How to Enroll Kids in Spanish Public Schools: A Step-by-Step Guide
Relocating to Spain with your family comes with many adjustments, and one of the most crucial is ensuring your children are smoothly enrolled in the public school system. Spain offers free public education to all residents, including foreign children, but navigating the bureaucracy is distinct from the American system. This guide walks you through the process using Castilla y León as an example, covering necessary documents, deadlines, and what to expect at each step.
Understanding the Spanish School System
Spain’s education system consists of the following stages:
Infantil (Preschool): Ages 0-6 (non-compulsory but widely attended)
Primaria (Primary School): Ages 6-12 (compulsory)
ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria - Secondary School): Ages 12-16 (compulsory)
Bachillerato or Formación Profesional (High School or Vocational Training): Ages 16-18 (optional but necessary for university or professional training)
Public schools in Spain are free, except for optional materials and extracurricular activities. Most children attend the school assigned to their neighborhood unless applying for a special program. Classes run from mid-September through the end of June. Here is an example of this year’s schedule in Castilla y León.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Obtain Legal Residency
Before enrolling your child, you must prove legal residency in Spain, which you will have once you have an approved Visa and have arrived in Spain. These documents will be required to enroll your child(ren) in public schools. This typically involves:
Empadronamiento (City Hall Registration): Register your family at the local Ayuntamiento (town hall) to get a proof of address, called the certificado de empadronamiento.
NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number): All family members will need an NIE, which you can obtain through the local police station or immigration office.
TIE (Foreigner’s Identity Card): If you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll need to process the TIE card.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
To enroll your child in school, you will need:
Birth certificate (apostilled and, if necessary, translated into Spanish)
Passport or NIE of the child and parents
Certificado de empadronamiento (proof of residence)
Vaccination records (translated if not in Spanish)
Previous school records (if applicable, legalized and translated)
Solicitud de Admisión (Application Form), which can be obtained from the school or local education office. Most communities have forms available on the department of education website.
Step 3: Determine the Enrollment Period
In Castilla y León, the school enrollment period varies depending on whether you are enrolling during the regular admissions period or outside of it.
Regular Enrollment (March - April)
If you’re moving before the school year starts, you’ll apply during the regular admissions process, which typically runs from March to April for the upcoming academic year.
Applications are submitted online through the Consejería de Educación de Castilla y León website (right click and select to translate the webpage into English if you need), or in person at the local education office. If you are already local, I’d suggest going to your local school and registering in person, to make sure you have all the information, book lists, and dates that you need for the coming school year.
School placements are usually announced by June.
Late Enrollment (Ongoing, Year-Round)
If you arrive mid-year, you’ll need to apply through the Escolarización Fuera de Plazo process at your local Dirección Provincial de Educación.
Placement depends on available spots.
In some cases, children may be temporarily assigned to a different school if the preferred one is full.
Step 4: Choose a School
While Spain generally assigns children to their nearest school, families can list preferred schools on their application. Some factors to consider:
Language Programs: Castilla y León offers bilingual schools where subjects like science and history may be taught in English. Our children attend one, and the program is a great balance of English and Spanish reading skills, with emphasis on building vocabulary in the two languages for these subjects.
Religious vs. Secular Schools: Many public schools offer optional Catholic religion classes with Ethics as an alternative.
Special Needs Support: If your child requires additional support, check for schools with integration programs (Aula de Apoyo).
Step 5: Attend the School Interview & Orientation
Once a school is assigned, you’ll be invited for an orientation or brief interview. Some schools assess Spanish language skills, but a lack of Spanish fluency does not prevent enrollment.
The school will confirm your child’s grade level.
If needed, your child may receive extra Spanish language support through a “Programa de Acogida.”
Step 6: First Day of School & Integration
Once enrolled, your child will start school according to the academic calendar (mid-September to late June). The school will provide details on:
School Supplies & Uniforms (most public schools do not require)
Extracurricular Activities
Parent-Teacher Communication (often through an app like WhatsApp, Microsoft Office or the school portal)
Language Barrier Tips
Schools often have welcome programs for non-Spanish speakers.
Encourage Spanish immersion through playdates, cartoons, and local activities.
Consider private Spanish lessons if extra support is needed.
Final Thoughts
Enrolling your children in Spanish public schools can seem bureaucratic, but with preparation, the process is smooth. Castilla y León provides excellent education options, and children generally adapt quickly to their new environment. By following these steps and embracing the transition, your child will be well on their way to thriving in their new Spanish school!
Check out our Family Immigration Course for more in-depth information and video tutorials walking you through the enrollment process.
