The International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate
American School of Barcelona

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From Barcelona to the World: Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

The American School of Barcelona is a non-profit international school located just outside of Barcelona, Spain. With over 975 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. 

As an accredited international school, ASB upholds the highest standards of academic excellence and continuous improvement. Our experienced faculty are dedicated to inspiring future leaders and change-makers, united by a shared commitment to innovation and lifelong learning.

We take pride in 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.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower pre-school through 12th grade students to become global citizens with the critical thinking skills and the self-confidence to maximize their potential.

Our Vision

The American School of Barcelona inspires students to lead with integrity, to be open-minded, and to make the world a better place.
 

Building a Legacy of Excellence: ASB Through the Decades

1960s
ASB building in Pedralbes
The American School of Barcelona was founded in 1962 by Dr. José María Poal, a Barcelona-born physician who, after spending numerous years practicing medicine in the United States, was inspired by the educational experience of his own children. His vision was to create an English-language American school in Barcelona.
 
ASB opened its doors in October 1962 in the Pedralbes neighborhood with 100 students from Kindergarten through Grade 5. It marked the beginning of a journey that would evolve into the internationally recognized school we know today.
1970s
The image on the left shows several men standing in a construction site, while the image on the right depicts a multi-story building with windows and a smokestack.
As enrollment continued to grow, ASB sought a new location to accommodate its expanding student body and programs. Early in the decade, the school rented a second building in Pedralbes on La Font del Lleó Street to provide additional space. However, the goal was to unite all students - nearly 450 by the end of the 1970s - on one campus. A new site was secured in Esplugues de Llobregat, and construction began on what would become ASB's permanent home. 
 
By the end of the following decade, all students previously spread across two campuses were reunited under one roof. 
1980s
Two women, one wearing a white coat and the other a plaid jacket, sit at a table in what appears to be a crowded event or gathering, with various signs and banners visible in the background.
The 1980s marked a period of expansion in academic and extracurricular programming. New initiatives, including service trips and international conferences, helped students develop global awareness and intercultural skills. ASB's Model United Nations club, founded during this decade, embodied the school's mission to prepare students to thoughtfully engage with the wider world. 
1990s
A large group of people, mostly students, gathered in a classroom or auditorium setting, with a speaker or presenter standing at the front addressing the audience.

With enrollment again on the rise, ASB expanded its facilities with a major addition to the original Esplugues building, and the new cafeteria quickly became the heart of school life.

The decade also marked an important milestone in ASB's development. The school earned its first accreditation from the Middle States Association in the United States and received official recognition from the Generalitat of Catalunya. These achievements solidified ASB's reputation as a school of academic rigor and international standing.

2000s
The image shows a group of children engaged in various activities, including painting a mural on a wall and working on a mosaic project. The background suggests an outdoor setting, with greenery and buildings visible.
The new millennium ushered in a renewed sense of global awareness and community spirit at ASB. Students and staff came together to create a colorful mosaic at the school's entrance, symbolizing ASB's values of creativity, collaboration, and international-mindedness. 
 
In 2007, ASB took a major step forward in academic excellence and global education by becoming an authorized school of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.
2010s
A group of people gathered in front of a large industrial-style building with a prominent logo, surrounded by tables and decorations, suggesting some kind of event or gathering taking place.
ASB celebrated its 50th anniversary and entered a new era of growth. Construction began on a state-of-the-art Early Childhood Center and Elementary School building, followed by a new Middle School, gymnasium-auditorium, and an outdoor amphitheater for performances and community gatherings. These additions reflected ASB’s commitment to creating inspiring learning spaces for every student.
2020s
A large group of people gathered on a sports field, forming the number 60 to celebrate an anniversary or milestone event.
Sixty years after its founding, ASB marked this milestone with a joyful celebration that brought students, faculty, alumni, and families from around the world. The event honored the decades of shared memories and achievements while looking ahead to the school's bright future. 
 
Today, at nearly 1000 students strong, ASB continues to expand and innovate, with new construction plans underway to meet the evolving needs of a community that remains at the forefront of international education. 

Values That Define Us

Learn More About Our Program

Admissions Process
Students from the American School of Barcelona (ASB) sitting at an outdoor table, hands raised.
Rigorous Academics
Students at ASB, an international school in Barcelona, stroll through the hallway while reading together
Inclusive Community
Students and staff from ASB in Barcelona standing outdoors, attentively watching a band presentation.

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