Serena Washburn
Come and visit us. Arrange a visit with our Admissions Department to know more about our school and take a tour through our campus.
What sets us apart
BFIS is an international school in Barcelona offering an International American curriculum from Nursery to Grade 10 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Grades 11 and 12. Curriculum is primarily taught in English, including learning support and foreign language programs.
We are a truly international school in Barcelona with more than 50 different nationalities. Instruction at BFIS is entirely in English, with language courses offered in Spanish, Catalan and French. BFIS is a private, non-for-profit school located in the beautiful Sarrià-Sant Gervasi neighborhood, with many public transportation options nearby. Excellent International Baccalaureate Diploma Program results. BFIS graduates receive offers of acceptance from some of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Quick summary of key school information
The school's life in pictures
All the details about this school in their own words
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 40 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
Nationalities
| Number of students |
697 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
56 |
| Most common nationality |
Spanish |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
30% |
Languages
| Native English speaking teachers |
The great majority |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes. EAL (English as an additional language support is offered until Grade 8) |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish, Catalan |
Classroom
| Max. number of students per class |
22 |
| Average number of students per class |
18-20 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
BFIS integrates technology in the classroom through digital boards, use of ipads and computers. BFIS has 1:1 computer program from Grade 6 to Grade 12. Teachers use different digital platforms and tools to deliver instruction. Teachers and students use also Google Classroom to communicate and deliver homework. BFIS also has a Middle and High School Makerspace whith latest technology: 3D printers, Laser cutter, Vinyl cutter and many other tools to design and create products. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
Academics
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Exams and SAT (optional) |
| Results in these examinations |
Near 100% pass rate |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
It is different for every grade and subject. Upper high school grades need to dedicate more time to homework and self-study than lower grades. In Elementary, students have a very little amount of homework but they are encouraged to read every day. In Middle School the average amount of time dedicated to homework can go from half hour to 1 hour per day. High School students a bit more time, an average of 2 hours. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
Student support
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes. BFIS has a Learning Support Department and a Counseling Department |
| Learning support offered |
Learning support at BFIS encompasses a variety of strategies to meet the needs of students with mild to moderate learning differences. It is the job of the learning specialist to provide students with strategies and/or remediation such that they are able to experience academic success. Depending on the needs of each individual, students are supported either in class or outside of class during the regular school day. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
BFIS has been working on a pilot program called Enrichment and Differentiation |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes. We have an Elementary Counselor, a Middle School Counselor and a High School Counselor to support students with ther social-emotional needs. |
Admissions
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
From Nursery to Grade 2: BFIS does observations
|
| Waiting list |
Yes, for some grades |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
There is no deadline. We enroll students all year long |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School day
| School start time |
All divisions of the school start at 8:35 am |
| School finish time |
At 4 : 00 pm and at 3:00 pm on Wednesdays |
| Supervised care before/after school |
For Early Childhood and Elementary students the school offers supervised care before the school starts, from 7:45 to 8:35 am at no cost for the families (this service has been cancelled due to COVID-19 regulations) . There is also supervised after-school care but it has a cost of 7€ per hour/per day. After-school care is offered until 5:00 pm (This service has been cancelled due to COVID-19 regulations) |
| School bus service available |
Yes, three different bus routes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes. BFIS has its own kitchen |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. BFIS offers special diets: vegetarian and gluten free |
| Uniform required |
No |
Extracurricular activities
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
The after-school activities program differ from each division.
|
| Sports activities included |
Physical Education classes |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
BFIS has sports teams for soccer, basketball and volleyball. The teams compete in different international tournaments. |
Facilities
| Facilities at the school |
Two Libraries, 4 Science Labs, 1 Computer Lab, auditorium and cafeteria |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Auditorium : used for PE classes when temperatures are below 5ºC or when it rains.
|
About the school
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Warm and welcoming international school community (1/3 internationsl, 1/3 US, 1/3 local)
|
| Teaching approach of the school |
BFIS teachers employ a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of all learners and to place the student at the center of learning. The school believes that in order to meet the needs of all learners, they must differentiate instruction.
|
Why choose BFIS
A Truly International School
BFIS is a truly international school in Barcelona, with a roughly one-third breakdown among US, International, and Spanish families. Our diverse and engaged student body, faculty, and parent community - now comprised of over 50 nationalities and cultural heritages - is the heart and soul of our school.
21st century skills
In order to prepare students to lead in a 21st century work environment, we have to provide a 21st century learning environment. Innovation and technology are providing new ways of teaching and learning beyond interactive boards and computers in the classroom, increasing student engagement and active learning. Our teachers design learning experiences and assessments that call for the application and transfer of 21st century skills. These skills include: critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, innovation, communication, collaboration, and leadership.
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) is a challenging and stimulating two-year curriculum (Grades 11 and 12) emphasizing critical thinking, multi-disciplinary learning and inter-cultural understanding. The IBDP curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. It is an academically challenging and rigorous program of education that aims to nurture independent, life-long learners who are prepared for success at university and beyond. The IBDP has gained recognition from the world’s leading universities.
Extracurricular Activities
At BFIS we believe that academics are not the only component of a well-rounded education. Extracurricular activities also play an important role with a positive impact on student success. Both academic subjects and extracurricular activities complement each other and develop a well-rounded, socially skilled, and healthier student. Participating in the right extracurriculars can help students follow their passions, form friendships, learn new skills and — of course — enjoy themselves.
Our Campus
Our school is divided in two different campuses: Elementary School and Middle School Campus, and High School (HS) Campus.
The Elementary School building was inaugurated in 2016 and the Middle School building opened its doors in January 2021.