FAQ's

Academic Achievement and Motivation

ASB is a university preparatory school that seeks to empower students to become global citizens with the critical thinking skills and the self-confidence to maximize their potential. Therefore, applicants are evaluated based on their demonstrated potential for success at our school. Specifically, we consider each student's academic history, teacher references, admissions assessments, and any other pertinent educational documents, to ensure that the candidate has the motivation and the ability to achieve academically at ASB.  

For 11th grade/IB applicants, the student must have passing grades in all subjects in 9th and 10th grades. IB transfer students will only be considered on an exceptional basis when all of the subjects align with ASB offerings, and the student must be able to enroll by October 15.

English Language Skills

In addition, preference is given to native and advanced English speakers.  If space is available, applicants may be considered for admission with a beginner level of English in grades PK3 through 2nd grade.  Applicants for grades 3 and higher are expected to have an advanced level of English, particularly with respect to reading and writing, in order to be successful in our program.  

Other Considerations

The following admissions priorities will also be considered when reviewing applications:

• Children who are American citizens who are also fluent in English, other expatriate families, and Spanish families with extended expatriate experience
• Students who were previously enrolled at ASB
• Children who are siblings of enrolled students
• Children of ASB alumni
• Students who do not have a local school alternative

Given the volume of applications we receive, we cannot guarantee admission based on any of these factors.  The final admissions decision is determined by the Admissions Team, the Principals and Counselors.

For September admissions, decisions are made by early March once we know the available spaces for the following year and all applications have been reviewed. For all other times in the year, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with notification within ten business days.

Please note that the application will not be reviewed until all the required documentation has been submitted and any required admissions testing has been completed.

When a grade level is full, qualified applicants will be placed in the waiting pool.  When a seat 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, taking into account the admissions criteria mentioned above. 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

All students are encouraged to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Those who fail to satisfy the entire set of requirements are awarded a certificate for examinations completed. In addition, all graduating students earn the American High School Diploma. Students who successfully complete the full IB Diploma Program can apply for Spanish university entrance.

We serve students from PreK-3 through grade 12 (ages 3-18). Below you will find a table with the correlation of programs for the 2020-2021 academic year:

We give preference to those students who are fluent in English. If space is available, we would consider students with a beginner level of English in grades PreK-3 through 2nd grade.

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 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.

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 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.

Yes, we offer rolling admissions. While most students start in September, students may also enroll at other times during the school year as long as there is space available.

No, we do not have any boarding facilities.  Students must reside with at least one parent or legal guardian in the Barcelona area in order to attend ASB.  We discourage applicants who will be residing in student housing.