Private vs semi-private schools in Spain: a complete guide
Choosing between a private school and a semi-private (concertado) school is one of the most important decisions families face in Spain. Both types of schools offer unique advantages, but they also present significant differences in terms of cost, teaching model, and accessibility.
What is a private school?
A private school (colegio privado) is an educational center funded exclusively through private funds, mainly through tuition fees paid by families. It receives no state subsidies, which gives it complete autonomy in management, supplementary curriculum, and admission policy.
Private schools in Spain represent approximately 12% of all educational centers. They typically offer bilingual or international programs, high-level sports and arts facilities, and lower student-teacher ratios.
What is a semi-private school (concertado)?
A concertado school is a privately owned center that receives public funding through an agreement with the educational administration. In exchange for this subsidy, it must meet certain requirements: follow the official curriculum, respect public admission criteria, and not charge mandatory fees for regulated education.
Concertados represent approximately 25% of educational centers in Spain and are especially popular in regions like the Basque Country, Navarra, and Madrid.
What is a public school?
For better context, a public school (colegio pĂşblico) is a center fully funded and managed by the State. Education is free, although families may have expenses for school supplies, lunch, and extracurricular activities. Public schools represent 63% of centers in Spain.
Comparison table: private vs semi-private vs public
| Feature | Public | Semi-private | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funding | 100% public | Mixed (public + private) | 100% private |
| Monthly cost | Free | €100-300/month | €400-1,500+/month |
| Admission | Public criteria | Public criteria | Free selection |
| Curriculum | Official | Official | Official + own |
| Students per class | 25-30 | 25-30 | 15-22 |
| Languages | 1-2 | 1-2 | 2-3+ |
| Extended hours | Variable | Common | Standard |
| Facilities | Standard | Good | Premium |
| Own ethos | No | Yes (often religious) | Yes |
Advantages of private schools
- Greater curricular autonomy: Can offer international programs (IB, British, American) alongside the Spanish curriculum.
- Lower ratios: Smaller classes allowing more personalized attention.
- Superior facilities: Labs, pools, sports fields, auditoriums, maker spaces.
- Language programs: Bilingual or trilingual immersion with native teachers.
- Schedule flexibility: Extended hours, integrated extracurricular activities.
- Continuity: Many offer all stages, from preschool to high school.
Advantages of semi-private schools
- Reduced cost: Basic education is free, though there are «voluntary» fees for activities.
- Defined educational project: Many have an ethos (religious, pedagogical) shared by families.
- Good educational quality: Academic results frequently above average.
- Community: They tend to have a strong sense of community and belonging.
- Location: Greater geographical distribution than pure private schools.
How to choose between private and semi-private?
The choice depends on several factors each family must consider:
- Budget: Can you afford €500-1,500/month for 10-15 years?
- Educational priorities: Are you looking for an international program, native bilingualism, or the standard Spanish curriculum?
- Values: Is a religious ethos important, or do you prefer a secular center?
- Location: Are there private/semi-private options near your home or workplace?
- Long-term plan: Do you want your child to stay at the same school from preschool through high school?
FAQ
Is a concertado school better than a public one?
Not necessarily. Quality depends on each specific center, its teaching staff, and its educational project. There are excellent public schools and mediocre concertados, and vice versa.
Do private schools have better academic results?
PISA studies show that when corrected for socioeconomic level, the differences are significantly reduced. Teaching quality and family environment are more determining factors than the type of school.