ES International School Barcelona (American School in Barcelona)

• Established: in 1999
• Location: Barcelona, ​​Catalonia, Spain.

The American School of ES International School Barcelona is an excellent opportunity to receive a valuable educational certificate of the American type and deep academic knowledge in combination with intensive physical education and living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The American school is located on the territory of the famous Sanchez-Casal Tennis Academy, which annually teaches future world tennis stars. The school in Spain provides an opportunity to get a secondary education in the American system for pupils from 10 to 18 years (grades 5-12), combines academic lessons and sports exercises. All studying is conducted in English. The sports program is developed for each student individually, that's why the schedule of academic classes is adjusted for each student personally: it is important not only to have time in both important spheres, but also to allocate enough time for a full rest.

The ES International School Barcelona curriculum combines the traditional principles of the American system and fully meets the requirements of the Spanish Ministry of Education. Students are offered the following options for educational programs:

• Level 3-8 in the US school system (these are 3-6 elementary school classes + 1-2 grades of secondary school according to Spanish standards)
• 9-12 grades in the American system (grade 3-4 of the high school + two-year Spanish course of Bachillerato).

All students of the main academic areas (not members of the Tennis Academy) must attend sports and studying:

• 8-13 years - 10 lessons per week (2 exercises per day): football, tennis, fitness, handball, basketball, horse riding, jogging, beach volleyball;
• 14 -17 years - 2 hours of general physical exercises and 3 tennis exercise every week.

In order to successfully complete the educational course and obtain a certificate, ES International School Barcelona students must pass 22 exams (graduation and transfer from class to class). The following subjects and specialties are included in the number of compulsory (in brackets it is indicated how many times this subject is tested during the whole course):

• English (4; foreign students additionally take the EFL exam - "English as a Foreign Language")
• Mathematics and Algebra (3)
• Social Sciences and History of the USA (3)
• Natural Sciences: Biology, Physics, Chemistry (3)
• Foreign languages ​​(2, are studied for at least 2 years)
• Physical culture and sports (2)
• Art (1)
• Optional subjects
• Computer science and computer literacy (test).

After completing the 12th grade, students receive a high school diploma certificate and can enter any university not only in the US but also in the world - the American-style educational diploma is highly valued. The sports orientation of the private school in Spain makes it possible for graduates to count on sports scholarships, which can significantly reduce the cost of higher education. In addition, the graduates of ES International School Barcelona also receive a certificate of secondary education of the Spanish model - the Bachillerato document, which is highly valued when entering the universities of Hispanic countries.

In addition to the standard curriculum, foreign students can attend intensive English courses, preparation for the TOEFL and SAT examinations, additional consultations regarding admission to the university and the choice of the university. Also, Spanish is taught as an additional language, while Spanish students can additionally learn Catalan.

ES International School Barcelona is accredited by leading Spanish and international educational organizations (among which are the National Independent Private School Association (NIPSA) and the Middle States Association (MSA-CESS)), is part of the Mediterranean Association of International School (MAIS) And the Barcelona International Schools Association (BISA).

Today, the number of students reaches 130 people - they are representatives of more than 42 countries! In each group, on average, no more than 12 people are involved: this gives the teachers the opportunity to practice an individual, personal approach, giving each student maximum personal attention.

The educational process at ES International School Barcelona is structured to combine academic rigor with an individual approach to each student. The methodology is based on inquiry-based learning: in primary school, a thematic approach is applied; in secondary school — research projects and the development of critical thinking. Alternative methods of knowledge assessment (video works, web pages, blogs, sculptures, photo journals, multimedia presentations) allow teachers to objectively evaluate different types of thinking and talents.

The Academic Advisors system provides personal support for each student: an advisor oversees assigned students and coordinates work with teachers, the Guidance Counselor, and sports coaches. For student-athletes of the Emilio Sánchez academy, a sports advisor works in tandem with an academic advisor, synchronizing training and study schedules.

In middle and high school, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program is in place: students use their personal devices in class, developing digital literacy and self-organization skills.

For foreign students who are just beginning to learn English, the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program is available. In primary school, a Learning Specialist with a qualification in neuropsychology works with children who have various learning differences.

The teaching staff is multinational, and many teachers hold master's or doctoral degrees. Small class sizes (on average up to 12 students) allow for maximum attention to each student.

For high school students, comprehensive SAT preparation courses are offered, along with individual consultations with the Guidance Counselor and school directors on the topic of choosing and applying to university.

• Founded in 1999 on the grounds of the world-famous Emilio Sánchez tennis academy, its full name is Emilio Sánchez Academy & American School.
• Students represent more than 40 different nationalities — a truly international community in the heart of Catalonia!
• The Student Council has been operating since the 2003–2004 academic year, and archival photos of its activities have been preserved since 2007–2008.
• Since the 2023–2024 academic year, the school has been working towards obtaining Eco-School status (international Green Flag certification). The theme of the Eco-Committee in the 2024–25 academic year was "Food & Waste".
• Environmental initiatives: separate waste collection in all classrooms, drinking fountains instead of bottled water vending machines, vermicomposting, participation in UNESCO Global Action Days, marker recycling, switching to recycled paper, donating surplus food to those in need.
• The school principal is Ms. Mel Rose, Bachelor of Music with Honours (Goldsmiths College, University of London), PGCE, NLP Master Practitioner, NPQH.
• The monthly school magazine has been published since September 2023.
• The school's second campus is located in Naples, Florida (USA).

The campus features a professional restaurant whose menu is based on fresh local produce. In-house sports nutrition specialists conduct sessions with students directly in the restaurant: they explain the principles of a balanced diet and healthy eating habits — which is especially important for students who combine serious training with their studies.

Subject list: algebra, Art, Basics of health protection, biology, chemistry, economics, English literature, Environmental science, foreign language, geography, Geometry, Health and food, history, Information Technology, journalism, letter, literature, maths, media, music, Natural science, physics, politics, Preparing for SAT, social sciencies, Spanish Literature, technology, theatre studies

Most of the extra-curricular time of students is occupied by sports exercises - physical preparation of students is one of the basic principles of the educational institution. Each student can choose for himself the most convenient and optimal type of classes:

• General physical exercises

Includes 5 workouts per week: 3 for general physical development and 2 tennis. A convenient option for all students who are not members of the Tennis Academy Sanchez-Casal and wants to improve their physical strength and endurance in the complex.

• Tennis lessons

At Sanchez-Kasal Academy students are offered professional, intensive studying in big tennis, which are conducted by the best world experts in this sport, who brought up not one of the world's tennis stars.

• Integrated sports development

The studying program for the integrated program includes numerous team games (rugby, field hockey, football, basketball) and individual sports such as horseback riding and motorcycling. All programs are individually tailored to the skills and studying of each student in order to be as safe and effective as possible.

4) Water polo

For senior pupils 14-18 years of age there is an opportunity to attend professional exercises in water polo, organized by BIWPA - Barcelona International Water Polo Academy.

All students of ES Barcelona live directly in the territory. The youngest students live in cozy residences, and older children can choose comfortable bungalows. The housing stock is represented by rooms for 1-2 people, laundry and wireless Internet, entertainment and table games are available (TV and DVD are installed in the living rooms). Meals boarding, three times a day, usually on Wednesdays students go to the supermarket for shopping.

ES International School Barcelona is located on the secure campus of the Emilio Sánchez Academy — a world-renowned tennis training center. The city center of Barcelona is about 20 minutes away, and the international airport is about 10 minutes away.

The campus is surrounded by trees and green areas; on the grounds there is a historic 19th-century masia (manor house) and a large ornamental pond. The sports infrastructure includes tennis courts, padel courts, a swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, and equestrian facilities. Students have access to the world-class tennis facilities of the Emilio Sánchez Academy: professional coaches, physiotherapy, and a sports science center.

In the academic part of the campus:

• A library with a constantly growing collection in English, Spanish, and Catalan,
• A fully equipped natural science laboratory for hands-on experiments,
• High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the primary school building,
• A projector and laptop in every classroom.

The campus is home to the equestrian club Open Sport Club Hipica (founded in 1997), offering Olympic disciplines — show jumping and classical dressage.

The following components are paid additionally:

• Registration fee (non-refundable)
• Entrance fee (one-time, non-refundable)
• Tuition fee
• Teaching aids, books and materials 
• Using of library resources
• Accommodation and meals 
• Additional leisure and entertainment
• Additional sports exercises (if the student does not attend the Tennis Academy)
• Additional lessons (optional)
• Sports uniform and equipment
• Introductory language testing (if the student can not provide an international certificate)
• Adding subjects to the curriculum
• Air tickets in both directions
• Transfer in both directions
• Visa fees and services, translation and certification of documents, consular fee
• Personal pocket expenses
• Compulsory medical insurance.

Extras:

• Deposit for a course/programme 1500 EUR
• Study materials 500 EUR
• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 275 EUR
• Application Fee 2000 EUR

Admission to ES International School Barcelona includes several stages: submitting an application and documents, paying the registration fee, a trial day, and an English language test during the first week of study. Foreign nationals need to begin the student visa process well in advance.

Smapse specialists will guide you through all stages of enrollment.

The Advanced Placement (AP) program is considered a key tool for preparing graduates for university admission: high AP exam scores allow students to receive credit for university courses before enrollment, apply for accelerated admission, and thereby reduce tuition costs. Most students purposefully prepare for admission to American universities, including to pursue athletic goals thanks to the school's registration with NCAA and NJCAA.

According to admissions committees, graduates of ES Barcelona are distinguished by an international mindset and a clear value system formed by the Character Matters program.

Despite the small size and intimacy of the ES International School Barcelona, ​​its popularity among foreign and Spanish students is very high: it causes a big competition for each place and a fairly large waiting list. It is recommended to apply for admission and a package of necessary documents at least 1-1.5 years before the expected start of studies.

Applicants must provide the following documents to the admission committee:

• Forms filled in the form and the questionnaire
• A report card with grades from the previous school (for the last 3 years )
• Certificate of English proficiency (can be replaced by the internal entrance exam of the school).

Please note that all documents must be translated into English and notarized. For the consideration of documents, a fee of 175 euros is charged. At insufficiently high level of English language the student can pass preliminary intensive language courses.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision