Welcome to SEK International School Santa Isabel!
We are delighted to welcome you to our vibrant and diverse international community, where academic excellence, personal growth, and the joy of learning are at the heart of everything we do. At Santa Isabel, we are committed to offering a holistic, future-oriented education that nurtures curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
Our educational approach emphasises personalised support, bilingual learning, and the development of essential skills that prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We are part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School community, and our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire learners at every stage, from early years through to pre-university.
We believe that education is a partnership between students, families and educators. Through collaboration, mutual respect, and shared aspirations, we create a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can flourish. At Santa Isabel, we also encourage participation in cultural, artistic, sporting and community service initiatives that enrich the educational experience and foster strong values.
We thank you for your trust and confidence, and we look forward to accompanying your children on their journey of discovery, growth and achievement.
| Number of students |
350 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
35 |
| Most common nationality |
Spanish, and the second American |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
65/35 |
| Native English and Spanish speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and Spanish |
Yes. Immersion Program to give individualized support to non-native Spanish speakers |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, German and Chinese |
| Max. number of students per class |
22 |
| Average number of students per class |
16 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Students are provided with supervised access to shared digital devices to support the development of digital, technological and research skills. In 5th and 6th Grade, digital resources are integrated in a balanced manner, combining printed and digital materials, under teacher guidance and in accordance with the school’s policies on the responsible and safe use of screens.
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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) |
Yes. In addition to providing a virtual classroom when necessary, we can organize a hybrid model allowing our teachers to provide classes in-person and online simultaneously. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
SEK Santa Isabel is a non-denominational school. Catholic religion is a mandatory elective by the Spanish Ministry. Students have the option to choose Civic Values or Catholic Religion. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Students can choose between Civics-Values or religion. In addition, diversity is celebrated, and the school promotes global citizenship and international mindedness. The school is happy for students of all religions and cultures to share and celebrate their traditions. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Spanish Ministry exams (EP3 & EP6), Cambridge YLE & PET exams, Alliance Français DELF, Goethe FIT1 |
| Results in these examinations |
100% pass |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes, in Primary. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Primary 1 -3: 15 min max daily, Primary 4-6: 30 min max daily. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
The School´s Guidance Counselling team collaborates with school staff, parents, students and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment helping students achieve academic success and develop social/emotional skills.
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| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
The school offers adapted curriculum and personalized support for gifted, able and talented students.
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| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Evaluation practices depend on the age of the student. All evaluations consider first social interaction between members of the family and with school staff. Additionally, basic competencies are reviewed for Early Years students and assessments introduce curricular requirements as the ages go up. Maths, Reading, Writing and English are the main focus for Primary |
| Waiting list |
Yes, if necessary, but currently only specific grades |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Registration is open year round. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
9:00 am |
| School finish time |
Early Years: 16:40
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| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes, from 7:30am until 6:15pm |
| School bus service available |
Yes. Class teachers are the bus monitors ensuring personalized care. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. Menu is adapted by nutritionists. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Horseback riding, Karate, Classic Dance, Contemporary Dance, Gymnastics, Soccer, Chess, Robotics, Theater/Drama, Story Makers, British Counsel English enrichment, Flamenco, Fencing, various musical instruments, Kumon, Choir, Chinese, Debate and Oratory. Music Theory |
| Sports activities included |
Athletics / P.E., Swimming, Racquet Sports. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, Art Room, Music Room, Maker Space (IT & Project development space), School Urban Gardens, Outdoor Recess. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Gymnasium, Outdoor playgrounds, Climbing wall. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Nestled in the historical center of Madrid, SEK Santa Isabel, is the only school in the center of Madrid offering the International Baccalaureate®’s Primary Years Program.
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| Teaching approach of the school |
The International Baccalaureate´s Primary Education Program called “PYP” is a trans-disciplinary programme of international education, designed to promote children’s integral development. Its purpose is to encourage a complete and all-round development, focusing on students’ social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs, as well as their academic potential. The philosophy of the Primary Education Programme has a direct influence on our young students, which goes on to be expressed in a series of personal attributes and qualities ideal for a student with an international perspective. Focusing on Inquiry and connection to real-world concerns and solutions, allows children to apply knowledge, connect learning, and maintain motivation while maintaining high standards of academic excellence. |
The PYP is an international curricular educational framework designed to favour the full development of children.
It focusses on the all-round development of our students and meets their social, physical, emotional and cultural needs as well as advancing their academic potential.
The ethos of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme is expressed in series of attributes and ideal characteristics to instil in children an international mindset and with a constructivist, inquiry-based approach and conceptual and cross-curricular learning.
•The only school offering the IB Primary Years Programme in central Madrid.
•30 nationalities among our students.
•Learning Paths: our method is recognised by Harvard University.
•Language immersion programme for foreign students.
•Full English-language immersion. Bilingual Spanish/English education
We’re delighted that you’re considering SEK International School - Santa Isabel 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.
