The American School of Barcelona (ASB) is a private, non-profit, coeducational institution offering education for children aged 3 to 18 in Esplugues de Llobregat, a town in the Barcelona metropolitan area. Founded to provide high-quality international education, ASB serves students from diverse cultural backgrounds. As the largest trilingual school in the region, ASB offers a comprehensive American-based curriculum with an option for the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, making it one of the most prestigious international schools in Spain.
Location: Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
Grades: 3–18 years
Student Enrollment: 999
School Type: Non-profit, Co-educational
Curriculum: American, IB, Spanish Convalidation
Accreditations: Middle States Association, IBO, Generalitat de Catalunya
Annual Fees: €9,130 – €25,509
Academic Programs and Curriculum
The American School of Barcelona follows a university preparatory curriculum, with options for students to graduate with the American High School Diploma, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or the Spanish Selectividad diploma.
Curriculum Highlights:
- American Curriculum: College preparatory program for students aiming to attend universities in the U.S. and globally.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Offered to upper secondary students, this program is recognized worldwide for its academic rigor.
- Spanish Convalidation: The school provides a unique program where students can also prepare for the Spanish university entrance exams.
- Language of Instruction: English is the primary language of instruction, with Spanish and Catalan taught as secondary languages.
ASB has consistently outperformed the IB world average since it began offering the program in 2009, with students excelling academically while also engaging in extracurricular activities like dance, sports, drama, and community service.
Student Body and Faculty
The student body of ASB is diverse, with students from over 45 countries, making up a global learning environment. The school boasts a small teacher-to-student ratio, ensuring individual attention for each student. ASB employs 91 faculty members, with more than half holding advanced degrees.
Student Composition:
- 20% American
- 35% Spanish
- 45% International (from countries such as the UK, France, Canada, the Netherlands, etc.)
Faculty Composition:
- 60% North American
- 25% Spanish
- 10% British
- 5% Other Nationalities
Fees and Financial Information
The tuition fees at the American School of Barcelona range from €9,130 for younger students in the early years to €25,509 for upper school students. The school offers various discounts and payment options for families.
Annual Fees (2025-2026):
| Grade | Family Rate | Corporate Rate |
|---|---|---|
| PK3 Half-Day | €9,404 | €11,291 |
| PK3, PK4, K5 | €14,114 | €16,939 |
| Grades 1-5 | €18,842 | €22,648 |
| Grades 6-8 | €21,589 | €25,986 |
| Grades 9-12 | €26,274 | €31,586 |
One-Time Fees:
- Application Fee: €250 (valid for up to 2 years)
- Capital Levy: €6,000 (Grades 1-12)
- Matriculation Fee: €975 (Family Rate), €1,170 (Corporate Rate)
Additional Costs:
- Lunch: €170 per month (€1,700 per year)
- Bus Service: €185-€215 per month (depending on location)
Discounts Available:
- Prepayment: 2%-4% discount on tuition if paid before specific dates
- Multiple Children: 10%-20% discount for siblings
- Alumni Discount: €2,000 off capital levy for children of ASB alumni
Extra-Curricular Activities
The school places a significant emphasis on holistic development, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities such as:
- Sports: Football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, cross-country running, and cheerleading.
- Performing Arts: Dance, drama, and school plays (Spotlight Musical).
- Clubs & Societies: Student council, newspaper, and community service programs.
Accreditations and Memberships
ASB is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The school is also recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a Centro Extranjero. It holds memberships with various educational organizations, including:
- Mediterranean Association of International Schools (MAIS)
- European Council of International Schools (ECIS)
- WIDA (Educational Consortium)
Notable Alumni
The American School of Barcelona has produced numerous successful alumni who have gone on to excel in various fields. Some of the notable alumni include:
- Jordi Cruyff: Professional football player
- Claudia Bassols: Actress
- Ivana Baquero: Actress
- Nikias Molina: Consumer Technology Influencer
Conclusion
The American School of Barcelona offers an exceptional academic experience in a dynamic international setting. With a strong academic reputation, a diverse student body, advanced facilities, and an array of extracurricular activities, ASB provides students with the tools and support they need to succeed in their academic and personal lives.
Accreditations, Inspections, and Memberships
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)
- Mediterranean Association of International Schools (MAIS)
- European Council of International Schools (ECIS)
