Start with the curriculum
In Madrid's international school landscape, you will encounter several different curricula. Some schools follow the British National Curriculum. Others use the American system. A smaller number follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework.
For families who value global mobility and a well-rounded, enquiry-led approach to learning, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) stands out. It is designed to develop children as thinkers, communicators, and curious learners.
At International College Spain (ICS), the PYP starts at age 3. That means your child begins their education within the same framework they will follow all the way through to age 18, if you choose to stay. There is no curriculum switch, no period of adjustment, and no break in the philosophy that shapes how your child learns.
Few schools in Madrid offer all three IB programmes, from Early Years through to the IB Diploma, in English. That continuity is unique and gives students a strong sense of stability, progress and achievement.
Ask about language from day one
Madrid is a Spanish-speaking city, and any reputable international kindergarten should take languages seriously from the start.
Look for schools that offer real bilingual or multilingual teaching in the early years. Ask how languages are woven into the daily routine. Ask what happens if your child arrives speaking little or no Spanish, and what support is in place.
At ICS, language learning starts in Early Years and builds progressively across all three IB programmes. Students develop confidence in English, Spanish, and in most cases a third language, over the course of their time at school. That early exposure to multilingualism provides learners with both academic and social advantages as they grow.
Look for a community, not just a classroom
Children in kindergarten learn as much from their environment and the people around them as they do from formal instruction. The community your child joins matters enormously.
Ask schools how diverse their student body really is. How many nationalities are represented? What does the school do to help new families settle in? What activities or initiatives are available to help parents, teachers, and students form meaningful connections?
ICS Madrid brings together families from more than 70 nationalities. That diversity shapes the daily experience of every child in the school. From the friendships they form to the perspectives they encounter in the classroom, your child grows up understanding that the world is wide and full of different ways of thinking.
Think about the journey from three to eighteen
It may seem early to think beyond kindergarten, but many families find it useful to consider what comes next.
When your child finishes kindergarten, where will they continue their education? Is there a primary school that shares the same ethos and curriculum? Is there a secondary school that builds on everything they have learned? Or will your child need to adapt to a completely different environment at each transition?
If you are planning to stay in Madrid for several years, or you value consistency and stability in your child's education, you may want to consider choosing a school that can accompany your child throughout their learning journey.
ICS is one of the few schools in Madrid offering the full IB journey from age 3 to 18. Your child can join in Early Years and graduate with the IB Diploma in the same school community they grew up in, building confidence and independence with steady support.
What to look for when you visit
Once you have shortlisted a few kindergartens, visiting in person can help you make your final decision. Here are some factors to look out for when you arrive.
1. Watch how the adults speak to the children. Are they encouraging curiosity? Do the children look settled and engaged?
2. Ask about the transition process for new starters, particularly if your child is moving from a different country or a different language environment. What does the school do in the first weeks to make your child feel safe and welcome?
3. Ask about the ratio of teachers to children in Early Years. Ask how they communicate with parents, and how often.
4. And take some time to absorb the school environment. Does it feel calm? Does it feel welcoming? Do you get a sense that the people working there love what they do?
Ready to see ICS for yourself?
The best way to understand whether a school is the right fit is to visit.
We hold regular open days and school tours at ICS Madrid, and our admissions team is always happy to speak with families at any stage of the decision-making process. Whether your child is ready to start this year or you are planning ahead, we would love to welcome you onto campus and show you what life in our Early Years programme looks like.
Book a visit or enquire now and a member of our team will be in touch.
