One of the biggest concerns for families moving to Mallorca: which school is right for my child? Mallorca offers surprisingly many options – from international schools to the Spanish state system.
International schools in Mallorca
- Baleares International School (BIS): IB curriculum, Palma
- Bellver International College: British curriculum, Palma
- The Academy International School: British curriculum, Calvià
- Agora International School: IB curriculum, near Palma
- Queens College: British curriculum, Palma
- Eurocampus Deutsche Schule: German curriculum, Palmanova/Calvià
Costs: International schools range from 600 to 1,500 euros/month.
Spanish state schools
The public Spanish school system is free and structured as:
- Educación Infantil (ages 3-6): Preschool, optional but very common
- Educación Primaria (ages 6-12): Primary school, 6 years
- ESO (ages 12-16): Compulsory secondary, 4 years
- Bachillerato (ages 16-18): Upper secondary, 2 years, optional
Language: Teaching in Spanish and Catalan (roughly 50/50). Children learn both languages remarkably quickly.
Which school fits?
- Short stay (1-3 years): International school to maintain continuity
- Permanent move: Spanish state school – best integration and free
- Children under 10: Integration into the Spanish system usually works well
- Teenagers: Language barrier is bigger – international school may be better
Registration
For state schools, Empadronamiento (municipal registration) is required. Registration periods are usually March/April for the following school year (September-June).
Back to moving to Mallorca guide.
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