The Most Popular Schools for International Students in Girona and the Costa Brava
- Vanessa Rosenblum
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
When relocating to a new country, one of a families' most critical decisions is choosing the right school for their children. Girona and the Costa Brava, with their vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, are attractive for their beauty and excellent educational institutions catering to international families. Some of the most popular schools offer diverse curricula and foster global learning environments.
Montessori Palau, located in the Palau neighborhood of Girona, is known for its innovative approach to education. Utilizing the Montessori methodology, the school promotes self-directed learning, independence, and respect for a child's natural psychological development.It offers programs from early childhood through secondary education, making it a continuous educational journey for many families.
This large and well-established school has over 1,200 students and features two swimming pools, multiple football pitches, basketball courts, a small farm, and a forest playground. Instruction is conducted equally in Spanish and Catalan, with some classes conducted in English. German is taught as a foreign language until grade 8. ESO students can study Latin and French.
St. George's School in Fornells de la Selva offers a British curriculum from early years to secondary education. As an accredited British international school, it provides instruction in English while incorporating Spanish and Catalan to ensure students are well-integrated into the local culture. Its rigorous academic programs and diverse extracurricular activities make it a favorite among expatriate families.
Saint George's offers the Catalan Curriculum from the Generalitat, but in English with a lot more emphasis on the Catalan and Spanish (they start those in Early Years). This school is popular with Catalan families that want rigorous English instruction, as well as international families.
Col·legi Montjuïc in Girona offers a bilingual education in Catalan and Spanish, with strong programs in English. The school is known for its academic excellence and focus on holistic development. Montjuïc provides students with a well-rounded education by combining traditional and innovative teaching methods. They offer the IB diploma.
As a smaller school, it offers advantages for students who excel in smaller class sizes and benefit from individualized attention.
Located in Platja d'Aro, the International School Costa Brava is one of the newest additions to the region's international education scene. It offers a British curriculum with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning and global citizenship. The school caters to a diverse student body, creating a multicultural environment that celebrates diversity and fosters international-mindedness.
They are the only school on this list which follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years to GCSE and A level courses. Most students at this school are international and English is the main language of instruction and administration. The small class size and diverse student body are the main attractions for families.
La Salle Girona is part of the global La Salle network, known for its commitment to educational excellence and values-based learning. This semi-private school offers bilingual programs and integrates technology into the classroom to prepare students for the future. Its strong community focus and emphasis on social responsibility make it a popular choice for both local and international families.
La Salle has multiple campuses including a high school in Girona and primary schools in Santa Coloma de Farners, Figueres, Casa de la Selva, and Palamos.
Institut Les Alzines provides a comprehensive Christian based education from early childhood through secondary school. With a focus on academic rigor and personal development, the school offers bilingual instruction and a variety of extracurricular activities. Its supportive environment and emphasis on family involvement appeal to many expatriate families seeking a strong educational foundation for their girls.
Bell-lloc del Pla is a boys' school affiliated with Institut Les Alzines. It offers a comprehensive Christian-based educational program that spans from early childhood through secondary levels. The school emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and personal growth. Additionally, Bell-lloc provides a bilingual education and a variety of extracurricular activities, fostering both intellectual and moral development within a supportive environment.
This school offers the International Baccalaureate diploma.
Les Alzines and Bell-lloc are semi-private and charge lower tuition fees than the fully private schools on this list and scholarships are available based on need.
Private School Fees in Catalonia
For families coming from the U.S., UK or similar countries you will likely find tuition fees in Catalonia to be quite reasonable. Fees vary with the grade level but generally, expect to spend in the ballpark of €10,000 per year for fully private schools and around half that for semi-private.
Public Schools in Girona and Costa Brava
Catalonia offers a range of public school options that are also suitable for international students in Girona including high quality programs for children with special needs. Most instruction will be in Catalan and you may find that the extracurricular activities are limited compared to the private schools. However, Catalan schools are safe, generally well-funded and provide quality instruction to students who intend to pursue higher education. As with public schools all over the world, the quality of the school and the atmosphere is impacted by the neighborhood where the school is located so do your research.
Choosing the Right School For International Students in Girona
Choosing the right school for your family involves considering your specific needs, such as curriculum preferences, language requirements, and extracurricular interests. Visiting schools, meeting with administrators, and understanding each institution's unique philosophy can assist you in making an informed decision.
A valuable resource for new families is the Girona Mamas and Papas Facebook group. Joining this group will allow you to connect with other international families and learn about their experiences with local schools.
Girona and the Costa Brava offer a wide range of excellent educational options for international families, ensuring that children receive a high-quality education in a beautiful and culturally rich environment.
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