Questions to Ask on a School Tour in Barcelona: A Guide for International Parents
Choosing a school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. For families living in Barcelona—or moving here from abroad—the options can feel overwhelming. There are Spanish, Catalan, British, American, French, and international schools across the city, each with different teaching styles and pathways.
That’s where the school tour comes in. Walking the halls, seeing classes in action, and talking to staff gives you real insight into what life might look like for your child. But many parents leave tours thinking, “I wish I had asked more questions.”
This guide will help you avoid that. Below you’ll find the key areas to focus on, practical questions to ask, and tips for making the most of your visit.
Why the School Tour Matters for International Families
Brochures and websites can only tell you so much. A tour gives you a sense of:
- How teachers and students interact
- The general atmosphere—welcoming or rigid, calm or chaotic
- What facilities actually look like, beyond the glossy photos
- Whether staff take time to listen to your questions
- How your child might feel walking into that environment every day
For international families, a tour is also a chance to find out how the school supports children arriving from abroad, especially with language and settling in socially.
Preparing Before the Tour
Before you step into the school, get clear on your priorities. Ask yourself:
- Which curriculum do we want? (IB, A Levels, Spanish Bachillerato, French Baccalauréat)
- Does our child need language support?
- Do we want a school that’s academically focused, or one that balances academics with creativity and sports?
- How important is community and parent involvement to us?
- Do we see this school as short-term or long-term?
Write your questions down and bring them with you. Tours can move quickly, and it’s easy to forget things on the spot.
Key Questions to Ask on a School Tour
Here are the main areas to focus on during your visit.
1. Daily Life and Schedule
You want to know what your child’s everyday routine will feel like.
Ask:
- What does a typical day look like?
- How long are lessons, and how many breaks are there?
- How is lunch handled—canteen, packed lunch, or catered meals?
- Are phones allowed during the school day?
2. Curriculum and Teaching Style
Barcelona offers schools with different systems. Some are more traditional, others project-based or inquiry-driven.
Ask:
- Which curriculum(s) do you offer?
- How is teaching adapted for different learning styles?
- What languages are taught, and at what level?
- How are students assessed—grades, reports, or narrative feedback?
- How is homework managed?
3. Support Services and Class Environment
Every child learns differently. International families often need language support.
Ask:
- What’s the average class size?
- What’s the teacher-to-student ratio?
- What support is there for children with special needs?
- Are there extra help sessions for students who struggle?
4. School Culture and Community
A school’s culture often matters as much as academics.
Ask:
- How would you describe the school’s values?
- What’s the approach to discipline?
- How diverse is the student body?
- How do you welcome new international families?
- What kind of parent involvement is expected?
Tip: Pay attention to how staff and students interact when you walk through the halls. Do students look engaged? Are teachers approachable? That tells you more than any brochure.
5. Facilities and Extracurriculars
Facilities vary widely between schools in Barcelona.
Ask:
- What sports facilities are available?
- Do you have science labs, art studios, music rooms?
- How is technology used in lessons?
- What after-school clubs and activities are available?
- Is transport provided for sports or field trips?
6. Academic Outcomes and Future Pathways
You want to know where students end up.
Ask:
- What do graduates typically go on to do?
- Do you have university counseling or career guidance?
- What universities have recent graduates attended?
- Do students stay in Spain or apply abroad?
- How do you support students applying to universities in the UK, US, or elsewhere?
7. Values and Global Mindset
International families often look for schools that are open-minded and inclusive.
Ask:
- How does the school support multilingualism?
- How do you teach cultural awareness and global citizenship?
- What steps are taken to create an inclusive environment?
- Do you celebrate different cultural traditions?
Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour
- Visit during school hours. Seeing classes in action gives you a more realistic view than an after-hours tour.
- Ask to meet current students. Their perspective is often more honest than a staff member’s.
- Check the little details. Notice displays, student work, or how teachers greet students.
- Bring your child if possible. Their reaction is important.
- Don’t rush. If something isn’t clear, ask for examples.
Checklist: 20 Questions to Ask on a School Tour in Barcelona
Parents often ask what to focus on during a school visit. Here are 20 key questions to ask on a school tour in Barcelona to help you get a clear picture of daily life, academics, and community.
- What does a typical school day look like?
- How long are lessons, and how many breaks are there?
- How many students are in each class?
- Which curriculum(s) do you follow?
- How are students assessed?
- What languages are taught, and at what level?
- How do you support students who don’t speak the school’s main language?
- What support is available for children with learning differences?
- What’s the approach to discipline?
- How do you communicate with parents?
- What facilities are available for sports, arts, and sciences?
- What extracurricular activities are offered?
- How is technology used in the classroom?
- What’s the teacher-to-student ratio?
- How do you welcome new international families?
- Where do graduates typically continue their studies?
- What universities have alumni attended?
- How diverse is the student body?
- Can we observe a class or talk with current students?
- What is the admissions process and timeline?
FAQs
How many international schools are there in Barcelona?
There are more than 30 international schools across Barcelona and the surrounding areas. The main curricula offered are IB, British, American, French, and German.
What’s the difference between an international school and a local school?
International schools usually follow a non-Spanish curriculum, often in English or another language. Local schools follow the Spanish or Catalan system, with teaching mainly in Spanish or Catalan.
Do schools in Barcelona require uniforms?
Some do, especially British and private international schools. Others don’t. It’s best to ask during your tour.
Can my child change schools later if we choose the wrong one?
Yes. Many families switch after a year or two if the first choice isn’t the right fit. Admissions can be competitive, though, so it’s better to research carefully up front.
How early should we apply for admission?
Most international schools recommend applying 6–12 months before your desired start date. Some have rolling admissions, but spaces in certain grades fill quickly.
Are tours available year-round?
Most schools offer tours throughout the year, but the best time is during term so you can see the school in action.
School Tours at The Learn Academy
If you’re considering international schools in Barcelona, The Learn Academy (TLA) offers tailored tours designed with families like yours in mind.
Here’s what you can expect when visiting:
- Personalised experience: Tours are led by staff who take the time to understand your child’s needs and answer your questions.
- Student-led insights: Where possible, you’ll meet current students to hear directly about their experience—academics, friendships, and life at TLA.
- See classes in action: Families are invited to observe lessons so you get a real sense of how teachers engage with students.
- Explore facilities: From science labs to creative arts spaces, you’ll see the resources students use every day.
- Ask about pathways: TLA guides you through the options—A Levels, university preparation, and international pathways—so you know how your child will be supported long-term.
- Meet the community: You’ll get a feel for the welcoming, diverse environment where students from different backgrounds learn together.
How to Book a Tour
Tours can be arranged directly through TLA’s admissions team. Most families prefer to visit during term time to see the school in full swing. Spaces are limited, so booking early is recommended.
