The first step is to fill out the inquiry or application form. Once we have your contact details, you will receive an automated email containing the calendar links for scheduling a video call or campus visit. Please make sure to book this meeting at least 2-3 weeks in advance. 

Please look here to see an updated space availability table for the next year.  If you are looking more than a year in advance, kindly note that we only know how many spaces we will have available after February of the same year, when our re-enrollment survey goes out to current families. 

BFIS has a rolling admissions policy, meaning that applications are processed all year round. We encourage parents to complete the application process before February of the year they are interested in starting. 

No. BFIS has a rolling admissions policy, meaning that applications are processed all year round. We encourage parents to apply as we accept applications throughout the year if space is available and the prospective student meets grade requirements.

Normally, we follow the natural academic progression of students, and they can apply for the equivalent of the grade they would be going into in their current school. You can discuss this in more detail with the Admissions team either via video call or in person.

No, your place will only be guaranteed once you have been offered a space, paid the enrollment fees and submitted all of the contracts and required documents for official enrollment. 

Please see the assessment requirements here.

Once Step 1 and Step 2 of our application process have been completed, parents are generally notified within two weeks. Please review Step 1 and Step 2 of our Application Process here.

At BFIS, specialists provide targeted English language instruction and work closely with teachers to determine student needs. They create support materials for the mainstream classroom and use data to set goals and provide the necessary instruction to help students achieve them. Students entering from grades Nursery - 2nd grade may come in with no English skills. After 2nd grade, the applicant must be assessed and meet the language requirements.

We do not have a nationality cap, however, we always try to maintain a balance between different demographics such as gender or nationality. If we have a waiting list, we give priority to different students based on the Admissions policy. 

We have years of experience in helping students transition between different systems and we are normally able to accommodate any changes. Please have a look here for the comparison between different school systems. 

No. Unfortunately, we do not offer any scholarships or financial aid at the moment. 

No. The application fee is non-refundable. The application fee is charged per prospective student to process an “Application for admission” and it is valid for two consecutive school years.

No. Generally, once the file is complete (Step 1 and Step 2) and the Admissions Team has reviewed the file, it is up to the area Principal to request or not a video conference if the student cannot be physically present for an interview.

Students who meet the academic requirements can be admitted during the academic year, as long as we have space available in the grade. 

English is the primary language of instruction at BFIS. For international students, Spanish is taught as an additional language and Hispanic Individuals and Societies is taught in Spanish. All the rest of our classes are taught in English.

For our native speaking Spanish students, Spanish and Catalan are both taught as native languages and they have a Spanish Geography & History course taught in Spanish, but all of the other classes are taught in English. 

Between Nursery and 5th grade (inclusive) we follow the US American curriculum. Starting in 6th grade, we are an IB Continuum School offering the MYP and IBDP, as part of the International Baccalaureate program. 

Yes, the IB Diploma Programme is the only curriculum offered in Grades 11 & 12. By completing it, students also complete the credit requirements to be awarded the American High School Diploma. 

No. We only offer the IBDP,  which is a 2 year programme and a transfer during this time is extremely complicated. The IBDP does not mandate in what order the content is taught, which means that any transfer students would have both gaps and duplicates in the material of their courses. Additionally, the TOK, EE and CAS calendars differ between schools which also makes transitions complicated.

No. BFIS has a Spanish Language Acquisition Program (SLAC). Students that aren't native Spanish speakers are assessed at the beginning of the year and placed adequately at their entry level.

Spanish is mandatory for all of our students, regardless of the level of Spanish they have when joining us. We have various levels for our Spanish acquisition program and all new students are tested and assigned to a group.

At the moment, we are only offering Catalan as a native language, and it is not mandatory for non-Spanish students.

BFIS is a secular school independent of religious affiliation. Our students will learn about various religions within their Individuals and Societies class.

Please see here.

Please see here.

BFIS has approximately 700 students enrolled, aged 3-19, from around the world. They represent more than 60 nationalities.

Yes. Parents may sign up for school transportation at an additional cost. Check the School Bus Section on our website here.

Yes we do have a cafeteria and any dietary restrictions are strictly monitored by our nurse and kitchen team. See here for more information.

All students need to be in school by 8:35 am. Some IBDP classes begin at 8:00 am. The school day ends at 4:00 pm for all students, except on Wednesdays when classes end at 3:00 pm.

Please see the calendar here.

Yes. BFIS welcomes active parents who want and are willing to share their time and talents. Also, the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) organizes many activities during the year. The PTA warmly welcomes parents to join this association. This is a great opportunity for parents to participate in class activities, field trips, fundraisers and school-wide committees.

No. We do not have any boarding facilities at the moment. BFIS policy states that students must reside full-time with at least one parent or legal guardian while enrolled.

BFIS policy states that students must reside full-time with at least one parent or legal guardian while enrolled. Please direct questions regarding guardianship to the Admissions team at admissions@bfischool.org at the time of inquiry or application.

No, we do not sponsor students, nor do we assist with visa related inquiries. However, once formally enrolled we can provide a Certificate of Enrollment, which is frequently needed by Embassies or for residential visa requirements. 

No, we do not have a school uniform. 

At BFIS, Barcelona becomes an extension of our classroom. We take full advantage of the city's rich cultural and educational offerings - whether it’s visiting art and science museums, attending theater performances, exploring turtle sanctuaries, or creating in makerspaces, there’s always something to discover.

As part of our Experiential Learning Program, students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 participate in annual overnight class trips that foster independence, curiosity, and real-world learning. Other off campus opportunities include: 

- A week-long ski trip in February
- Japan for robotics, future cities, and engineering challenges
- The Gambia for outreach and service learning
- Croatia for ecology and environmental science fieldwork

We also encourage students to pursue their passions through clubs, competitions, and activities that extend beyond the classroom and even beyond borders. A few examples include:

- Robotics competitions in Italy, France, and The Netherlands
- Choir workshops and performances in Germany, Luxembourg, and Lisbon
- Participation in Model United Nations and other international forums

At BFIS, learning is an adventure—both at home and around the world.

The Benjamin Franklin Foundation was created in 1986, under the Spanish Ley de Fundaciones, as a not-for-profit educational foundation. The Foundation’s Board is composed of 10 members and is responsible for the governance of the Benjamin Franklin International School, including its fiduciary oversight, policy and the long-range strategic planning needed to ensure the school’s continued success.

Barcelona is a lovely city that has both sea and mountains, family-friendly activities and world famous landmarks, music festivals and local food markets. Public transport makes it extremely to move within the city, and the airport and train stations provide connections outside of Barcelona. It is generally a safe city.  Learn more on our New Families page.