Schools
Castellón offers a wide range of schooling options—from public to private and international—so you can find the best fit for your child’s education and language needs.
Public Schools
Funded by the government and free of charge, public schools in Castellón follow the national curriculum and are accessible to all students. One important point to note is that many schools have the majority of their classes in Valenciano (a dialect of Catalan).
Private Schools
Privately funded, these schools often offer bilingual or international programs, with some providing additional languages and specialized courses.
Concertado Schools (Semi-Private)
These are partially government-funded and require lower fees than private schools. Concertado schools combine aspects of public and private education, often with smaller class sizes and specialized facilities.
In the Valencian Community, which includes Castellón, students in public and “concertado” (semi-private) schools typically receive instruction in both Spanish and Valencian (also known as Catalan in this region). Valencian is a co-official language here and is part of the curriculum, especially in primary and secondary schools. However, the degree of emphasis on Valencian versus Spanish may vary by school and even by municipality. In some cases, classes may be fully or partially conducted in Valencian, particularly in areas with a strong cultural emphasis on the language.
While knowledge of Valencian isn’t strictly required for families moving to Castellón, understanding and participating in the local culture can be easier with some familiarity. If you’re considering public schooling, expect that children will learn Valencian as part of their regular studies. This bilingual education aims to ensure students are proficient in both languages, but Spanish remains the dominant language, particularly in urban areas and with foreign residents in mind.
PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE SCHOOLS
In Castellón, private schools offer various advantages and disadvantages depending on a family’s educational goals, budget, and language preferences.
Agora LLedo International School
Known for its high academic standards, it incorporates the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and multilingual education, including English, Spanish, Catalan, and other languages. The school also has extensive extracurricular programs in sports, music, and STEAM activities, which foster holistic development. However, its high standards and additional services, such as extended hours and health services, result in relatively high fees, ranging between 500€ and 1200€ per month.
This British school focuses on active learning methodologies and uses English as the main language, while incorporating classes in Spanish and Valencian. It offers services such as extended hours, a dining hall, and extracurriculars, which makes it suitable for families seeking a structured yet flexible environment. Its location in Vila-real, outside Castellón, might be a disadvantage for some, and transportation could be an additional cost.
International English School (IEP)
As an English-medium school, it caters to families looking for immersion in English. The school uses innovative teaching methods and provides services such as morning and afternoon care and a variety of activities, making it ideal for international students. However, its limited use of other languages might not appeal to families seeking trilingual education. Prices range from 5000€ to 14000€ per year.
This bilingual school (Spanish and Valencian) offers a more affordable private education option, with a general curriculum that emphasizes inclusivity and mixed- gender education. It includes support services like counseling and extracurricular programs. However, it may lack the international focus or advanced curriculum seen in other private options.
With a broad range of educational stages, this school offers a bilingual curriculum in Spanish with extended hours, healthcare services, and innovative methods. While it provides a wide variety of support services, it may be less internationally focused than other schools in the region.
A private, accredited school offering education for children ages 3-12 in small, multigrade groups (with capacity for around 75 students). The school follows an active, respectful pedagogy, nurturing each child’s emotional, cognitive, artistic and linguistic development in a multilingual and multicultural environment.
Colegio Mater Dei (Concertado)
Mater Dei is a private Catholic institution located near Castellón de la Plana. Known for its emphasis on holistic development, Mater Dei integrates a strong academic program with religious education, moral values, and extracurricular activities aimed at fostering well-rounded growth. The school offers educational stages from preschool through secondary education.
Colegio Liceo (Concertado)
Liceo is another private school option, located in the Castellón area and serving levels from preschool to secondary education. It has a balanced focus on academics and co-curricular activities, including sports, arts, and various clubs, aimed at encouraging students’ personal and social growth. Liceo offers services like transportation and a school dining hall, making it convenient for families. Its educational philosophy is often described as modern and inclusive, with particular attention to the needs of each student.