Benjamin Franklin International School
Web: www.bfischool.org.
2008-2009
The Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS) is an independent, coeducational day school, which offers an educational program from nursery through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The School was founded in 1986. The school year comprises 2 terms extending from September 3 to January 25, and from January 26 to June 18. The School offers the American High School Diploma, the Advanced Placement International Diploma and the Spanish High School Bachillerato. The School has a unique admissions policy which at each grade level 1/3 of the students must be American, 1/3 Spanish and 1/3 from other nationalities.
Organization: The School is governed by a 10-member Board. BFIS is legally recognized as a Spanish Association and is owned by the Benjamin Franklin Foundation which is legally incorporated in Delaware, U.S.A.
Curriculum: The curriculum is based upon a college-preparatory, American program. Core areas of instruction include English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, with electives in art, music, and physical education. Additional courses in technology, wellness, college counseling, and study skills are offered throughout the Middle and High Schools. BFIS offers leveled additional language instruction in English, Spanish, Catalan, and French. Placement in the appropriate level is based upon a pre-assessment given at the school. The courses offered in Spanish and Catalan are language classes, as well as literature, social studies, art, and culture, as required by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Advanced Placement classes are offered in preparation for college. This year, the school offers 8 Advanced Placement courses in Studio Art, Biology, Calculus, Comparative Government, English Literature, French, Physics, and Spanish Language. Student support services are an additional component of the program. In the Elementary and Middle Schools, students are supported by Advanced Academic Services (AAS), which includes support for students previously provided by Optimal Match and Gifted and Talented Education programs; English as an Additional Language (EAL); and social and emotional counseling through the Elementary and Middle School Counselor. In the High School, students also are supported by a College Counselor (part of our HS Counseling Department) to help students with making decisions about their academic future at BFIS and beyond and with the lengthy college application process. Psychological testing and tutorial assistance are available in the School and/or community. The School’s testing program includes the International Schools’ Assessment (ISA), given to students in 3rd through 9th grade, the PSAT in 10th and 11th grade, AP subject tests, SAT TOEFL, and College Board Achievement Tests. The School is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Faculty: In the 2008-2009 school year, there are 66 full-time and 7 part-time faculty members, including 34 U.S. citizens, 16 host-country nationals, and 23 third-country nationals.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, enrollment was 435 (N-grade 5: 236; grades 6-8: 103; and grades 9-12: 96). Of the total, 132 were U.S. citizens, 151 were host-country nationals, and 152 were third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 44 were dependents of U.S. business and foundation employees; and 88 were dependents of other private U.S. citizens.
Facilities: The School moved to its present location in a residential area of Barcelona in 1991. The facilities consist of 2 renovated villas and 4 classroom annexes. The main villa houses grades 6-8, the library, the computer laboratory, the cafeteria, the kitchen, and main offices. Grades K-5 are located in a separate annex with playground and art facilities for all grades. Grades 9-10 are located in a separate annex. Grades 11-12 are in a villa annex with a computer lab. Nursery and prekindergarten have individual classrooms and a separate playground. There are 2 fully equipped laboratories for chemistry, physics, environmental science, and biology. The music room for all grades is a stand-alone facility.
Finances: In the 2008-2009 academic year, about 99 percent of the School's income derives from tuition and fees. Annual tuition rates are as follows: N-Kdg.: $11,005; grades 1-5: $13,703; grades 6-8: $14,100; and grades 9-12: $16,727. The School also charges a matriculation fee of $1,011-$1,100, and a one-time capital fund fee of $4,615. Optional fees include a lunch fee of $1,647 and a bus fee of $2,087-$2,456. Fees are payable in euros or U.S. dollars. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
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