Today we begin with a confession: we love schools. Stepping in the classrooms, playgrounds with children running around, smells, drawings on the walls …
—If you’re even scared of the principal! —Almu laughs.
—Right! Looks like I’m waiting for the scolding —Recognize Palo with fun.
—An evocative moment.
—I feel like a child again.
The first concern when you move away with your children is their schooling. On the one hand, an interest in maintaining their learning at a similar level and, also, their lifestyle; and, on the other hand, to incorporate them into a school routine and social activity as soon as possible.
—That feeling of peace when you leave your children at 9 in school and you know that until 5 o’ clock, they are in the best possible place, is priceless.
—Right! They learn, play and socialize.
—Even though children sometimes complain.
—Especially about food.
In Madrid, most schools have a very long timetable compared to other countries. It’s usually from 9 to 16 or 9 to 17. The majority of children have lunch at school, even in some, students are not allowed to leave the premises during lunch break.
—Which has its good things.
—Like everything in this life, pros and cons.
—Parents have the whole day off and children learn to eat a variety of foods.
—And share table and habits with colleagues.
—Uufffff! It saves a lot of work at home.
The lunchtime meal is what we could call the traditional Spanish type, consisting of first course, second course and dessert. Mostly mediterranean style. The schools provide parents with a weekly or monthly menu to help them plan dinner, and sometimes even suggest recommendations for evening meals.
—They also get a snack, don’t forget.
—Right! Mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
—A sandwich, a fruit, cookies…
—Above all, it depends on the age of the children.
—And in some centers you can buy something.
—In the least.
—Or the oldest students can go out and buy something.
As for the timetable, there is also the possibility in some centres to drop off children 1-2 hours before and pick them up 1-2 hours later. Typically, morning hours are aimed at young children and are more like day care and afternoon hours are after-school activities.
—Football.
—Music.
—Tennis.
—Languages.
—A great variety! Each school organizes activities according to its facilities and students’ demand.
—And there are also tutoring classes for older students who need it.
We can’t fail to mention the uniforms. In most private and chartered schools, the wearing of school uniforms is compulsory. Yeah, the typical one we all imagine. It is usually described on each school web page. They also provide information on where to buy it.
—And the sports uniform
—And if they do other activities such as swimming, there is usually a swimsuit also mandatory.
—Or ballet, judo…
—That can be infinite.
—The truth is that sometimes backpacks are heavy.
—Of course! Because it is customary for them to change into their uniforms at school when they do sports and then put their uniforms back on when they finish.
I get the impression we’re forgetting something… Ah! Yes! Books and other school supplies. The schools provide the list of material needed for the ongoing year with more or less advance notice depending on each school. They also indicate where it can be obtained and in some cases are even provided by the school itself.
Education is regulated by the Community of Madrid, in the link you will find all the official information (only in Spanish).
In case you plan to move to Madrid soon, you will 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.
In the meantime, you can receive regular information by filling out this questionnaire. And if you find it useful, we thank you for sharing it.
