In April, almost 4 years ago, we received an email from a corporate client indicating that we get in touch with the Fowles family, their new expat in Madrid. The Fowles came with 4 school-age children so, clearly, their main concern was their schooling.
—They had done a lot of research —says Paloma.
—On school websites, Facebook groups, email and Skype contacts —Almudena adds.
—And they had decided on a school that had places for the 4 children.
—They were so happy! —expresses ironically Almu.
—Because they thought they had solved their biggest concern —Palo affirms sympathetically.
However, almost, almost, they were just beginning. It’s true that they had taken a great weight off their shoulders, but the truth is that they had forgotten one super important detail: the house. The school they had chosen was in a very exclusive area and all the properties exceeded their budget in excess.
—Or the children would have to make a very long trip every day —Almu explains, highlighting the difficulties.
—We have to admit that they were right to start with schooling —recognizes Palo, discovering the positive side.
—True! We must give them that.
—But taking advantage of the fact that they were starting a new life from scratch …
—It’s advisable to try to build the most realistically comfortable one.
In Madrid children spend many hours at school but, like everywhere else, they have to make the trip to school at least twice a day. In addition to the extracurricular activities and other after-school celebrations such as birthdays, invitations to friends’ houses, etc. that usually take place near the school. In addition, as new students, it is convenient for them to attend as many celebrations as possible, so a great distance from the school can become a great inconvenience.
—For the children as well as for the parents —states Palo, from his practical point of view.
—Who, at the end, are the organizers and executors —ends Almu, being honest.
—And with 4 children with different activities or invitations …
—Imagine the hustle and bustle!
To sum up, it’s advisable to start looking for schools and when you see one that suits you, investigate the type of housing and its prices that are within a reasonable perimeter of distance.
To examine all the schooling possibilities in Madrid you can use this official website of the Community of Madrid and to find out the type of housing and its prices you can use idealista and read this post about the use of real estate portals.
In addition to finding all the schools, the official education website is also the place where the application of public and charter schools is processed and all the necessary information is specified.
So that you don’t stay with the intrigue, the Fowles enrolled their 4 children in a school to which they had not paid attention at first and were lucky* to find a house so close to the school that the children would be able to walk if ever necessary.
*(Actually, they were lucky enough to have at their disposal relevant information and professional assistance)
In case you plan to move to Madrid soon, you’ll find all the relevant information in The secret of relocating to Madrid. If, in addition, you need help with the organization or even if we accompany you, check out our services.
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