How to Enroll a Polish Child in a Spanish School? – A Guide for Parents
How to Enroll a Polish Child in a Spanish School? – A Guide for Parents
For many Polish families, living in Spain is a chance for a fresh start in a sunny country. One of the first steps parents take is to enroll their child in a local school. How do you do it? What formalities need to be completed so that your child can start studying in the Spanish education system? In this article, we present a step-by-step guide to enrolling a Polish child in a school in Spain.
1. Choosing the Right School
There are many different types of schools in Spain: public, private, international, and schools with an English-language program. The decision on which school to choose depends on many factors, such as location, language preferences, availability of places, and cost.
Public schools – free, but children must attend classes in Spanish.
Private schools – usually fee-based, offer smaller classes and a variety of educational programs, including English.
International schools – provide education in English or another foreign language and often offer programs such as the IB (International Baccalaureate).
2. Documents needed to enroll a child
To enroll a Polish child in a school in Spain, parents will need to provide several documents:
Passport or ID card of the child - if the child does not have a Spanish identification number (NIE), it will be required to enroll them in school.
Child's birth certificate - a document in Polish, translated into Spanish (sworn translation).
Proof of registered address - a lease agreement or utility bill (e.g. electricity, water).
Proof of previous education - if the child previously attended school in Poland, it is worth providing certificates from the last years of education.
NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) - if parents do not have it yet, they should submit the appropriate application.
3. Registration in the education system
Once you have collected all the documents, you should go to the appropriate school or submit an online registration form (in the case of some schools). It is worth enrolling your child in advance, because in Spain many schools accept new students only during a specific period - usually between March and May.
4. Assessing your child’s language level
Children who don’t speak Spanish often receive help with language learning through special classes or tutoring. The Spanish education system adapts to different language levels, allowing for a smooth transition into the classroom. It’s worth finding out if the school offers Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) courses.
5. Choosing the right level of education
The Spanish education system is divided into several stages:
Infantil (0-6 years old) – preschool, covering ages 3-6.
Primaria (6-12 years old) – primary school.
Secundaria (12-16 years old) – secondary school, covering middle school and the first stage of high school.
Bachillerato (16-18 years old) – high school, preparing for the final exams.
You should make sure at what stage of education your child finished their education in Poland and choose the right class in the Spanish school.
6. Spanish-language school and the child's adaptation
Children who do not speak Spanish may feel lost at first. It is worth it for parents to support their child in learning the language and help with integration. A Spanish school offers various forms of support, such as:
Spanish lessons for foreigners.
Integration classes that help children get used to the new environment.
A "mentoring" system - older students often help new children with adaptation.
7. Support for parents - how to deal with bureaucracy?
It is worth remembering that the process of enrolling a child in a school may involve some formalities. Real estate agencies such as Cosmo Homes often offer support for Polish families who are planning to move to Spain. They will help not only in finding the perfect apartment, but also provide valuable tips on enrolling a child in school and filling out the necessary documents.
Summary
Enrolling a Polish child in a Spanish school may seem complicated, but with the right information and support, you can go through this process smoothly and without unnecessary difficulties. It’s worth starting your preparations in advance, familiarizing yourself with the different educational options and making sure that all your documents are prepared correctly.
If you need help finding the right school or apartment in Spain, contact Cosmo Homes – our goal is to make it easy for you to move and settle in your new country.
