For many American families planning a move abroad, one constant concern in my DM’s is:
“How will my kids adjust in school if they don’t speak Spanish fluently yet?”
And honestly, that concern is valid.
Moving abroad with children is already a massive transition emotionally, socially, and academically. Adding a brand-new language on top of that can feel overwhelming for both parents and kids, especially if your children are older.
With this in mind, I put my girls in public school because I wanted them to have a faster integration process and a better grasp of the language, but I planned for supplemental support.
With older kids (mine were 5 and 10), this may be a lot more challenging than it seems.
The good news is this:
Spain has several incredible regions that are exceptionally well-equipped for international families, English-speaking students, and children transitioning into bilingual life abroad.
If you are searching for:
- The best international schools in Spain,
- The best places in Spain for American families,
- Where English-speaking children can adapt easily,
- Which Spanish regions are best for expat families with kids?
These are the three communities I have researched, and believe offer the best balance of:
- International school infrastructure,
- English-speaking support,
- quality of life,
- and smoother educational transitions for children.
The 3 Best Communities in Spain for International Schools and English-Speaking Families
- The Valencian Community (Valencia & Alicante)
- Catalonia (Barcelona)
- The Basque Country (San Sebastián & Bilbao)
And after living this experience personally with my daughters, the Valencian Community (specifically Alicante) became the clear long-term choice for our family.
1. Valencian Community: Best Overall Transition for American Families Moving to Spain
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Valencian Community is one of the most underrated regions in Spain for international families. I’d like to gatekeep, but I am here to help my mom community. Let’s keep it our little secret. 😉
Cities like:
- Alicante
- Valencia
have become increasingly popular among:
- American expats,
- digital nomad families,
- remote workers,
- and parents relocating abroad with children.
And after moving here myself, I completely understand why.
Why Alicante Sealed the Deal for Me
One of the biggest reasons I chose Alicante as our long-term home was the balance between:
- language accessibility,
- affordable living,
- strong schools,
- safety,
- and family quality of life.
Yes, Valenciano is a co-official language here.
But unlike some other bilingual regions in Spain, Spanish is still heavily dominant in everyday life and within many school environments.
For families with children still learning Spanish, this makes a huge difference.
My oldest daughter is learning Valenciano in school, but Spanish remains the primary language in much of the curriculum. And one thing that genuinely surprised me was how supportive the teachers were toward immigrant children adjusting to the system.
Several of my daughters’ teachers speak enough English to help guide them when they struggle academically or emotionally.
That support matters more than people realize during the first year abroad.
International Schools in Alicante and Valencia
The Valencian Community also has a growing number of:
- British schools,
- private international schools,
- bilingual academies,
- and English-speaking educational programs.
This makes the region ideal for families who want:
- a gradual language transition,
- international curriculum options,
- or flexibility while children adapt to Spain.
Compared to Barcelona or Madrid, international schools in Alicante are often significantly more affordable while still offering excellent education and multicultural environments.
Free Spanish Classes for Immigrants in Spain
One thing I deeply appreciate about Spain is that many regions actively support immigrant integration.
In the Valencian Community, local governments often provide:
- free Spanish classes,
- free Valencian classes,
- integration resources for new residents,
- and language assistance programs.
That said, we still decided to hire a private Spanish tutor for my 11-year-old.
And honestly? I highly recommend budgeting for this if you are moving abroad with school-aged children.
Our tutor helps with:
- homework,
- conversational Spanish,
- vocabulary development,
- and building confidence in school.
Because while immersion helps tremendously, children still benefit from structured support during major transitions.
Budget for Language Support Before Moving Abroad
This is something many families underestimate.
If you are moving to Spain with children, plan financially for:
- language tutoring,
- after-school academic help,
- summer language camps,
- or private Spanish lessons.
A realistic estimate is:
- €80–€250/month per child, depending on age and frequency.
And it is one of the best investments you can make during your relocation process.
Your child’s language confidence directly impacts:
- friendships,
- school performance,
- emotional adjustment,
- and overall happiness abroad.
Also, and I say this with love, if you move to Spain, commit to learning Spanish too. Por favor!!
One of the fastest ways to struggle abroad is by refusing to integrate into the local culture and language.
Your children notice your effort.
And they usually follow your lead.
2. Catalonia: Best International School Infrastructure in Spain
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Catalonia, particularly Barcelona, is often considered the international hub of Spain for expat families.
Barcelona offers:
- one of the largest international communities in Europe,
- extensive English-speaking networks,
- world-class private schools,
- and a strong international infrastructure overall.
If your priority is access to elite international education, Barcelona is difficult to beat.
Important Reality About Public Schools in Catalonia
However, parents need to understand one important detail:
Catalonia’s public school system operates primarily in Catalan.
Children in public schools are typically immersed in:
- Catalan,
- Spanish,
- and English simultaneously.
For younger children, this can become an incredible multilingual advantage over time.
For older children arriving from the U.S. without Spanish fluency, it can initially feel intense.
Best International Schools in Barcelona
Many American families choose:
- private British schools,
- American schools,
- or international academies.
Some of the most recognized include:
- American School of Barcelona
- Benjamin Franklin International School
These schools allow students to continue learning primarily in English while gradually building Spanish fluency.
This can create a much smoother academic transition for children moving abroad later in childhood.
If you plan to stay in Catalonia long-term, however, you cannot avoid learning Catalan.
Cost of International Schools in Spain
One important factor parents should prepare for:
International schools in Barcelona can be expensive.
Tuition commonly ranges between:
- €6,000–€20,000+ annually per child.
So if Barcelona is your dream destination, make sure schooling costs are included in your relocation budget. It ain’t cheap! lol
3. Basque Country: Safest and Highest Quality of Life for Families
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Basque Country is one of the most beautiful and family-oriented regions in Spain.
Cities like:
- San Sebastián
- Bilbao
are known for:
- extraordinary safety,
- clean cities,
- excellent healthcare,
- and exceptional quality of life.
For families prioritizing peace, structure, and slower living, the Basque Country can be an incredible choice.
Understanding Basque Schooling for Expat Families
The Basque public education system offers multiple language models:
- Model A (Spanish instruction)
- Model B (Spanish + Basque)
- Model D (Basque immersion)
For English-speaking American children, Model A is often the easiest adjustment because it allows students to focus primarily on Spanish first.
This matters because Basque is an entirely unique language unrelated to Spanish.
Is the Basque Country Good for International Families?
Yes! Especially for families seeking:
- safety,
- strong public services,
- outdoor living,
- and deep cultural immersion.
However, compared to Alicante or Barcelona, the international English-speaking community may feel smaller initially.
Which Region in Spain Is Best for Your Family?
Here is my personal perspective as a mom raising children abroad in Spain:
Choose the Valencian Community If:
- your children are beginners in Spanish,
- you want affordable family life,
- you want strong support during transition,
- you prefer beaches and sunshine,
- and you want a softer landing into Spanish culture.
Choose Catalonia If:
- you want access to elite international schools,
- your children are already multilingual,
- or you have the budget for private education.
Choose the Basque Country If:
- safety and quality of life matter most,
- you want cooler weather,
- and your family values deep cultural immersion.
Final Thoughts for Families Moving to Spain With Kids
Moving abroad with children is not about creating a perfect life.
It is about creating a healthier, more aligned one.
For our family, Spain has brought:
- more peace,
- more freedom,
- more family time,
- and more emotional balance than I experienced in the United States.
And while the transition takes effort, children are often far more resilient than we give them credit for.
The key is choosing the right environment for your family’s needs, academically, emotionally, financially, and socially.
For us, Alicante became the perfect middle ground between:
- international accessibility,
- affordability,
- educational support,
- and quality of life.
And for American families considering a move abroad, you have to be set on your non-negotiables, while being flexible with the ever-changing needs of your children.
Cheers to new beginnings!
xoxo
Your Mom Friend, V
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