For many families relocating to the Costa del Sol, choosing a school comes before choosing a house. It shapes where you look for property, how quickly your children settle, and whether the move feels like an adventure rather than a disruption. With British, American, IB, Scandinavian and Montessori options spread across Marbella, Sotogrande, Estepona, Fuengirola and Benalmádena, the choice can also feel overwhelming from a distance.
This guide brings together the main international schools on the Costa del Sol in 2026, organised by area, along with what has changed recently: new openings, expansions, exam results and fee ranges. At Málaga Solicitors we have spent 25 years helping international families settle on this coast, and school choice is often one of the first practical decisions our clients make, right alongside the legal and paperwork side of the move..
Why choose an international school? What are the advantages?
Choosing the right educational environment for your child is a significant decision, and our private school offers a plethora of reasons why it stands out as an exceptional choice.
International schools on the Costa del Sol generally follow recognised systems such as the British National Curriculum, the International Baccalaureate or the American curriculum, often alongside Spanish subjects so that children can also sit local exams if the family stays long term. This dual pathway means a change of country does not have to mean a step backwards academically, and several schools on this coast now send graduates to universities across the UK, continental Europe and North America.
Most schools also build a full programme of sport, art, music, robotics and leadership activities around the academic day, and a few run recognised schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. For children arriving from a different school system, these activities are often where friendships form fastest, and where a new country starts to feel familiar.
Classrooms on the Costa del Sol regularly mix thirty, forty or even fifty nationalities, so children pick up Spanish, and often a third or fourth language, simply by being around classmates and teachers who speak it. That exposure to different backgrounds tends to build an open-mindedness that is harder to develop in a more uniform environment.
By attending an international school, children have the opportunity to build a global network of contacts from an early age. This network can be invaluable in the future, both in terms of academic and professional opportunities and in terms of personal connections.
Perhaps the most underrated benefit is emotional rather than academic. Starting at a school where a large share of pupils have also moved from somewhere else gives children an immediate peer group who understand what they are going through, and gives parents a first, informal network in their new home.
List of International Schools
Marbella International Schools
Colegio Aloha
One of the oldest schools in Marbella, established in 1982 by six teachers responding to the needs of local and expatriate families.
The school offers a British International education from Early Years to Sixth Form (ages 3 to 18). The school follows the British National Curriculum, International Primary Curriculum, and IGCSE. For the pre-university years, they offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma and International A-Level programmes.
Additionally, students can pursue qualifications under the Spanish system, opening doors to top universities worldwide.
With around 840 students currently, the school has expanded from its initial 210 pupils. It started in a small building and now spans 27,000 m2 of buildings and recreational areas. The school embraces diversity, with students from over 50 nationalities.
Colegio Calpe
Located in Marbella (San Pedro) and with a history spanning over 50 years, this school caters to preschool and primary students aged 2 to 11 years old.
In the early years (ages 2 to 5), children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) program, where learning is facilitated through play using the “Happy to Learn” approach. They engage in four key areas: Language, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Artistic Expression.
As students progress, they follow a comprehensive program with a strong focus on English and Mathematics, while also covering subjects such as History, Geography, Science, Music, French, and Physical Education.
The school integrates new technologies into its teaching methods and maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention to each student during this stage of development.
Casa del Mar
For children from 15 months to 12 years of age.
A student-centered learning looks for the child’s interests, recognizes and emphasizes their unique abilities and follows their own pace of learning. Creativity and innovation are fostered every day by encouraging each child to pursue their innate curiosity and interests.
A holistic approach to education, that acknowledges the need for the human being to develop their intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, creative and spiritual potentials to become a fulfilled and happy human.
The learning takes place through the child’s own activity. The use of Montessori materials builds a foundation of concrete experiences of abstract concepts, assisting your child to attain a deeper level of understanding. Reflection upon experiences is encouraged by the guides; critical thinking, independent decision making and problem-solving skills are practice daily.
Younger children admire the work of older ones and are take an interest in the work they are doing because the difference in their abilities is not as big. For older children, teaching younger ones allows them to consolidate their knowledge as well as practice their leadership skills.
The ability to recognise and regulate one’s emotions, thoughts and behaviours is a fundamental learning for the human being. As part of the holistic approach to education we integrate practices that will help our children develop self-discipline, empathy, teamwork and ethical responsibility. Mindfulness and meditation are practice daily.
Upon a foundation of respect and within a framework of peace education, the Montessori Methodology aims to instil the values, attitudes and behaviours that support responsible global citizenship: creativity, innovation, and commitment to peace, human rights and sustainable development.
English International College
This school has a consistent success at A Level over the last 40 years. They sent its students progress to university in the UK, (including Oxbridge, Imperial, LSE & UCL) the USA, Canada, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden.
As an English school in Spain, with over 50% of its students of UK origin, they also have pupils from of over 20 differing nationalities.
The English International College has the recognition of most premier universities as a centre of academic excellence. As a result, students of the EIC are actively sought by these bodies, with scholarships and exhibitions offered as incentives.
Montessori College Marbella
Established in 2007, Marbella Montessori is a school for children ages two through Kindergarten.
They providing a diverse and enriching educational experience tailored to each child’s unique needs and developmental stage. With a range of classroom options, including a two-year-old Pre-Montessori classroom, mixed-age primary Montessori classrooms, and a kindergarten Montessori classroom, they ensure that children receive personalized attention and guidance as they progress through their educational journey.
Flexibility is key to accommodating busy schedules, they offer flexible scheduling options ranging from 2 to 5 half or full days a week. This allows families to tailor their child’s education to fit their lifestyle and commitments.
In addition to our comprehensive academic program, they believe in the importance of fostering creativity and cultural awareness. ‘That’s why we offer weekly art, music, and Spanish instruction, providing students with a well-rounded education that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Their commitment to holistic development extends beyond the school day with before and after-care programs that offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including soccer, dance, piano, karate, Spanish, sports, and yoga instruction. This not only provides additional learning opportunities but also ensures that children are engaged and active in a safe and nurturing environment.
Saint George’s School
The British International School St. George’s School Malaga offers a Bilingual education. It belongs to one of the four schools of the prestigious St. George’s Group. They provided a top quality British style education for children aged 3 to 8 years while, at the same time, giving the Spanish language the importance it deserves.
St. George’s School is jointly recognised by the British Department of Education and the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science.
The school has very good teachers who support all students to develop their potential, regardless of their ability, so all children are encouraged to do their best to learn, including those with learning difficulties or exceptional talent.
Swans International School
Established in 1971, Swans International School is one of the oldest private international schools in Marbella. Swans International School has two schools: a primary school in the El Capricho urbanisation (on the famous Golden Mile) and a secondary school in Sierra Blanca, one of Marbella’s most exclusive developments of luxury villas.
Swans International School combines the system of the best British schools with the advanced educational systems of Singapore. Its language teaching system stands out, adding Chinese and Arabic to the more traditional languages of English, French, Spanish and German.
The primary curriculum begins at age 3 and extends to age 6. There is a strong emphasis on vocabulary development, mathematics and familiarisation with new technologies, with a focus on participation and ‘cooperative learning’.
Swans International School offers excellent sports facilities, with football and basketball courts, as well as a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including cooking, painting, music and various sports.
In addition, pupils can take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a prestigious programme of activities for young people which encourages self-discovery, autonomy and responsibility.
Laude International School in San Pedro
Located in Nueva Alcántara, Laude San Pedro stands as one of Marbella’s most prestigious private international schools. Recognized as one of the top 30 international schools in Spain by El Mundo (2020).
Offering both the British National Curriculum (including the International Primary Curriculum, GCSE, and A-Level examinations) and the Spanish curriculum (ESO and Bachillerato).
Laude San Pedro International School implements a comprehensive curriculum policy, distinguishing between academic, values, and extracurricular teaching aspects. The school’s effectiveness is evidenced by its students’ performance in UK GCSE and A-Level exams, as well as the Spanish Selectividad: consistently achieving results above the national average in both countries.
In addition to a rigorous academic program, Laude San Pedro offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including football, basketball, tennis, karate, fencing, rhythmic gymnastics, artistic dance, chess, robotics, electronics, and cooking.
The school provides international opportunities such as the ISP Buddy Exchange, ISP Summer Camp, and ISP Model United Nations (MUN). Laude San Pedro is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), one of the largest educational groups globally, with 12 private schools in Spain.
Sotogrande International Schools
Alma Forest School
The joint creation of teacher-student ‘journeys of discovery’ is at its core. As a community of learners we value an open and honest exchange of ideas and build relationships based on a shared humanity, with all its flaws, rather than identities centred around being a ‘teacher’ or ‘student’.
They work from ages three to fourteen and have a summer programme.
Each child will thrive in their discovery of self-knowledge, nature and ingenuity, applying their creativity and imagination as architects of a more resilient, collaborative and interconnected future. Furthermore, they foster an environment of mutual respect and collaboration, where every voice is valued and heard.
It is recognised that academic success goes hand in hand with mental and emotional wellbeing, so the school offers a strong emotional support and mental health programme. Students are encouraged to express their emotions, develop coping skills and cultivate positive relationships, all with the aim of promoting a safe and welcoming school environment.
tudents actively participate in green initiatives, learning the value of conservation and environmental responsibility.
Sotogrande International School
This is a school for ages 3 to 18. It emphasises academic excellence, as well as instilling a social commitment through its NGO called The Kindred Project. It is committed to art and sport, without neglecting the academic field.
Sotogrande School has a sports programme called Elite Sports, specially designed for students who excel in golf, polo, tennis, swimming or basketball.
In relation to the university, Sotogrande International School offers the Inspired programme, where one in three students is admitted to the Russell Group and Ivy League schools. The chosen students receive private tutoring services giving them extra support to maximise their grades and chances of admission to prestigious international universities.
Estepona International Schools
Atalaya International School
Atalaya International School is located in the municipality of Estepona. Close to the Golden Mile, Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía and San Pedro de Alcántara.
Atalaya International School includes in its curriculum all stages of education: infant, primary, compulsory secondary, baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate (IB). Atalaya also offers preparation courses for the University Entrance Exams (PAU). It is an English/Spanish bilingual school.
It is committed to cooperative methodologies, based on the latest advances in neuroscience, which affirm that we learn better if there is social interaction and participation. They prepare their students to work in teams, developing their social skills.
Atalaya International School has a complete sports club, with facilities such as a football pitch and basketball courts. In addition to these sports, pupils can practice volleyball, karate, yoga and other specialities. Here they will learn to improve themselves and work as a team.
Atlas American School
ATLAS- ASM is a school that prepares students for their future university entrance by following the American academic curriculum.
Like all American schools they focus a lot on the world of sports. All of our students will be assigned to a house to compete in sports and recreational activities. This system facilitates social integration in the school by allowing students to share time and activities with others of different ages and grades and promoting a sense of belonging to the community.
They believe that learning goes beyond the classroom walls. Their hands-on, project-based approach encourages creativity, problem solving and critical thinking. From educational field trips to extracurricular activities.
As a “new” school, they are committed to preparing our students for the challenges of the real world. Their curriculum includes 21st century skills such as critical thinking, effective communication and leadership, equipping graduates with the tools they need to succeed in whatever path they choose to follow.
It will also distinguish itself by offering innovative programmes, such as an intensive French programme; an entrepreneurship programme for students aged 14 to 17; and high-performance sports programmes in golf, tennis and paddle tennis. All of this will be integrated into the school timetable to guarantee excellence in the education of its students.
Fuengirola International Schools
The Finnish School
The Finnish School in Fuengirola is a private educational institution established in 1991 on the Sunny Coast. Situated in Los Pacos, Fuengirola, it comprises both a preschool and an upper secondary school.
Adhering to the Finnish national curriculum and Basic Education Act, the school mandates the inclusion of Spanish language instruction at all levels, while otherwise following the Finnish educational framework. Accredited to issue official report cards and receiving subsidies from Finland, it holds official recognition in Spain, enabling students to seamlessly transition to Spanish schools if desired.
The school’s curriculum prioritizes internationalism, creativity, respect for cultural heritage, and a broad understanding of Spanish and European cultures. Individuality, initiative, and independence are fostered and celebrated within the school community. With its location amidst a diverse array of international, Nordic, and Spanish educational institutions, the Finnish School provides ample opportunities for international engagement and collaborative learning.
The Svenka Skolan
The Svenka Skolan was the first foreign educational centre established on the Costa del Sol and started in 1969. It has a total of 291 pupils, mostly living in Mijas and Fuengirola. They focus their teaching on not losing the customs of their country but adapting the children to Spain, be it excursions to the feria, learning to dance sevillanas, cultural classes or trips around Spain.
They focus on a more practical education system and not like the Spanish one, they don’t want their students to memorise for the exam. Their students can then choose whether to start working in Sweden or in Spain.
It is ideal for Swedish families who do not want to give up their roots, who want to learn Swedish and Spanish.
Benalmadena International Schools
Torrequebrada International School
Torrequebrada International School is a bilingual school for students from 2 to 18 years old. Its motto is ‘each student is unique and unrepeatable’.
The school has been recognised by the International Baccalaureate network as a ‘World School’. CIT is the only school in the province of Malaga to offer the IB continuum (Primary, Secondary and Baccalaureate). This School is based on developing students who are open-minded, caring and informed about how they can contribute to the creation of a better peaceful world.
On the Costa del Sol there is a wide variety of prestigious schools for your children. We are a law firm specialising in Real Estate. If you are thinking of moving or buying a property, do not hesitate to contact us.
Author: Clara Cuevas Rodríguez
Marketing Department – Malaga Solicitors Group
Responsible of updating the website, network planning, customer follow-up and data monitoring.
Languages: Spanish and English.
Contact us:
English 
Dutch