With such high demand for long term rental properties in Marbella we see a large number of families begin a new chapter of their life on the Costa del Sol. This brings us to a very important point with regards to the “little family members of the household” and education. People who change countries either by choice or for work tend to be adventurous people but when they have children they tend to hold back and have more doubts about these kinds of life changes. Leaving their country of origin opens many windows of opportunity but also creates questions about how to confront education. People fear losing touch with their culture and roots, and in some cases worry about not being able to become fluent in the new language and have the same level of education as in their home country. Marbella is well experienced and continues to thrive when it comes to welcoming new inhabitants since the 60s when Northern Europeans began to take the first steps on the Costa del Sol. Marbella has a large variety of nationalities and is a cosmopolitan city that in addition to countless hours of sunshine and dream beaches, offers a wide range of services including an ample and varied educational system.
A simple stroll through the streets of Marbella can make us realize how many languages are spoken. Spanish residents live amongst the British, a large number of Scandinavians, Russians, Dutch, French and German. The variety of languages also brings variety of culture. Parents who do not want their children to forget their origins have an enormous amount of help from the Marbella community. Two main languages are spoken on a daily basis in the city, Spanish and English. English is the most common language used that links all the nationalities and variety of people living in Marbella, being the common international language. Traditional Spanish provides an insight to the typical Spanish culture and its unique characteristics.
Taking into account all of the above, there are usually three educational options in the Marbella areas: a bilingual international education system, a specialised non-Spanish education system or the complete Spanish education system. English-speaking schools predominate in the city due to the large established British community living on the Costa del Sol and to the process of globalization that uses it as an international language. In addition these schools offer a multicultural environment where not only 1 or 2 languages are learned, but they learn and understand the varied ways of interacting with people from all nationalities. Thus enabling the children to become open minded with regard to mixed relationships. Children will understand other cultures so they are able to integrate well in the constantly changing world of tomorrow.
If on the other hand parents prefer their children to follow one specific countries educational system in their own language, Marbella can provide a variety of options for this. For example, the Swedish School ‘Svenska Skolan Marbella’ (supported by the governments of Sweden and Norway) offers an education system up to 12 years old (primary school education), with learning by distance for the older children to allow students to stay in touch with the Swedish educational system, its culture and language while residing in Spain. Germany also is clearly represented under the Spanish sun, with the prestigious German School Juan Hoffmann, famous for the diversity of its students and is recognized by both the Spanish and German authorities. Undoubtedly, it is one of the educational jewels on the Costa del Sol. We can also add the French Liceo School located in Malaga that is also extremely prestigious and well recognised. If on the other hand you choose to enrol your child into the Spanish education system, there are 2 options, the public school system or the private school system with well-known schools such as Colegio San José.
Whichever choice the schools are located in various areas of Marbella and its surroundings. The area of Marbella East offers schools such as: Colegio Las Chapas and Colegio Ecos (focusing on sports and including several federated teams), The Colegio San José in the area of Guadalmina, Colegio Calpe in San Pedro, and many others.
In addition, if you come to Marbella for a short holiday, many schools offer summer camps, with a variety of schedules and courses. Children will enjoy learning and meeting new friends, whilst the parents can relax on the beach or by the pool of a stunning property found by Marbella Unique Properties. If you are thinking of moving to Marbella, do not hesitate to contact us. During your holidays we are pleased to help provide private tutors making most of the children’s Spanish holidays’ experience.
Marbella Unique Properties is pleased to include a list of some of the aformentioned schools in the area:
Private Spanish schools
Colegio Alborán, Marbella
Colegio Ecos, Elviria, Marbella
Colegio Las Chapas, Las Chapas, Marbella
Colegio La Latina, El Mirador, Marbella
Colegio San José, Guadalmina y Estepona
International English schools
Aloha College, Marbella
Atalaya Colegio Bilingue, Benahavis
Benalmadena International College, Benalmádena
The British School of Marbella, Marbella
Calpe School, San Pedro
The English International College, Marbella
Laude International College, San Pedro
Marbella Montessori School, Marbella
Mayfair Academy, Estepona
St Anthony’s College, Fuengirola
Sotogrande International School, Sotogrande
Sunny View School, Torremolinos
Swans International School, Marbella
Specialised non-Spanish School
Juan Hoffmann Schule, La Mairena, Marbella – Alemán
Lycée Français, Málaga – Francés
Svenska Skolan Marbella, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella – Sueco
Svenska Skolan Costa del Sol, Fuengirola – Sueco