The Right School for Your Child in Mallorca - A 2023 Guide

Moving to Mallorca is a dream for many families, but when it comes to ensuring a quality education for your children, it becomes a top priority. To simplify the daunting task of selecting the right school, mallorca.com has prepared an in-depth guide to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the School System in Mallorca

Before diving into school options, it's essential to grasp the structure of the educational system in Mallorca.

Number of Schools: Mallorca boasts a total of 590 educational institutions, including 224 public preschool and primary schools, 71 public secondary schools, 115 semi-public "Colegios Concertados," and 176 private institutions offering preschool and international education.

Expatriate Enrollment: The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, lead the way in accommodating foreign students, with over 16% of all students being expatriates. An astounding 83% of them attend public schools, reflecting the confidence in Mallorca's education system.

Global Recognition: Mallorca's reputation as a luxury resort hasn't gone unnoticed by prestigious international educational organizations. As a result, education in Mallorca is highly esteemed across Europe, with many private schools offering programs developed in collaboration with world-renowned universities.

Types of Schools in Mallorca:

Mallorca offers diverse schooling options to cater to various preferences and budgets:

1. Public Schools:

• Key Details: Public schools are open to all, regardless of nationality. Lessons are primarily conducted in Catalan.
• Cost: Public education in Mallorca is free, although expenses for textbooks and computers (for 3rd grade and above) may apply, partially subsidised by the Ministry of Education.

2. Semi-Private "Colegios Concertados":

• Key Details: These are highly popular among Spanish and foreign families relocating for work. Lessons are predominantly in Catalan, and a majority of these schools have religious affiliations.
• Cost: Tuition typically ranges from 100 to 250 EUR per month.

3. Private Schools (International and Spanish):

• Key Details: These institutions operate independently without government subsidies, providing globally recognised diplomas and certificates.
• Cost: Private school fees start at 500 EUR per month, excluding additional costs like textbooks and uniforms.

Schooling Structure in Mallorca:

Mallorca's educational journey starts early:

1. Preschool Education: Children as young as three months can attend public or private "Escuela infantile" or "Guardería en Mallorca." Public options are free, while private alternatives may cost around 250 EUR per month.

2. Compulsory Education: Spanish law mandates compulsory education starting at age six. Children begin with six years of primary education at "Colegio Primario," followed by four years of secondary school at "Escola Secundária."

3. Specialized Education: The last two years, spent in "Escuela bachillerato," are optional but commonly pursued by students before heading to universities worldwide.

Academic Calendar and School Hours:

The school year in Mallorca typically commences in mid-September and concludes in June to avoid the hottest months. School hours vary based on its type:

Public Schools: 08:00 AM to 02:00 PM.

Semi-Private Schools: 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM, with optional extensions to 05:00 PM.

Private Schools: 09:00 AM to 04:45 PM.

Public Schools in Mallorca:

Public schools in Mallorca welcome students of all nationalities and provide lessons in Catalan and Spanish. Enrollment typically requires proof of residence, obtainable from the Mayor's Office, and is free, excluding textbooks and computers.

Here are some popular public schools in Mallorca:

1. CEIP Jaume I de Palmanova
2. Colegio Son Caliu
3. Colegio Ramón Llull
4. Colegio Sagrat Cor – FECIB
5. Colegio Madre Alberta
6. Colegio Pintor Joan Miró
7. Colegio Pureza de María
8. Colegio Son Pisà (Palma de Mallorca)
9. Colegio Son Pisà (Pollenca).

Public transportation facilitates easy access to these schools via bus stops near each institution.

Semi-Private "Colegios Concertados":

These schools, which feature smaller class sizes and a strong emphasis on education, are favored among Spanish and expat families. Most teach in Catalan and offer a high-quality education. Here are some of the top semi-private schools in Mallorca:

1. Colegio Sant Pere (Palma De Mallorca)
2. Colegio Centro Internacional De Educación (Palma De Mallorca)
3. Colegio San Agustín (Palma de Mallorca)
4. Colegio La Salle (Inca)
5. Colegio La Salle (Palma de Mallorca).

Each of these schools offers a unique educational experience, often blending a mix of languages and international perspectives.

Best International Schools in Mallorca:

Private international schools in Mallorca, without government subsidies, offer exceptional education with global recognition. These schools feature smaller class sizes, diverse curricula, and a focus on internationalism. Here are some of the best international schools in Mallorca:

1. Colegio Agora (Portals Nous)
2. Colegio Luis Vives (Palma de Mallorca)
3. Colegio San Cayetano (Palma de Mallorca)
4. Colegio Queen's College (Palma de Mallorca)
5. Colegio Lycée Français international de Palma (Palma de Mallorca)
6. Baleares International College B.I.C. (Magaluf)
7. Colegio The Montessori School of Mallorca (Santa María del Camí)
8. Rafa Nadal International School (Manacor)
9. Colegio Escola Global (Palma de Mallorca).

These schools provide a range of educational models, language options, and extracurricular activities, making them appealing choices for families seeking an international education.

Private German Schools in Mallorca:

Mallorca's allure extends to German families, and the island is home to the "Eurocampus Deutsche Schule," the only German school licensed by the Ministry of Education in Mallorca. Offering a general pedagogical method, this school provides education primarily in German, with some subjects taught in Spanish and Catalan. The curriculum follows the German system, with compulsory English and, from the 7th grade, French language instruction.

Transitioning to a New School on the island:

Changing schools, especially in a new country, can be a daunting experience. To ease the transition for your children, consider the following tips:

Budget: Determine your budget for education, considering the three options: public (free), semi-private (100-250 EUR per month), or private (at least 500 EUR per month).

School Visits: Visit several private schools to assess which one aligns best with your preferences and educational goals. Some recommended options include Colegio San Cayetano, Colegio Luis Vives, and Baleares International College.

Registration: After choosing a school, pay the annual "Matricula" fee, equivalent to one month's tuition. You'll gain access to the school application, program details, and information on additional requirements such as textbooks, uniforms, and transportation.

Language Support: While Spanish is relatively easy for children to pick up, consider hiring a tutor if needed. Schools in Mallorca are accustomed to accommodating newcomers from various countries.

Mid-Year Enrollment: If you move during the school year, request a report card from your previous school and follow the enrollment procedure as you would at the start of the academic year.

Stay Calm: Mallorca's diverse expat community ensures that schools are well-prepared to integrate students from different backgrounds. Your children will receive the support they need to smoothly adapt to their new learning environment.

Remember that many private and semi-private schools are situated in Palma de Mallorca, offering excellent real estate options and a high quality of life.

Choosing the right school for your child is a crucial step in ensuring a successful and fulfilling life in Mallorca. We hope this comprehensive guide helps you make an informed decision and paves the way for a bright educational journey for your children on this beautiful island.