top of page
Search

Best American Schools in Barcelona by Comparison

Updated: Oct 6

"Best American Schools in Barcelona" by Barcelona High School

What is the Best American School in Barcelona?
Founder Akida Mashaka (left) with School Partner & Director Amanda Slefo (right)

What is the Best American School in Barcelona?

Barcelona High School (BHS) was founded in 2020 by Akida Mashaka during Covid. BHS is indeed redefining education. Akida invented the Social Wellness School model as a revolutionary approach to education for the post-Covid era. Then with Amanda Slefo, BHS Director and Partner, the BHS Method™ pedagogy was forged.


Other American schools in Barcelona use the traditional academic education approach which prioritizes memorization, teaching only for standardized testing, and focusing solely on International Baccalaureate (IB) in 11th and 12th grades, instead of the American High School Diploma like Barcelona High School. These other American schools in Barcelona focus on traditional standards of success measured only by academics. On the other hand, Barcelona High School stands apart as the only American school in Barcelona where academics, social life, and mental wellbeing are equally a priority.


BHS is the first school in the world to use this revolutionary social wellness school model which equally emphasizes student social life, mental health, and academics, as a standard of success.


Listed below are the other American schools in Barcelona compared to Barcelona High School for you to draw your own conclusion. However, we feel by the end of this article, you will understand why Barcelona High School is the premier choice for families and students seeking a transformative American school educational and lifestyle experience in Barcelona.


American Schools in Barcelona

American Schools in Barcelona

Besides besides being the best city to live in Spain, Barcelona has become a magnet for American school education, attracting families from around the world seeking a blend of American academic standards with a global perspective. American schools in Barcelona have established themselves as some of the best international schools in Barcelona, with each offering slightly different approach to education.


Barcelona High School, however, clearly distinguishes itself as the best American school In Barcelona by prioritizing the holistic development of students, focusing on their social, emotional, and academic well-being in equal measure, instead of only on academics, for example, like other American schools in Barcelona.


Best American Schools in Barcelona

Best American Schools in Barcelona

While the definition of the "Best American school in Barcelona" may vary depending on individual preferences and priorities, Barcelona High School offers a truly innovative and transformative educational experience unlike any other American school in Barcelona. Below Barcelona High School is compared with the top tier American schools in Barcelona to understand why it stands out as the premier choice for families seeking a holistic approach to education in an American school in Barcelona.


American School of Barcelona ASB

American School of Barcelona

The American School of Barcelona is known for its amazing facilities, famous families and as the first American school In Barcelona. The American School of Barcelona, however, is located outside Barcelona city, whereas, Barcelona High School is located in the heart of Barcelona in the culture filled neighborhood of Gracia. Moreover, Barcelona High School takes a different approach to education by placing equal emphasis on the social, psychological, and academic development of students. Our unique curriculum integrates experiential learning, mindfulness practices, and social-emotional learning to foster well-rounded individuals who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world.


Benjamin Franklin International School BFIS

Benjamin Franklin International School

Benjamin Franklin International School offers a comprehensive American and obligatory IB Diploma Program with newly built facilities. While BFIS emphasizes academic rigor through IB, Barcelona High School uses the flexible American equivalent to IB, called Advanced Placement (AP). Moreover, Barcelona High School goes beyond traditional academics to nurture students' social and psychological well-being. Through personalized learning, social engagement, and emotional intelligence initiatives, we empower students to cultivate resilience, empathy, and leadership skills essential for success in life.


ES American School

ES American School

While ES American School (formerly ES International School) is a lower tier school compared with the 2 American schools discussed above, ES American School prioritizes athletics, primarily tennis, over academics and emotional well-being. Barcelona High School places a strong emphasis on flexible schedules for high competitive athletes as well, such as tennis and football (soccer) players, to name a few. However, what sets Barcelona High School apart is our integrated approach to education for our highly competitive athletes, where social-emotional learning, psychological well-being, and academic excellence are seamlessly woven into every aspect of the curriculum. By addressing the whole student, we prepare highly competitive athletes not only for success in athletics but also for meaningful and fulfilling lives beyond sports.


Why Barcelona High School is the Best American School in Barcelona

Best American School in Barcelona

Barcelona High School stands as the epitome of innovation and excellence in American education in Barcelona. Here's why Barcelona High School is the premier choice for families and students seeking a transformative educational experience at an American School in Spain:


  1. Revolutionary Educational Model Unlike traditional academic approaches, Barcelona High School uses a revolutionary Social Wellness School approach which prioritizes the social, psychological, and academic development of students in equal measure. Forged with additional principles of the  BHS Method, BHS's integrated curriculum fosters well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially and emotionally resilient.

  2. Social Life Connectivity Barcelona High School integrates social-emotional learning into every aspect of the curriculum, equipping students with essential life skills such as empathy, resilience, and interpersonal communication. Through mindfulness practices, conflict resolution workshops, and peer support programs, we create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

  3. Student Well-Being At Barcelona High School, we believe that student mental health and well-being Is paramount. Our comprehensive support services, including counseling, wellness programs, and academic advising, ensure that every student receives the care and support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

  4. US Curriculum & Advanced Placement (No IB) Unlike the other American schools in the Barcelona that offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, Barcelona High School exclusively follows the US curriculum, and offers Advanced Placement (AP), the American equivalent of IB, which Is recognized and respected worldwide. This focus on the US curriculum sets Barcelona High School apart as the only true American school in Barcelona, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to excel academically and pursue their aspirations through the more flexible American educational system versus the rigid IB schools in Barcelona. Barcelona High School students can also attend Spain universities (private and public) with our American High School Diploma because it is approved by the Spanish Ministry of Education.


Barcelona High School is the Best American School in Barcelona

Barcelona High School is the Best American School in Barcelona

In conclusion, Barcelona High School is redefining education by prioritizing the holistic development of students, focusing on their social, psychological, and academic well-being in equal measure. So if you're seeking a transformative educational experience that goes beyond traditional academics, particularly IB, Barcelona High School is the premier choice for your child. Join us in shaping the future of education and empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Welcome to Barcelona High School, where students flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.


Apply Now for free.



322 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page