Barcelona to host event to help international families choose schools for their kids

Barcelona will host an event to help international families in Catalonia choose a school for their children on March 10.

The session will consist of a round table, a presentation on the pre-registration process for the 2022-2023 academic year, and a "matchmaking" activity, that is, a small fair where attendees will be able to talk to and request information from representatives of international schools in the Catalan capital.

Pre-registration for the upcoming school year is between March 7 and March 21 for pre-school and primary school children, and from March 9 to March 21 for secondary school students, with dates for pre-university 'Batxillerat' courses between April 20 and April 26.

Barcelona International Welcome – a public initiative run by the city council – has organized the session in order to provide as much information as possible to families yet to make up their minds or for those who may struggle with the pre-registration process.

"Now that it's time for pre-registration for the 2022-2023 school year, the Barcelona City Council wishes to present the various schooling options available to you," reads the website where all of the relevant information can be found.

The Barcelona Education Consortium, the Catalan government's education department, and the Barcelona International Schools Association (BISA) are collaborating in the organization.

The event will take place in English next Thursday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Auditori Cibernàrium in the Edifici MediaTIC building (117, Roc Boronat street, 2^nd floor). It is free but prior registration is required.

After an introduction by a city council representative, a round table with Oriol Pallarés and Esteve Juanola, assistant head inspectors at the Government of Catalonia's Department of Education, along with Julie Harris, president of the Barcelona International Schools Association (BISA), will take place. It will be moderated by Catalan News' deputy editor, Guifré Jordan, and will last 30 to 40 minutes.

Afterward, Cristina Iglesia, an education advisor from the Barcelona Education Consortium, will give a presentation on 'How to pre-enroll your child in Barcelona's state and subsidized schools.'

After a 15-minute break, attendees will have the chance to get in speak with representatives of international schools and of the Catalan schooling system until 12:30 pm.

The participating entities are the Barcelona Education Consortium, the Catalan government's education department, American School of Barcelona, Aula Escola Europea, Benjamin Franklin International School, École Française Ferdinand de Lesseps, Emilio Sánchez American School, Hamelin-Laie International School, Highlands School Barcelona, Kensignton School, Lycée Français de Barcelone, Lycée Français de Gavà Bon Soleil, Oak House School, Princess Margaret School, St. Peter’s School Barcelona, The British College of Gavà, The British School of Barcelona, and the International School of Catalunya.