Open House at the American School of Barcelona - Virtual and On-Campus
Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about ASB's exceptional academic and extracurricular program. Hear from our school leadership and get your questions answered about the admissions process. We look forward to welcoming you, whether virtually or on-campus!
VIRTUAL- December 16, 2025 at 14:00
ON-CAMPUS - January 31, 2026 at 11:00
Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision, and we invite you to visit ASB to see what makes our community so special. Our passionate faculty, engaging curriculum, and vibrant campus all come together to inspire curiosity, foster growth, and develop global citizens.
During your visit, you’ll see students exploring their interests, collaborating on meaningful projects, and building lasting friendships. You’ll also meet our dedicated teachers and staff, who guide each student to reach their full potential academically, socially, and personally.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community, sharing our philosophy, and showing you how ASB empowers every student to thrive.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 41 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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970
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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60
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Most common nationality
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Americans and Spanish
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Ratio of local students to international students
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Approximately 25% are North American, 25% are Spanish, and 50% are from other countries.
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Native English speaking teachers
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All our teachers are native English speakers with the exception of our Spanish and Catalan teachers.
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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Yes, our school provides ELL (English Language Learning) to students in grades 5 and below.
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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Core academic subjects are taught in English, with a complementary Spanish and Catalan program emphasizing language, literature, and history. French is offered as an elective class in high school. The IB diploma program in 11th and 12th grades gives an option for students to do self-study in native tongue languages.
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Max. number of students per class
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In the Early Childhood Center - maximum 20 students. In other grade levels, maximum 23 students.
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Average number of students per class
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Between 20 and 22
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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There are Teaching Assistants in each grade up to grade 5.
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Use of technology in the classroom
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Around once per week, students will use iPads in PK4 and K5 to practice reading and math skills. Students also use iPads in grade 1-3. In 4th and 5th grade, we provide 1-to-1 Chromebooks for students to use in the classroom, learning research skills and other tech and coding skills. From grade 6th on all students use their own laptop to access Google Classroom and other software applications.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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From Elementary up to High School teachers use google classroom tools and some online videos resources, but teaching is presencial.
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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We respect all religions and belief systems but remain a non-religious school.
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External examinations or assessments available
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Students in grades 3-9 take the MAP test in reading and math. At the end of 12th grade students take the IBDP exams.
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Results in these examinations
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ASB is pleased to say that our students earn well above international averages. You can see our results on the Academic Results page: https://www.asbarcelona.com/academics/academic-results
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Students don't have homework in Early Childhood. In Elementary they have daily reading homework, and math homework 1-2x per week. By 6th grade, students will have some homework in core academic subjects most nights.
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Approximate hours of homework given
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30-60 minutes in Elementary. 60-90 minutes in Middle School. and 90+ minutes in High School.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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Nearly 100%
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Students are eligible for admission if we believe that ASB can meet their social, emotional, physical and academic needs. In the Elementary and Middle School, we provide some learning support services for students with mild learning difficulties. In the High School we allow extra time on assessments.
ASB does not have a separate program or classes for students with learning difficulties. Therefore, a primary consideration in offering admission will be the student’s ability to access the regular curriculum with limited support, and the level of resources needed to support the applicant. We cannot offer places to students who need extensive curriculum modifications or constant one-to-one support.
Prior to applying to ASB, parents with children with special needs are requested to submit all relevant documentation to the admissions department so that we may determine whether or not we have the the right program to meet that child´s needs. Documents that would be helpful include Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), educational evaluation reports, and doctor or psychologist´s evaluations.
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Learning support offered
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In the Elementary and Middle School, we provide limited learning support services for students with mild learning difficulties and for those who need support in developing early literacy skills through temporary targeted academic interventions. In the High School, we offer very limited support, such as allowing for extended time on assessments. You can read more about our learning support on our FAQs page: https://www.asbarcelona.com/admissions/faqs
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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We believe in the uniqueness of each individual, therefore we provide a differentiated program of studies. For example, accelerated readers find extra challenge in their small book clubs with students of a similar level. Advanced math students enjoy participating in the local and international math competitions that ASB supports. We also offer advanced math classes starting in 8th grade.
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Student access to education psychologist
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The school has five counselors providing social-emotional support: 2 in the Early Childhood and Elementary, 1 in the Middle School, and 2 in the High School.
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Entry evaluation for students
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ASB has a selective admissions process. Decisions are based on a holistic review of the student's academic performance, English language proficiency, emotional development and motivation. We try to meet all applicants in person. Students applying for grades 4 and higher must submit a standardized test in reading comprehension and math, or take the MAP test as part of the admissions process. High school applicants also take a writing assessment. Applicants for grades 3 and higher are expected to have an advanced level of English for their age.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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In Elementary and Middle school we request an onsite or virtual meeting to evaluate the student's English and math level, provided the applicant does not have any standardized test scores. High School applicants are also required to take a writing assessment.
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Waiting list
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Typically, we do start a waiting list in certain grades every year. We recommend that families apply by February 15 for the following school year.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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While there is no deadline, applicants for September admissions are strongly encouraged to complete their application by February 15. The first round of admissions decisions are generally made by the first week of March.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes, we offer rolling admissions. While most students start in September, students may also enroll at other times during the school year.
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School start time
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9AM
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School finish time
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4PM
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Supervised care before/after school
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ASB offers supervised care from 8:30AM.
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School bus service available
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Yes. We offer multiple bus routes into Barcelona, one to Sitges, Gavá, Castelldefels, and one to Sant Cugat.
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School provided lunches
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Hot, healthy lunches using local ingredients are prepared daily in our on-site kitchen. Students and staff enjoy their meals in our spacious cafeteria, with a beautiful view overlooking part of Barcelona all the way to the Mediterranean sea.
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Yes, ASB offers gluten-free and vegetarian menu. Lunch service is optional, students can bring their lunch box from home.
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Uniform required
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No
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Facilities at the school
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ASB is situated in Esplugues de Llobregat, a leafy neighborhood located 6kms from central Barcelona. Our state-of-the-art campus includes three school buildings, a fitness center, a multifunctional auditorium and a variety of outdoor play areas and sports courts. Our arts and music programs enjoy especially equipped rooms and equipment, while our youngest learners have their own vegetable gardens and shaded and enclosed play areas.
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Sports facilities at the school
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There are two soccer fields, three basketball courts (one indoor), an Athletic Center, and a covered gym.
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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Established in 1962, the American School of Barcelona is a private, non-profit international school located in Esplugues de Llobregat, just outside Barcelona. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade, ASB offers a rigorous American curriculum complemented by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, as well as the International Baccalaureate Career-related Program . With a student body representing over 60 nationalities, the school fosters a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates global perspectives.
ASB's mission is to empower students to become global citizens equipped with critical thinking skills and the confidence to reach their full potential. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating academic excellence with opportunities in the arts, athletics, and leadership development.
Situated just 10 kilometers from central Barcelona, ASB provides one of the city's largest campuses, featuring state-of-the-art facilities that support a dynamic and engaging learning experience. The school's commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community makes it a leading institution in international education.
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Teaching approach of the school
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ASB believes teaching should inspire inquiry, curiosity, creativity, communication and collaboration. We take great pride in the quality of the educators and our continual focus on professional advancement. We believe that the best instruction is firmly rooted in standards such as Common Core, Next Generation Science, and the International Baccalaureate. With these as a base, our teachers design high-quality programs and activities for a deeper type of learning - both inside the school, and out in the real world.
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Learning
ASB believes human beings learn best constructively, through the experience of doing and connecting new learning to old understandings, not through rote instruction and memorization. Our teachers are adept at facilitating authentic, inquiry-based learning experiences that are both challenging and interesting.
These lessons typically include elements of self-direction AND social interaction, as well as require the use of critical thinking and creativity. The continual high performance of our students on a multitude of international standardized tests demonstrates the validity of the ASB approach.
ASB offers the highest quality multilingual education with most graduates obtaining both the American high school and International Baccalaureate diplomas combined with a rich co-curricular experience.