If you’re relocating to Southern Spain with children, finding the right school is likely at the top of your list. The region offers a wide range of international and private schools that cater to different nationalities, curricula, and learning styles.

From British and American schools to Scandinavian, German, French, and Montessori options, there’s something for every family. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of schools across the main areas of the Costa del Sol to help you get started on your search.

Marbella Area

1. Aloha College Marbella: Offers British curriculum and IB Diploma Programme.
2. Swans International School: Provides a blend of British and Spanish curricula, including IB. Has primary and secondary campuses.
3. The English International College (EIC): Follows the British curriculum.
4. British International School of Marbella (BISM): Offers the English National Curriculum.
5. Laude San Pedro International College: Bilingual school with British and Spanish curricula.
6. Calpe School: A British primary school.
7. Casa del Mar International Montessori School: Offers a Montessori education.
8. École Française Internationale Marbella (EFIM): Follows the French curriculum with trilingual education.
9. Deutsche Schule Málaga (DSM): German school with Spanish integration.
10. Svenska Skolan Marbella: Swedish school following the Swedish system.
    Colegio Alborán: Bilingual school (Spanish/English).
11. Mayfair International Academy (Estepona, near Marbella): Offers British education.
    St. George's School Marbella: Bilingual education (British/Spanish) for younger children.
    Marbella Montessori School: For children ages 2 through Kindergarten.

Benalmádena & Torremolinos Area

• The British College of Benalmádena: Bilingual school following the British curriculum.
• Benalmádena International College (BIC): Offers the English National Curriculum.
• Sunny View School (Torremolinos): British curriculum school.
• Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada (Benalmádena): Bilingual school with IB and Spanish curricula.
• St. Anthony's College (Mijas Costa, near Fuengirola/Benalmádena): British curriculum school.
• Den Norske Skolen Malaga (Norwegian School, Benalmádena): Follows the Norwegian national curriculum. Offers education from primary to upper secondary level in Norwegian, with a strong focus on individual development and outdoor learning.

Fuengirola Area

• Colegio Sueco de la Costa del Sol (Svenska Skolan Fuengirola): Swedish school.
• Finnish School of Costa del Sol (Fuengirola): Finnish national curriculum.
• The Ark Christian School (Mijas Costa, near Fuengirola): British curriculum with a Christian ethos.

Estepona Area

• The International School Estepona: Follows the British National Curriculum.
• Atalaya Colegio Internacional: Bilingual school (British/Spanish).
• Colegio San José (also in Marbella): Bilingual school with a long tradition.

Málaga City Area

•  The British School of Málaga: Follows the British National Curriculum.
• Lycée Français International de Málaga: French international school.
• MIT School Málaga: Bilingual school with Spanish and IB curricula.
• Sunland International School (Cártama, near Málaga): British International Curriculum.
• Atlas American School of Malaga (Estepona, near Málaga): American curriculum.

Important Considerations

Curriculum: Schools offer various curricula (British, Spanish, IB, American, French, Swedish, Finnish, Montessori). Language of Instruction: Many are bilingual (English/Spanish), but others focus on a single language. Age Range: Schools cater to different age groups, from nursery to secondary/sixth form. Location: The Costa del Sol is a large area, so consider the school's proximity to your residence. Fees: Private and international schools have tuition fees that vary significantly. 

Recommendation

• Research individual schools online: Visit their websites for detailed information on their curriculum, fees, facilities, and admissions process.
• Contact the schools directly: Arrange visits or phone calls to ask specific questions relevant to your child's needs.
• Read reviews and seek recommendations: Talk to other families living in the Costa del Sol for their insights and experiences with different schools.

Choosing the right school is a significant decision, and thorough research is key to finding the best fit for your family.

State-Funded Public Schools (Colegios Públicos) in Costa del Sol

• These are the most common type of Spanish school and are free for eligible students (EU citizens and legal residents).
• They follow the official Spanish national curriculum. You'll find them in every town, city, and urbanisation throughout the Costa del Sol.
• Many are increasingly offering bilingual programs (Spanish-English).
• How to find them?
  • Local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento): This is your best first point of contact. They can provide a list of the public schools in your area.
  • Regional Education Authority (Junta de Andalucía - Consejería de Educación): Their website may have a school finder tool (in Spanish).
  • Local Knowledge: Ask residents in your area about school reputation and experiences.
  • Physical Presence: Look for signs saying "Colegio Público" in different neighborhoods.

Private Spanish Schools (Colegios Privados) in Costa del Sol

These are private institutions that follow the Spanish curriculum but charge tuition fees. They may offer additional services, smaller class sizes, or a particular educational focus.

• Colegio Alborán (Marbella): Bilingual (Spanish/English).
• Colegio San José (Marbella & Estepona): Bilingual, offers Spanish and IB programs.
• Sierra Blanca School (Málaga): Known for bilingual teaching and focus on values.
• El Romeral School (Málaga): Part of the Attendis group.
• Las Chapas School (Marbella): Part of the Attendis group, girls-only school.
• ECOS School (Marbella): Part of the Attendis group.
• Attendis Group: Explore their website to learn about their schools across Málaga province.

Looking for a family-friendly home on the Costa del Sol?

We’d love to help you find a place that truly feels like home — close to great schools and everything your family needs.

Reach out to Laura Stevens, our agent and proud mom of three school-aged kids. She knows exactly what families are looking for and is happy to share her insight.
📞 +34 681 307 795
📧 info@costadreamhouse.com