The Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS) is an independent, coeducational, non-profit, IB world school which offers an English language, college-preparatory program from nursery to grade 12 for students of all nationalities. Founded in 1986, the school offers a differentiated American (fully accredited) curriculum, with strong academic programs, including learning support and foreign languages. BFIS offers three diplomas: American high school diploma, Spanish high school bachillerato certificate, and International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. BFIS is a truly international school with a student body representing 56 nationalities and cultural heritages. BFIS also has a highly engaged school community and a strong Parent and Teacher Association (PTA). In 2021 the school was awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, demonstrating that BFIS is a forward-thinking school actively engaged in protecting our planet.
Organization: The school is governed by a 10-member board (all BFIS parents). BFIS is legally recognized as a Spanish Association, and it is registered as a private foundation in the Catalonia Foundation Registration (Registro de Fundaciones de la Generalitat). BFIS is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and School, authorized by both, the Spanish Ministry of Education and the Catalan government, and authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.
Curriculum: The school’s education program includes elements of both the U.S. and Spanish educational systems and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) in the last two years of high school. The academic program is similar to a U.S. college-preparatory, private, non-profit school, with a focus on challenging and supporting each individual student. The BFIS curriculum is aligned with Common Core Standards in Math and English with Social Studies also using the C3 Framework. Science classes study the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which reflect American benchmarks for achievement. The BFIS curriculum establishes developmentally appropriate learning objectives at every grade level. Small groups and individualized language instruction is offered both in Spanish and English for non-first language speakers. BFIS has seven learning specialists to students with a variety of enrichment needs. The school follows a Multitiered System of Support (MTSS) that includes research-based Response to Intervention (RTI). Students in each division are supported by academic and social emotional counselors and there is additional college and career counselor in high school supporting students’ decisions about post-secondary future. The school’s Enrichment and Differentiation Coach works with students and staff to ensure that students’ education is personalized and authentic. Most graduates upon completing the BFIS program, attend some of the most prestigious universities in the United States, Spain, United Kingdom, Europe, and other countries all over the world.
Faculty: In the 2022-2023 school year, BFIS has 136 total staff including 110 teachers, 43 of whom are U.S. citizens, 33 host-country nationals, and 34 third-country nationals. Our faculty and staff represent 18 different nationalities including: United States, UK, Mexico, Peru, Germany, Albania, Italy, France, Argentina, Australia, Philippines, Greece, Denmark, India, Rumania, Brazil, Colombia and Spain. All teaching faculty must have a bachelor’s degree. More than 70% have a postgraduate qualification.
Enrollment: Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year is 693 (PK: 43, ES: 198, MS: 213, HS:(Gr 9 -10): 121, IBDP: 118. 50 nationalities represented). Of them, 193 are U.S. citizens, 188 are host-country nationals, and 312 are third-country nationals.
Facilities: BFIS is in the Sarrià neighborhood of Barcelona, Spain. The school is divided into three different buildings on two adjacent campuses. One campus hosts the early childhood and elementary school building, inaugurated in Spring 2016, and a brand-new middle school building that opened its doors for students in 2021, both are equipped with flexible furniture. The campus shares two libraries, five science labs, a makerspace/design lab, a computer lab, science and robotic spaces, a sports court, two outdoor playgrounds, two rooftop patios, and a cafeteria with its own kitchen, auditorium, and outdoor eating areas.
Finances: In the 2022-2023 school year, annual tuition rates are as follows: N-PK:11,750 €; K-5: €14,750; 6-8: €15,110; and 9-12: €17,990. The school also charges an annual matriculation fee of €1,100-1,000 and a one-time entrance fee of €6,000.
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (Special Needs Spain, Barcelona BFIS [130 KB]) 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. Information and statistics are current as of September 2022 and are provided by the school.