Getting ready to start school in Barcelona: A practical guide for international families

Starting school in Barcelona, or any new country, is exciting — but it can also be overwhelming, especially for international families who are not familiar with the local routines. If your child is about to begin school in Barcelona, here’s everything you need to know to make the transition smooth and stress‑free.

Starting School in Barcelona: start dates and welcome days

In Catalonia, the school year usually starts during the second week of September. In 2025, most local schools (public and semi-private) will begin classes on Monday, September 8th. Private and international schools may start earlier or later, depending on their internal calendars.

Many schools organise a welcome day or orientation session for new families. This is often the first opportunity to visit the school building, meet the teacher and other parents, and understand the daily routine. It’s highly recommended to attend, especially if your child is feeling nervous.

Daily schedule: what to expect depending on the type of school

The school routine in Barcelona varies significantly depending on the type of school your child attends:

Public schools (escoles públiques):

• School hours typically run between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, with a long midday break.

• Students usually have 5 hours of lessons per day, split between morning and afternoon sessions.

• Lunch can be taken at school (with dining service) or at home.

• Extracurricular activities are frequently offered after school through the parent association (AFA or AMPA).

Semi-private schools (concertades):

• Similar structure to public schools, but often with longer days or additional academic activities.

• Some may have full-day schedules with integrated lunch and extracurriculars.

Private and international schools:

• Schedules can vary widely, but generally start between 8:00 and 9:00 AM and end between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.

• Meals and extracurriculars are often offered in-house.

• More flexibility in adapting to new students, especially for international families.

Always check your school’s calendar and daily timetable in advance. Ask whether lunch, extracurriculars, or transportation services are included.

What to bring: materials and preparation tips

Most schools will provide a materials list before the start of the year. While the exact requirements vary, here are some basics you may need:

• Backpack

• Water bottle

• Notebooks and pencil case

• Packed breakfast

• Packed lunch or dining service registration

• Extra clothes (especially for preschoolers)

• Medical forms or vaccination certificates

Some private or international schools may provide school supplies directly. In public schools, you may be asked to contribute to a materials fund. Label everything — it makes life easier for teachers and your child.

Supporting your child emotionally

Starting school in a new country is a big change. Here are a few ways to help your child adjust:

• Talk openly about the new experience

• Create simple routines (bedtime, morning prep)

• Visit the school together before the first day

• Reassure your child that it’s normal to feel nervous or take time to adapt

Most teachers in Barcelona are used to receiving international students and understand the importance of emotional support in the first weeks.

Final tips for international parents

• Connect with other families — WhatsApp class groups are common

• Look for the AMPA or AFA (parent associations) — they often organise events

• Don’t hesitate to ask questions — teachers and administrators are usually approachable

How Start Smart can help

At Start Smart, we help international families prepare for their new life in Barcelona. From understanding the school calendar to choosing the right neighbourhood and supporting your child’s transition, we provide practical, personalised guidance at no cost to families.