Choosing a school should be part of choosing where your family will live. Compare the actual school, enrollment process, language support and daily journey rather than assuming every public or private school offers the same experience.
Schooling is compulsory
Article 78 makes preschool, general basic and diversified education compulsory and free in the public system. The Legislative Assembly’s explanation confirms this. Secondary education should not be described as voluntary.
MEP’s 2023 education-services compendium describes the different educational stages and modalities. Use current enrollment instructions to confirm age cutoffs and placement rather than assuming a foreign grade number transfers automatically.
Start enrollment early
Ask the school what identity, address and previous-study records it needs. Explain the child’s age, completed grades, language background and any missing documents. MEP’s legal guidance on foreign-student enrollment addresses ensuring entry to the system and placement where previous studies are unavailable.
Do not delay seeking enrollment guidance merely because the family is still arranging immigration paperwork. Ask the school and MEP to resolve the specific documentation situation; a residency-service advertisement is not an enrollment rule.
Compare public and private schools individually
- Confirm the curriculum and recognition of qualifications.
- Ask about the language used in class and support for new learners.
- Check the calendar, school day and transport arrangements.
- Discuss learning support and accessibility directly.
- Request a full list of costs, including materials, meals and transport.
Public education being free does not remove every household expense. Private tuition does not guarantee smaller classes or a particular outcome; ask for the school’s current details.
Support the transition
MEP publishes guidance for students who do not speak Spanish. Discuss support with the school, make time for homework routines and keep communication open with teachers.
Before choosing a home
Test the school journey during normal traffic, confirm availability before paying nonrefundable fees and ask how a future transfer would work. Keep enrollment confirmations and report cards organized. For alternatives, consult our home-learning discussion while checking recognition requirements with MEP.
Official sources reviewed September 7, 2026. Use the linked authority’s current requirements for your case. Images are illustrations, not official documents, offices or approvals.