer extra activities and extracurricular programmes. They can also be a good option if your child already speaks English or another foreign language and you want them to further develop these skills.

International schools

For expats who would like their children to remain in the same education system they came from, there are several international schools available in Valencia. These schools usually follow the curriculum of the country of origin and offer classes in the students’ native language.

International schools can be an excellent choice if your children feel more comfortable being taught in their native language and if you want them to experience a smooth transition while moving to Valencia.

Concertado schools

In addition to public and private education, Valencia also offers the option of concertado schools. These schools, also called subsidised public schools, are partly funded by the government and partly by private contributions. They offer a quality of education similar to public schools, but at a lower cost.

Concertado schools follow the Spanish curriculum, but often offer extras such as smaller classes and more individual attention for students. This can be an attractive option for expats looking for high-quality education for their children, but who are also mindful of costs. It is worth considering these schools during your search for the right education for your family in Valencia.

Recommendations

To find the right education for your children, it is important to consider several factors, such as the age of your children, their language level and personal needs. It can be useful to contact other expat parents and schedule school visits to get a better idea of educational institutions in Valencia.

It is also advisable to contact local bodies such as the Ministry of Education or professional advisers who specialise in education-related matters for expats. They can provide valuable advice and help in the process of choosing the right school.

The education system in Valencia offers different options for expats with children. Whether you choose public education, private education or an international school, it is important to consider your children’s needs and expectations when making this important decision.

Make sure you are well informed and take the time to visit different schools and talk to other parents. This way, you can ensure that your children have a positive learning experience and adapt quickly to their new school environment in Valencia.