Hi there,
We are moving with my husband’s job next year to Madrid and I have a million questions. The main ones are about schools and I would love replies from parents with knowledge of international schools in Madrid.
We need a British national curriculum because we are returning to the UK in time for GCSE’s for my eldest in the state sytem. But obviously we will be taking the opportunity to learn as much Spanish/immerse ourselves in the culture as we can.
Here goes:
What are the British Council, Hastings, British Montessori schools like for the kids? What is the feel of the school? What are the strengths of the schools- academic/sport/arts?
Do you have recommendations of schools or ones to avoid from personal experience?
What is the community around the school like - events for parents etc?
Do you know what the teacher to child ratio is (I have asked the schools but they have all opted not to answer that question and it is important as my son is bright but has processing difficulties, not bad enough for a statement, and low ratios help him a lot)?
How did you help your kids settle in the new school? Any tips?
Do your kids play orchestral instruments and have they found orchestras/ensembles in Madrid?
I will be working full time too, what should I think about in terms of support after school/other facilities that the various schools offer? Or other things that I might not have considered?
Am I mad to think about arriving in Madrid in July?
Thank you so much. PM's welcome. There will be support from my husband’s office later on but I’d like to get things moving on the schools as early as possible.