The American School of Barcelona (ASB) is an international, independent, coeducational day school, which offers an educational program from prekindergarten through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The school was founded in 1962.
Organization: The school is governed as a private foundation by the Foundation Board of Trustees.
Curriculum: The school’s educational program includes the best of both the U.S. and Spanish educational systems, and it also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) in the last two years of high school. The school’s overall academic program is similar to that found in a U.S. college-preparatory school, with a focus on developing strong academic skills, problem-solving ability, critical thinking, and creativity. It also offers a robust program in host-country studies as well as the Spanish and Catalan languages. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Small group and individualized language instruction are offered in both Spanish and English for non-native speakers. ASB has specialists on staff that provide limited learning support service for students with mild learning difficulties. There is also a full-time nurse. ASB has a wide range of after-school activities and a robust service-learning program.
Faculty: In the 2022-2023 school year, ASB has 191 total staff including 156 teachers, 86 of whom are U.S. citizens, 37 host-country nationals, and 33 third-country nationals. Our faculty and staff represent 21 number of nationalities, including UK, French, Mexican, Canada, etc. All teaching faculty should have valid teaching credentials and master’s degree in pertinent subject area.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment was 986 (PK3-5th: 974, MS: 242, HS: 370). Of the total, 254 students were U.S. citizens, 227 were host-country nationals and 505 were third-country nationals. Currently, 4 U.S. government dependent attend the school.
Facilities: Located in an attractive, residential area just 15 minutes from the center of Barcelona, ASB overlooks the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The school is housed in three main buildings that include classrooms, science laboratories, a library, multiple art rooms, music rooms, an auditorium, and a spacious modern lunchroom with full kitchen. Physical Education facilities include two outdoor sports courts, soccer fields, gymnasiums, and several playgrounds. The Early Childhood Center has its own self-contained facility with purpose-built play areas.
Finances: In the 2022-2023 school year, the school’s income derives from regular day school tuition. Annual tuition rates can be found at this site: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1656571684/asbarcelonacom/iscwy0wewgsc4hqteme2/SCHEDULE_FEES2022-231.pdf
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (2023 Special Needs- Spain, Barcelona-ASB) for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information regarding curriculum, special programs, and the like. Information and statistics are current as of September 2022 and are provided by the school.