Open House at the American School of Barcelona - Virtual and On-Campus
Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about ASB's exceptional academic and extracurricular program. Hear from our school leadership and get your questions answered about the admissions process. We look forward to welcoming you, whether virtually or on-campus!
VIRTUAL- December 12, 2024 at 14:30
ON-CAMPUS - January 25, 2025 at 11:00
The American School of Barcelona is a non-profit international school located just outside of Barcelona, Spain. With nearly 1000 students from 60 countries, ASB stands apart for its multicultural environment.
We offer an American curriculum for students from preschool to high school, leading to the world-renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, we provide students with comprehensive opportunities in sports, performing and fine arts, public speaking and leadership.
Experienced staff are committed to inspiring our future leaders and change-makers, and are united by their desire to continuously improve through innovation.
We pride ourselves on our welcoming community of students, staff and parents. Our alumni form lifelong connections with their peers and teachers and know that they always have a home at ASB.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 41 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
Number of students
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1000
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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60
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Most common nationality
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Americans and Spanish
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Ratio of local students to international students
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Approximately 25% are North American, 25% are Spanish, and 50% are from other countries.
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Native English speaking teachers
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All our teachers are native English speakers with the exception of those that an additional program in Spanish and Catalan.
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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Yes, our school provides ELL (English Learning Support) to all those students who need it.
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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Core academic subjects are taught in English, with a complementary Spanish and Catalan program emphasizing language, literature, and history. French is offered as an elective class in high school. The IB diploma program in 11th and 12th grades gives an option for students to do self-study in native tongue languages.
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Max. number of students per class
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In the Early Childhood Center - maximum 20 students. In other grade levels, maximum 23 students.
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Average number of students per class
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Between 20 and 22
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes, there are teaching Assistants in each class up to grade 3.
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Use of technology in the classroom
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Students use ipads from PK4 up to grade 5th. From grade 6th on all students use their own laptop. We use Google classroom. In addition to these apps, students learn coding in tech classes and other software applications.
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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)
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From Elementary up to High School teachers use google classroom tools and some online videos resources, but teaching is presencial.
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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We respect all religions and belief systems but remain a non-religious school.
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External examinations or assessments available
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Students in grades 3-9 take the MAP test in reading, math, and science. Students in grades 3-8 take the International School Assessment in reading, writing, and math. At the end of 12th grade they take the IBDP exams.
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Results in these examinations
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ASB is pleased to say that our students earn well above international averages. We share our average IB results in our High School profile: https://www.asbarcelona.com/academics/high-school/11-12-grade-program
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Students don't have homework in Early Childhood. In Elementary they have reading homework daily, and math homework 1-2x per week. By 6th grade, students will have some homework most nights.
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Approximate hours of homework given
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30-60 minutes in Elementary. 60-90 minutes in Middle School. and 90+ minutes in High School.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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Nearly 100%
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Students are eligible for admission if we believe that ASB can meet their social, emotional, physical and academic needs. In the Elementary and Middle School, we provide some learning support services for students with mild learning difficulties. In the High School we allow extra time on assessments.
ASB does not have a separate program or classes for students with learning difficulties. Therefore, a primary consideration in offering admission will be the student’s ability to access the regular curriculum with limited support, and the level of resources needed to support the applicant. We cannot offer places to students who need extensive curriculum modifications or constant one-to-one support.
Prior to applying to ASB, parents with children with special needs are requested to submit all relevant documentation to the admissions department so that we may determine whether or not we have the the right program to meet that child´s needs. Documents that would be helpful include Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), educational evaluation reports, and doctor or psychologist´s evaluations.
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Learning support offered
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In the Elementary and Middle School, we provide limited learning support services for students with mild learning difficulties and for those who need support in developing early literacy skills through temporary targeted academic interventions. In the High School, we offer very limited support, such as allowing for extended time on assessments.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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We believe in the uniqueness of each individual, therefore we provide a differentiated program of studies. For example, accelerated readers find extra challenge in their small book clubs with students of a similar level. Advanced math students enjoy participating in the local and international math competitions that ASB supports. We also offer advanced math classes starting in 8th grade.
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Student access to education psychologist
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The school has five student counselors on campus. As part of our new Strategic Plan, we aim to increase emotional support services for our students in the immediate future.
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Entry evaluation for students
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ASB has a selective admissions process. Decisions are based on a holistic review of the student's academic performance, English language proficiency, emotional development and motivation. We try to meet all applicants in person. Upper elementary applicants and up take a standardized test in reading and math. High school applicants also take a writing assessment. Applicants for grades 3 and higher are expected to have an advanced level of English for their age.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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In Elementary and Middle school we request an onsite visit to evaluate the student's English and math level. High School applicants are also required to take a writing assessment.
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Waiting list
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When a grade is full, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. When a place becomes available, the Admissions Committee will review all candidates in the waiting pool and make an offer of admission to the candidate that is the best match for the class. This is not an ordered list, or based on first-come, first served. Once an offer of admission is made to an applicant in the waiting pool, the family has 3 working days to accept and pay the matriculation fee to hold the spot. An applicant may stay in the waiting pool for one year, after which they must reapply. The application fee is valid for up to two academic years.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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While there is no deadline, applicants for September admissions are strongly encouraged to complete their application by February 15th. The first round of admissions decisions are generally made by the first week of March.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes, we offer rolling admissions. While most students start in September, students may also enroll at other times during the school year.
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School start time
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9AM
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School finish time
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4PM
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Supervised care before/after school
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ASB offers supervised care from 8:30AM
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School bus service available
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Yes. We offer seven bus routes into Barcelona, one to Sitges, Gavá, Castelldefels, and one to Sant Cugat.
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School provided lunches
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Hot, healthy lunches using local ingredients are prepared daily in our on-site kitchen. Students and staff enjoy their meals in our spacious cafeteria, with a beautiful view overlooking part of Barcelona all the way to the Mediterranean sea.
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Yes, ASB offers gluten-free and vegetarian menu. Lunch service is optional, students can bring their lunch box from home.
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Uniform required
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No
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Facilities at the school
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ASB is situated in Esplugues de Llobregat, a leafy neighborhood located 6kms from central Barcelona. Our state-of-the-art campus includes three school buildings, a fitness center, a multifunctional auditorium and a variety of outdoor play areas and sports courts. Our arts and music programs enjoy especially equipped rooms and equipment, while our youngest learners have their own vegetable gardens and shaded and enclosed play areas.
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Sports facilities at the school
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At ASB there are two soccer fields, two basketball courts (one indoor), an Athletic Center, and a covered gym.
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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The American School of Barcelona is a non-profit international school located just outside of Barcelona, Spain. With nearly 1000 students from 60 countries, ASB stands apart for its multicultural environment.
We offer a holistic American curriculum for students from preschool to high school, leading to the world-renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, we provide students with comprehensive opportunities in sports, performing and fine arts, public speaking and leadership.
Experienced staff are committed to inspiring our future leaders and change-makers, and are united by their desire to continuously improve through innovation.
We pride ourselves on our welcoming community of students, staff and parents. Our alumni form lifelong connections with their peers and teachers and know that they always have a home at ASB.
ASB is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). It is recognized as a Centro Extranjero (foreign school) by the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Spanish Ministry of Education.
It belongs to the Mediterranean Association of International Schools (MAIS) and European Council of International Schools (ECIS). It is a founding member of the Barcelona International School Association (BISA) regional associations and maintains close ties with other international schools in Spain and throughout Europe.
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Teaching approach of the school
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ASB believes teaching should inspire inquiry, curiosity, creativity, communication and collaboration. We take great pride in the quality of the educators and our continual focus on professional advancement. We believe that the best instruction is firmly rooted in standards such as Common Core, Next Generation Science, and the International Baccalaureate. With these as a base, our teachers design high-quality programs and activities for a deeper type of learning - both inside the school, and out in the real world.
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Learning
ASB believes human beings learn best constructively, through the experience of doing and connecting new learning to old understandings, not through rote instruction and memorization. Our teachers are adept at facilitating authentic, inquiry-based learning experiences that are both challenging and interesting.
These lessons typically include elements of self-direction AND social interaction, as well as require the use of critical thinking and creativity. The continual high performance of our students on a multitude of international standardized tests demonstrates the validity of the ASB approach.
ASB offers the highest quality multilingual education with most graduates obtaining both the American high school and International Baccalaureate diplomas combined with a rich co-curricular experience.
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