Dear families,
It is a pleasure for me to offer you a warm welcome to Fontenebro International School – a bilingual school with a real international flavour and one where each and every student is encouraged to reach their potential, guided in their learning journeys by our wonderful team of dedicated staff.
At Fontenebro International School we place all our focus on learning, in other words ‘getting better’. We strive for our students to improve academically, of course, but also in terms of personal and emotional development, too.
Our belief is that it is our responsibility to prepare our students for their future and equip them with the knowledge and skills that they will need to be respectful global citizens and to help meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. Our education project is designed to help our students be excellent communicators, creative and critical thinkers, team players, problem-solvers and to be caring and empathetic individuals.
Importantly, we want our students to embrace learning and become life-long learners. At Fontenebro International School learning is something that can be fun, exciting and always challenging. It’s a place where AMAZING LEARNING happens, where students can astound themselves with their own capabilities.
We really look forward to welcoming you to our school in person where you can see the learning and the joy of learning for yourselves.
Welcome to Fontenebro School!
| Number of students |
557 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
85% Spanish
|
| Most common nationality |
Spanish |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
85% local students, 15% international students |
| Native English and Spanish speaking teachers |
Our teachers are native or bilingual speakers with offical accreditation (C2) to teach English as a Second Language. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and Spanish |
Yes. Students who are not yet fluent in the language of instruction receive language support according to their age, stage and individual needs. At Fontenebro International School, we assess each student’s level and provide appropriate support to help them access the curriculum, build confidence and improve their communication skills progressively. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
German or French |
| Max. number of students per class |
Class sizes vary depending on the educational stage and the needs of each group. At Fontenebro International School, our class sizes are always below the maximum ratio established by the Community of Madrid. This allows us to offer closer attention, encourage active participation and provide more personalised support for each student. |
| Average number of students per class |
18 students |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes. Fontenebro International School employs teaching assistants and native English-speaking support staff across different stages of the school. They work alongside teachers to support students in the classroom, strengthen language immersion and provide additional attention where needed, particularly in Early Years and Primary, while also contributing to the wider bilingual and international learning environment. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Technology is used progressively and purposefully at Fontenebro International School to support learning, creativity and collaboration. Students develop digital competence through age-appropriate activities, project work and the responsible use of digital tools, helping them learn how to research, create, communicate and think critically in a digital world. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies) |
Online learning may be provided in exceptional circumstances, such as a serious injury, a medical situation or other emergency that prevents a student from attending school in person for a temporary period. In these cases, the school assesses the situation individually and provides appropriate support to help the student stay connected with their learning as much as possible. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Fontenebro International School is a non-denominational school. In accordance with Spanish educational regulations, the subject Catholic Religion is offered as part of the school curriculum. Families may choose between Catholic Religion and the alternative subject. Religion is not practised at school as part of daily school life. The school respects all beliefs and backgrounds, while maintaining a neutral and inclusive educational environment. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Fontenebro International School follows the Spanish national curriculum and students complete the official external assessments required within this system. At the end of Bachillerato, students sit the Spanish university entrance examinations, currently known as PAU/EvAU, depending on the official terminology used each year. In addition, students may be prepared for recognised external examinations in different areas, according to their level and educational stage. These may include Cambridge English exams, Goethe-Institut exams for German, DELF exams for French and Trinity examinations for Music. |
| Results in these examinations |
100% passed external exams. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
In Primary, students are not assigned regular homework. At this stage, we believe that learning should be consolidated mainly through classroom practice, active participation and meaningful experiences during the school day. In Secondary, students are assigned a reasonable amount of homework to help them develop study habits, consolidate learning and prepare progressively for greater academic independence. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
The amount of time needed to complete homework depends on the educational stage, year group and subject. In Primary, students are not assigned regular homework. In Secondary, homework is set in a reasonable and age-appropriate way, with the aim of reinforcing learning, developing study habits and encouraging greater academic independence, without creating an excessive workload. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
The vast majority of Fontenebro International School students continue on to higher education after graduation. As part of International Schools Partnership, our students benefit from Future Pathways, which supports them in exploring university options, career interests and future opportunities. Combined with our Bachillerato programme, university entrance preparation and personalised guidance, this helps each student make informed decisions about the next stage of their academic and professional journey. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes. Fontenebro International School has specialised staff who support students with different learning needs. Our approach is based on early identification, personalised support and close collaboration between teachers, families and the school’s guidance team. Each student’s needs are assessed individually in order to define the most appropriate strategies and help them access learning with confidence. When a student requires additional or more specific support, the school studies each case carefully to ensure that we can provide the right learning environment and level of support. |
| Learning support offered |
Support for students with special learning needs is coordinated by the school’s guidance team in close collaboration with teachers and families. The process begins with an individual assessment of the student’s needs, learning profile and personal circumstances. Based on this, the school defines appropriate strategies, which may include classroom adaptations, differentiated instruction, individual follow-up, guidance for teachers and regular communication with families. The aim is to help each student access the curriculum, participate confidently in school life and make progress according to their abilities. Where more specific support is required, each case is reviewed carefully to ensure that the school can provide the appropriate learning environment and level of support. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Gifted, able and talented students are supported through personalised follow-up, differentiated learning and careful guidance throughout their learning process. Teachers work closely with the school’s guidance team to identify each student’s strengths, interests and needs. Support is not simply about increasing workload, but about providing the right level of challenge, helping students deepen their understanding, develop autonomy and remain motivated. We also pay close attention to their social and emotional development. This includes helping students manage frustration, build resilience, understand their own learning process, develop positive relationships with their peers and face challenges with confidence. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes. Students have access to support from the school’s guidance team, including educational psychology support when needed. The guidance team works closely with teachers and families to support students’ learning, emotional wellbeing and personal development. This may include individual follow-up, classroom strategies, family guidance and coordination with external specialists when appropriate. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
No formal entrance exam is usually required before enrolment. As part of the admissions process, the school gets to know the student and their family, reviews their previous educational background where relevant and considers any specific needs or support required. In some cases, depending on the student’s age, previous school background, language level or individual circumstances, an additional assessment may be requested to ensure the right placement and support from the beginning. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
When needed, the evaluation is adapted to the student’s age, stage and individual circumstances. It may include a review of previous school reports, an informal conversation with the student and family, and, where appropriate, an academic or language-level assessment. The purpose is to ensure the right placement and provide appropriate support from the start. |
| Waiting list |
Yes, some year groups may have a waiting list, depending on availability at the time of application. Families are encouraged to contact the Admissions Department to check current availability for the specific year group they are interested in. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Admissions are open throughout the year. Families may apply at any time, although places are subject to availability in the relevant year group. We recommend contacting the Admissions Department early to check availability and begin the enrolment process. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes. Students may join Fontenebro International School during an academic year, subject to availability in the relevant year group. When a student joins after the year has started, the school supports their transition carefully to help them settle into their class, understand routines and adapt academically, socially and emotionally. |
| School start time |
At 9:00 am. |
| School finish time |
At 5:00 pm. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Early Care: 7:00-9:00 am.
|
| School bus service available |
Yes, we offer school transport to our students. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes, we have a dining room to serve lunch for pupils. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes, we can cater for all kind of allergies, intolerance or special diets. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Fontenebro International School offers a range of extracurricular activities designed to complement students’ academic, personal and social development. The programme may include activities in areas such as sports, music, arts, languages, technology and personal development, depending on the age of the students and the offer available each academic year. Families receive updated information about the extracurricular activities available before the start of the school year. |
| Sports activities included |
Physical activity is an important part of the school curriculum at Fontenebro International School. Students have two Physical Education lessons per week, focused on movement, coordination, teamwork, healthy habits and the development of motor skills. In addition, students have one swimming lesson per week as part of the curriculum, helping them build confidence in the water, improve technique and develop physical wellbeing. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
No. |
| Facilities at the school |
TECHNOLOGY & ROBOTICS WORKSHOP
|
| Sports facilities at the school |
Indoor swimming pool
|
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Fontenebro International School is a private international school in Madrid for students aged 1 to 18, and part of International Schools Partnership, a global group of schools committed to helping students learn, grow and develop an international mindset. The school offers a bilingual, personalised and academically ambitious education in a close and caring environment. It combines academic rigour, emotional support and individual follow-up, helping each student grow with confidence. Through ISP, students also benefit from international opportunities, global learning experiences and future pathways guidance, connecting their school journey with a wider world of possibilities. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Fontenebro International School’s teaching approach is based on personalised learning, academic rigour and close individual follow-up. Teachers aim to understand each student’s strengths, needs and learning pace, adapting support and challenge where appropriate. Learning is active and meaningful, encouraging students to participate, think critically, collaborate and apply what they learn in different contexts. As part of International Schools Partnership, the school also promotes an international mindset, global awareness and the development of skills that prepare students for future academic and professional pathways. Our approach combines high expectations with care, helping students grow not only academically, but also personally, socially and emotionally. |
Fontenebro International School offers a unique educational project in the northwest area of Madrid, with a clear international and multilingual vocation, for children from 1 to 18 years old. We teach the Spanish curriculum and the International Primary and Middle Years Curriculum (IPC- IMYC), in a bilingual system in which more than half of the study load is carried out in English. In addition, we incorporate a third language in 4th grade.
Our students study in a family environment, where emotional education and values, skill development, sports, musical training and of course new technologies, take center stage. Subjects such as robotics, computer science, theater, emotional education and public speaking are included in our school schedule from the childhood stage.
We’re delighted that you’re considering Fontenebro International School for your child’s education.
Please call or email our Admissions team, with any questions.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
