Parent
My daughter started at the olive tree after the pandemic when I observed her local school was not providing the education, emotional support or life skills that she really needed. The first thing I thought at open day was the small year groups, would not be overwhelming for her and she would'nt dissappear in the classroom, if she didnt stand out academically. The other initial reaction was the mass of creativity and colour on display everywhere, it felt like such a happy place.
Since starting the OT she is far more capable, suddenly swtiched on to education and more confident, she loves going to school each day and feels like it is an extension of her home, from the comforting space and friendliness of the teachers, the active learning in a small personalised space, its really like having a one to one education. Because of this holistic approach, relationship and communication with children, who are treated fairly and equally*they also have mentoring system, I think they are preparing her emotionally and morally for the wider world, firstly to feel secure and also to see value in herself and others. It seems to be a very democratic environment where you not notice a teaching hierachy, but only adult guidance. Recently her class in secondary went to the Madrid united nations and she loved every minute of the autonomy and debates, which gave her even more self confidence and a desire to learn about human rights and politics. Also the whole school is a hive of creativity, young children shine in their writing, art work, theatre productions and the concerts are amazing! Whenever I visit there is so much on the walls to see, I am fascinated. I also like the way they are spontaneous, always thinking out of the box, for example, they might decide to go and do maths in the forest for the day, now my daughter remembers her learning! So, it is not a typically traditional education, it is an extraordinary one, where the child is at the heart! We are delighted that we discovered the Olive tree and its community! Everyone appears to be very positive, passionate, kind and happy.
20 other reviews for The Olive Tree School - (Reviews aren't verified )
Showing 18 reviews by parents and students.
Parent
Choosing The Olive tree school was our best decision when moving to Spain. We were looking for a small school that would help our child adapt to learning in a new system in a new language and had high educational standards. We found all this at The Olive tree school. An excellent team of teachers and administration, supportive community of parents, friendly children and high quality of education.
↳ Reply from The Olive Tree School 
Thanks so much for your kind words. We are delighted to have helped your family's transition to Spain.
Parent
A great small school where every child is a valued member of the vibrant community,
↳ Reply from The Olive Tree School
Thanks so much for your appreciative comments. We are delighted to have you as part of our school community
Parent
Seeing the child going happy to school every morning is the best parents can ask for. Our daughter holds her dearest memories in the Olive Tree School. The teachers are dedicated and caring. The small classes allow personalised attention to students. Thank you, Olive Tree staff.
Student
Had a great experience at school as a student, teachers were always warm and supportive.
Parent
The teachers are really good and dedicated, I will always be grateful to this wonderful school.Fantastic school! The teachers are Professional, caring and well organized. The admissions process was outstanding, they really care and truly want the best for my child. Especially front office and Beulah mam was very polite and professional.
↳ Reply from The Olive Tree School
Thanks for your generous review. We really apprecite it when parents are motivated to give such positive feedback.
Best wishes,
The Olive Tree School
Parent
Amazing school. Children wake up wanting to go to school and don't want to go out at the end of the afternoon. They learn being happy and they give each child what they need; They help them become incredible people, with judgement, confidence and a lot of knowledge. I would repeat a thousand times!!!
Parent
Good level of English . Facilities, teachers , level of education is very low if you compare it with another school in the area . You pay a lot for the service . The management only thinks in get more revenue . Level of school very low , when your child leave the school with a very high results and goes to secondary , will need to repeat . They are no good in maths . They pretend sell you the idea of respect and love .. pay attention .. they select children …
↳ Reply from The Olive Tree School
Parent
We, as parents, are really happy with the school, as it provides good teaching in a friendly environment. Our daughter loves the school, the teachers and the way they teach. We think it’s the perfect school for her.
Parent
The Olive tree is a wonderful school, my son was so happy after being on the waiting list to finally get a place. We know how lucky we are.
The teachers are fantastic and really care about their work and their pupils. The lessons are fun and interesting. There are lots of outdoor activities and plenty of time to play. My son has made great progress since starting at the school and I wonder how the teachers fit so much learning into the school day. The school encourages kindness and thoughtfulness and you can see the result of this when you meet the children. What I see daily is happy children eager to return to school and keen to learn.
Parent
My children absolutely loved their experience at Olive Tree. The teachers were phenomenal and really engendered a love of learning in them. I really appreciated the academics, but also the thoughtful approach to children's social and emotional development - particularly in primary. The small size of the school made it easy for all of us - adults included - to feel welcome in our new home. My children thrived here and loved their time at The Olive Tree - it really gave them a strong foundation in their future studies.
Parent
Happy, innovative, integrative, caring, proactive, digitalised, 95% English ... I feel my son is evolving very positively as a person, as a student, as a colleague of his peers, respecting others, etc, etc. Is really a worthy investment . Thanks a lot TOT community!!!
Parent
As a family, we have enjoyed our experience at the school and would say it has been the absolute best decision we could have made for our children not only academically but socially as well.
Would do it all over again.
Parent
The olive Tree is a familiar school, kind and caring with the students, it has an excellent english curriculum, the teachers are very nice and very supportive with theirs students, we are very happy to be part of this family and the kids are too
Parent
I will never forget the first day I visited The Olive Tree School.
"at home"
Warmly welcomed by a parent; Marielle van Jaarsveld, who talked to me so easily and welcoming.
The intake with lovely Alex and finally the meeting with headteacher Audrey who listened so carefully and gave me answers and solutions I had been searching and hoping for so many years.
My children started their journey in TOS.
An unforgettable one.
The best decision I made.
We immediately had the feeling we were belonging to a community.
Guidance, support and help from teachers and parents.
Creative, out of the box thinking and a big heart for each child!!
TOS will forever have a special place in my heart.
Student
Now, five years since I left The Olive Three School, am still grateful for the opportunity, growth, insight, support and love I received there. A warm bath that gave me wings and confidence to follow my educational journey further and with strength and believe in myself. I am forever grateful for the OT’s head teacher, Audrey, whom has always taught me to follow my own path at my own pace. And that I can tell you, is the biggest lesson you can receive. Confidence and trust in life.
Parent
As a family, we spent 5 years in Denmark. When moving back to Spain, we knew what we wanted for our children. The Olive Tree was the only school that really fulfilled all of our requirements. After 5 years, I can assure this was the best choice we could make. Our children are growing in an environment where they feel safe, cared by teachers and staff, challenged on a daily basis and inspired to be themselves. I recommend this school to whoever is looking for an international education in a small and child-centered school.
Parent
A wonderful place for young children and teenagers. My son went there for most of secondary school years and it was a great experience for him and us as parents.
No school can please everyone but my opinion is that 99% of the parents and children I know from The Olive Tree School are satisfied to a high level with the teaching and learning there.
I was a secondary school teacher myself for a long time and can confidently say that Audrey and her staff do the best job of any school I've ever had personal contact with. I highly recommend The Olive Tree School to any mother or father.
Parent
Would not recommend The Olive Tree particularly as a secondary school. They actively seek out weaknesses in children then recommend counselling, in particular psychotherapy, to the parents expense. Many parents have removed their children because of this. Recommend checking the qualifications, particularly the head teacher. Check with NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain)
