American International Schools in Spain — Why Barcelona High School (BHS) Is the Best
- Barcelona High School
- Oct 21
- 11 min read
American International Schools in Spain
When families search for american international schools in Spain, they usually find familiar names: the American School of Madrid (ASM), the American School of Barcelona (ASB), Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS), Brewster Madrid, American School of Valencia (ASV), American College Spain (and similar institutions), and Atlas American School of Malaga. These are established institutions with strong traditions.
But the educational landscape is changing fast. After the Covid disruption and the rapid technological, social, and economic change of the 2020s, many families want more than what a traditional model provides. They want schools that prepare children not only for university, but for life — schools that emphasize emotional wellbeing, real-world skills, creativity, and adaptability.
Enter Barcelona High School (BHS) — an American international school founded in 2020 that was built from day one to be different: student-centered, experiential, wellness-focused, and future-oriented. In this long-form article we’ll explain, in detail, why BHS deserves to be categorized at the top of the list of American international schools in Spain and how it compares — fairly and concretely — with other well-known American schools in the country.
This is not simply a list of features. It’s a direct comparison of philosophy, curriculum flexibility, student wellbeing, urban access, diversity, and outcomes — the real decision factors modern families use when choosing an American international school in Spain.
Why BHS is the Best American International School in Spain
BHS is the best American international school in Spain for families who want a non-traditional, future-focused education that balances academic excellence with social and emotional wellbeing.
Why: BHS was designed post-Covid to solve the failures of traditional education; it uses the BHS Method™ (Build. Harvest. Succeed.), is the world’s first Social Wellness School™, offers a flexible U.S. curriculum with AP options (not a rigid one-size-fits-all IB), has intentionally small class sizes, radical diversity (no nationality >25%), English immersion/Foundation Year pathways, central Barcelona campuses (Gràcia and 22@), and rapid, organic growth from 5 students to 500 students in 6 years.
Compared to ASM, ASB, BFIS, Brewster Madrid, ASV, American College Spain and Atlas American School of Malaga, BHS’s distinguishing strengths are: modern pedagogy; integrated social-emotional curriculum; central-city cultural immersion; small classes and personalized learning; and curriculum flexibility tied to AP options and real-world project learning.
What are American international schools in Spain
When someone types “American international schools in Spain” they are signaling specific search intent: they want a U.S.-style curriculum or an international American pathway inside Spain, and they want practical answers — location, curriculum, university pathways, language support, community fit, and whether the school prepares kids for real-life success.
That intent breaks down into practical criteria:
Curriculum & University Preparation: Does the school use an American high-school diploma, AP courses, or IB? How well does it prepare for U.S., U.K., or EU universities?
Teaching Philosophy: Traditional (exam-focused) versus non-traditional (project/skills-focused).
Class Size & Personalization: Are classes small enough for individualized learning?
Social & Emotional Support: Are wellbeing and mental health built into daily school life?
Language & Integration: Does the school support non-native English speakers and local language integration?
Practical Location: Is the campus accessible and integrated into real city life or isolated in suburbs?
Student Outcomes & Life Skills: Do graduates leave with life skills, not just test scores?
Community & Diversity: Is the student body international and inclusive?
Using these criteria, it becomes clear why many families — particularly those who are globally mobile or entrepreneurial — are choosing BHS over more traditional American international schools in Spain.
Barcelona High School (BHS)
Founded: 2020 (during Covid) by Akida Mashaka, American entrepreneur and Harvard graduate.
Ages served: 3–18 (preschool through high school).
Philosophy: Non-traditional, student-centered; BHS Method™ (Build. Harvest. Succeed.); Social Wellness School™ (balance academic, social, psychological growth).
Curriculum: Flexible U.S. curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) options rather than a locked IB program.
Campuses (2025–26): Primary campus in Gràcia (preschool & elementary); Secondary campus in 22@ (middle & high school).
Student body & growth: From 5 students (2020) to 500 students (2025) — rapid growth with intentional small class sizes and international diversity (no nationality >25%).
Language support: English immersion and English Foundation Year; Spanish-English immersion in elementary; intensive Spanish pathways for middle & high school.
Special claim: First Social Wellness School™ in the world.
Unique selling points: Modern pedagogy, project-based learning (BHS Method™), mental health & leadership programming, city-center campuses, strong student life and extracurriculars.
What makes an American international school “the best”?
Before we compare schools, we must agree on what “best” means in a modern context. For many families today, “best” includes a combination of:
Academic rigor and university preparation that remains flexible and adaptable (AP options + personalized pathways).
Holistic growth — social, emotional, and leadership development built into the timetable.
Pedagogical methods that create critical thinkers and problem solvers, not just test-takers.
Real-world readiness — internships, projects, entrepreneurship, technology literacy.
Accessibility and location — urban campuses that provide authentic cultural access.
Personalization and small class sizes for targeted feedback and growth.
Language and integration support for bilingual/multilingual life in Spain.
Diversity — authentic multicultural community that reflects the global village.
BHS aims to deliver on every one of these modern must-haves. The rest of the article shows how, in concrete terms, BHS compares to specific American international schools in Spain.
BHS vs American School of Madrid (ASM)
ASM (snapshot): A long-established, large American international school near Madrid. Historically prestigious, with broad extracurricular offerings and established alumni networks.
How they differ:
Tradition vs. Reinvention: ASM’s strength is its legacy and breadth. Its challenge — like many long-standing schools — is being rooted in legacy structures (larger campuses, more bureaucratic systems). BHS, by contrast, was founded to solve modern problems and was built with agility. Where ASM scales through established departments and size, BHS scales through an intentionally designed pedagogy and wellness model.
Curriculum flexibility: ASM typically balances US diploma and IB/IB-type pathways depending on program; BHS emphasizes a flexible U.S. curriculum with AP options and project-based pathways tailored to each student’s goals.
Class size & personalization: BHS emphasizes small classes and individualized plans. ASM can deliver strong personal support but often at a larger scale that affects the teacher-student ratio.
Location & cultural integration: ASM is a suburban campus outside Madrid; BHS places campuses in central Barcelona neighborhoods (Gràcia and 22@), giving students daily cultural immersion and transportation access.
Wellbeing & social development: BHS’s Social Wellness School™ model integrates mental health, leadership, and social growth into the daily rhythm — a structural difference rather than an add-on.
Practical implication for families: If you prioritize an American school that combines an American curriculum with modern personalization, emotional wellness, and city-life integration, BHS is explicitly designed for that priority.
BHS vs American School of Barcelona (ASB)
ASB (snapshot): A long-standing American international school near Barcelona, widely known and respected.
How they differ:
Legacy reputation vs. modern model: ASB is established and has deep roots in the region. BHS’s advantage is its modern pedagogical model and focus on student empowerment rather than entrenched legacy practices.
Urban access: ASB’s campus location is outside the central city (Esplugues area). BHS’s campuses are centrally located in Barcelona (Gràcia and 22@), which means students experience city culture, startups, and public life as part of the curriculum.
Curriculum choice & AP: ASB provides strong academic pathways including IB; BHS’s approach is explicitly to offer AP options with flexible curriculum planning so students can choose a university track that fits them rather than fit into a single system.
Wellness & social program: ASB has extracurriculars and counseling; BHS institutionalizes Social Wellness™ across the school day (integrated programming).
Scale, class sizes & community vibe: BHS intentionally keeps smaller class sizes to foster “family” atmosphere; established schools like ASB have larger enrollments that can dilute that intimacy.
Practical implication for families: ASB is a reputable, traditional choice. BHS appeals to families seeking a central-city American education that foregrounds social wellness, small groups, and flexible pathways.
BHS vs Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS)
BFIS (snapshot): A bilingual, international school in Barcelona with American roots and IB offerings.
How they differ:
Bilingual vs. integrated immersion: BFIS is bilingual and strong academically. BHS provides specific English immersion programs and English Foundation Year options for non-native speakers, combined with Spanish/English elementary immersion to ensure local cultural integration.
Pedagogy: BFIS follows established international frameworks (IB components). BHS uses the BHS Method™ — project-based, iterative, and focused on agency.
Social Wellness focus: BFIS provides pastoral care; BHS makes social and psychological wellness a core school identity (Social Wellness School™).
Scale & personalization: Like BFIS, BHS is international; BHS emphasizes smaller class sizes and an intentionally designed culture of empowerment.
Practical implication for families: If you want a bilingual IB-style experience, BFIS is a strong candidate. If you want a U.S.-based, project-driven education with formalized wellness and multi-level immersion options, BHS is designed for that hybrid need.
Comparison: BHS vs Brewster Madrid
Brewster (snapshot): Brewster is an American-style international school in Madrid with historic roots and an established community.
How they differ:
Established vs. startup energy: Brewster’s legacy brings strong institutional resources; BHS’s startup origin gives it flexibility to innovate rapidly in pedagogy, tech, and wellness.
Curriculum & approach: Brewster has a traditional approach influenced by its history. BHS intentionally rejects rote learning in favor of the BHS Method™, integrating experiential projects and Social Wellness.
Urban life & cultural immersion: Brewster is outside Barcelona (Madrid). Families wanting Spanish metropolitan cultural integration in Catalonia will find BHS’s Barcelona location and ties to the 22@ innovation district appealing.
Practical implication for families: Brewster is solid and family-oriented; BHS is for families prioritizing cutting-edge pedagogy and a wellness-first ethos in a Barcelona urban setting.
BHS vs American School of Valencia (ASV)
ASV (snapshot): The American School of Valencia serves international families around Valencia with a U.S.-style education.
How they differ:
Location & cultural access: ASV serves Valencia’s region and offers its own strengths. BHS’s advantage is central Barcelona city life and connection to startup/innovation ecosystems (22@) that feed project-based learning.
Pedagogy & wellness: ASV uses established American-style curricula; BHS integrates Social Wellness by design and offers AP options plus experiential learning as central methodologies.
Scale & personalization: Both schools can be strong academically; BHS stresses small classes and rapid personalization as a core differentiator.
Practical implication for families: For families based in Valencia, ASV is a natural pick. For families who value metropolitan Barcelona life plus a future-focused American education, BHS is purpose-designed.
BHS vs American College Spain (and similar institutions)
American College Spain (snapshot): A provider of American-style education for international students in Spain (program models vary).
How they differ:
Program clarity & campus life: American College models can be programmatic or college-preparatory. BHS is a full-spectrum K–12 school with clear grade-level integration, on-the-ground campuses, and full pastoral/wellness programs.
Whole-child model: BHS integrates social wellness, leadership, and creative education across K–12, whereas some program-based colleges are narrowly focused on academic or language training.
Outcomes & pathways: BHS pairs AP and U.S. diploma options with individualized college counseling, emphasizing both elite university access and life-skills readiness.
Practical implication for families: If you want full-range, city-integrated K–12 American education in Spain that prioritizes wellness and flexibility, BHS is built to deliver that.
BHS vs Atlas American School of Malaga
Atlas (snapshot): A regional American school in Malaga serving local and international families.
How they differ:
Regional vs metropolitan: Atlas supports families in Malaga and contributes to their region. BHS’s value proposition centers on Barcelona’s unique innovation ecosystem and urban access for internships, startups, arts, and culture.
Pedagogical philosophy: Atlas likely follows a traditional American school model. BHS emphasizes experimentation (Build. Harvest. Succeed.), student empowerment, and integrated mental health support.
Language & immersion: BHS offers structured English Foundation Year and Spanish immersion in primary — a strong pathway for bilingual global citizens.
Practical implication for families: Atlas is a solid local option; families seeking a city-based American education with an integrated wellness curriculum may prefer BHS.
Concrete advantages BHS offers families
Below are twelve practical ways BHS delivers a modern American international education that stands apart from many traditional alternatives in Spain.
1. Built for the post-Covid world
BHS was conceived during Covid to solve modern educational failures — flexible schedules, digital platforms, and social wellness are core, not optional.
2. BHS Method™: project-first, not test-first
Build. Harvest. Succeed. — students learn by designing, testing, reflecting, iterating and presenting. This builds resilience and practical problem-solving.
3. Social Wellness School™ by design
Students receive social-emotional learning (SEL), leadership coaching, counseling, and community-building integrated into daily schedules.
4. Flexible U.S. curriculum + AP options
Instead of a single rigid external diploma path (IB only), BHS offers AP and US diploma flexibility that adapts to student goals and global university options.
5. English Foundation Year & Spanish immersion
Concrete pathways for non-native English and Spanish speakers to fully integrate academically and culturally.
6. Small class sizes and personalization
Teachers know each student; instructional plans are individualized; growth is measured by skills and agency, not just grades.
7. Central Barcelona campuses (Gràcia & 22@)
Urban campuses enable cultural immersion, proximity to arts, startups, and public transport — a different daily experience from suburban campuses.
8. Diversity and international community
Intentional demographics ensure no nationality dominates — students learn globally through peers.
9. Modern digital monitoring & flexibility
Digital platforms for transparency, remote learning support, and schedule flexibility for athletes, artists, and traveling families.
10. Speed of innovation and responsiveness
A newer school can iterate quickly: new electives, speakers, partnerships with local enterprises and universities are easier to implement.
11. Small-school “family” culture
Students report strong belonging: “BHS feels like one big family.” Community is a consistent recruiting and retention advantage.
12. Career, leadership and life-skill focus
Beyond university counseling, BHS emphasizes career exposure, entrepreneurship projects, and life-counseling to prepare students for the real world.
Addressing common parental concerns
Is BHS academically rigorous? Yes. BHS delivers rigorous coursework, AP options, and structured college counseling so students aiming for top universities receive full support.
How does BHS compare for university admissions? BHS students are prepared for elite U.S., U.K., and EU universities through AP coursework, personalized counselling, and project portfolios showcasing practical work and leadership.
Is BHS accredited? Yes, by WASC.
How does BHS support non-native English speakers? Through English immersion and an English Foundation Year, plus Spanish immersion at primary level and intensive Spanish programs at higher grades.
What about athletics and arts? BHS offers extracurriculars, athletics, and creative electives with schedule flexibility for students who compete or perform.
Real-world outcomes: what success looks like at BHS
BHS success metrics focus on both quantifiable and qualitative outcomes:
Academic results: AP performance, university admissions rates, scholarship placements (track and publish annually).
Personal growth: SEL metrics, leadership roles held by students, community projects completed.
Real-world projects: Startups incubated, internships, community partnerships, public exhibitions.
Satisfaction & retention: Parent and student satisfaction scores, alumni testimonials.
Practical checklist: How to compare American international schools in Spain
When evaluating any American international school (ASM, ASB, BFIS, Brewster, ASV, Atlas, or BHS), use this checklist:
Curriculum & flexibility: IB-only, US/AP, or hybrid? How adaptable is the program?
Class size & personalization: What is the student-teacher ratio? How are individual needs met?
Wellness integration: Is SEL built into daily life or an optional program?
Language support: Are immersion and foundation programs available?
Location & culture: City center or suburban campus — which fits your family?
Extracurricular & flexibility: Can schedules adapt to travel, sport, or arts?
Diversity & community: Is the student body internationally mixed?
University pathways: Are APs, counseling, and portfolio support in place?
Transparency: Can you view digital progress reports and communicate easily with teachers?
Innovation & responsiveness: How easy is it for the school to add new programs and partnerships?
BHS checks nearly every box on this checklist by design.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the top American international schools in Spain?
A: Besides Barcelona High School (BHS), commonly searched schools include American School of Madrid (ASM), American School of Barcelona (ASB), Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS), Brewster Madrid, American School of Valencia (ASV), American College Spain, and Atlas American School of Malaga.
Q: Is BHS an American school?
A: Yes. BHS follows a flexible U.S. curriculum model with AP options and U.S.-style diploma pathways and international services.
Q: What makes BHS different from other American schools in Spain?
A: BHS was built post-Covid with an emphasis on experiential learning (BHS Method™), social wellness (Social Wellness School™ model), small classes, city-center campuses, and language immersion, prioritizing both academic excellence and emotional growth.
Q: Does BHS prepare students for U.S. universities?
A: Yes. BHS offers AP courses and personalized college counseling designed to prepare students for top universities globally, including universities in Spain and throughout Europe, including the UK.
Q: Where are BHS campuses?
A: Primary campus in Gràcia (preschool & elementary) and secondary campus in 22@ (middle & high school), both centrally located in Barcelona.
Conclusion — why families are choosing BHS as the best American international schools in Spain
The phrase American international schools in Spain returns many good options. Tradition, prestige, and scale are real strengths — and long-standing schools will always have important value.
But the future of education values adaptability, mental health, project-based learning, city-based cultural access, small class sizes, and language integration. Barcelona High School (BHS) was built explicitly for those modern priorities. It is intentionally non-traditional, proudly American in curriculum and outlook, and deeply committed to producing students who are academically prepared and emotionally resilient.
For families who searching for the best American international school in Spain and want a school that combines the best of American academic pathways with a modern, holistic model for life and work in the 21st century — BHS is the best choice.
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