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Continue reading →: Class Size: What Families Can Expect in Public and Concertado SchoolsClass size is one of the most common things families ask about when considering schools anywhere. In Andalucía, class size is regulated at the regional level, with caps depending on the type of school and the child’s age. Recent changes for the 2026–2027 school year reflect broader demographic shifts and…
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Continue reading →: Standardized Testing in Spain (and Why You’ll See Much Less of It Than in the U.S.)For many families in the United States, standardized testing is simply part of school life. From early elementary onward, children are regularly assessed through state tests, benchmark exams, and district-wide evaluations. These tests often influence classroom instruction, school rankings, how children are perceived academically, and even funding. One of the…
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Continue reading →: How Grading Works in SpainIf you’re coming from the U.S., Spanish school reports can feel confusing — even unsettling (if you are directly translating words and absorbing the meaning as used in English) — the first time you read them. There are no A’s or B’s, few numbers in the early years, and a…
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Continue reading →: Understanding Grade Levels: Spain vs. the US vs. the UK – And How to Know What Grade Your Child Will EnterMoving to Spain with school-aged children often brings one of the first big questions parents ask: “What grade will my child be placed in?” It seems simple, but the answer can be confusing when you realize that Spain, the US, and the UK all use different cutoff dates, terminology, and…
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Continue reading →: Applying to Private & International Schools in Spain from Abroad: What to Expect and How to Navigate the ProcessIf you’re planning a move to Spain, one of the earliest, and most important if this is the educational route you have chosen, is securing a spot in a private or international school. Unlike the public and concertado schools, private schools operate on their own timelines, admissions criteria, and waitlist…
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Continue reading →: Beyond the City: Extracurricular Activities for Kids on the Costa del SolWhile Málaga city has no shortage of after-school options, families living along the coast—from Nerja to Estepona—will find just as many opportunities, if not more, depending on the activity, to keep their kids active, creative, and connected. The Costa del Sol is full of sports clubs, swim schools, and arts…
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Continue reading →: Raising a Bilingual Child in Spain: Wins, Struggles, and StrategiesMoving to a different country with a young child brings excitement but also questions and worries about the unknown—specifically around language. My daughter was already bilingual, a native speaker in both English and Spanish. The move hasn’t been about learning a new language, but about learning when and how to…
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Continue reading →: Choosing the Right School Abroad: Balancing Values, Language, and LogisticsFinding the right school abroad can feel like one of the biggest decisions your family will make. In Spain, the options range from local public and concertado schools to bilingual programs and international schools—each with its own rhythm, culture, and philosophy. For families relocating to the Costa del Sol, the…
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Continue reading →: Extracurricular Activities in Málaga City: A Guide for FamiliesWith school back in session, many families are looking for after-school activities to complement their child’s academic development. In Málaga city, there are a wide range of options for sports, music, dance, and more—many designed to introduce children to new interests in a fun, beginner-friendly way. For those seeking high-level…
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Continue reading →: Beyond Traditional Schooling: Progressive Education Options on the Costa del SolOne of the first questions families ask when moving to Spain is, “What kind of school is best for my child?” While many choose the traditional Spanish public or concertado system, especially as a quicker route to Spanish-language acquisition, others look for something more progressive—an environment that prioritizes creativity, independence,…
Welcome to the Españaula Blog—your trusted corner of the internet for navigating education in Spain. Whether you’re relocating with kids, exploring school options, or trying to make sense of the enrollment process, you’re in the right place. Here, we break down the Spanish school system with clarity, empathy, and real-life insight.
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Españaula Blog: Your Guide to Schools & Education in Málaga & the Costa del Sol 