Thrive here,
then everywhere

By Pesh Mistry

Starting a new school is exciting. It is also terrifying. For parents, the questions start immediately: Will they make friends? Will they like their teacher? Will they get lost? Will they eat lunch? Will they come home on day one and announce that they absolutely, definitely, categorically hate it?

For children, a new school means new teachers, new classmates, new routines, and a whole new environment to figure out. If you have also moved to Madrid, they may be adjusting to a new city and culture at the same time. That is a lot of change for anyone, let alone someone who still occasionally forgets where they left their shoes.

Help them know what to expect

One of the best ways to make a new school feel less intimidating is to experience it before the first day. At Brewster Madrid, prospective students can take part in a Shadow Day, giving them the opportunity to spend time on campus, experience the school day, meet other students, and get a feel for the Brewster environment.

It can make a big difference when the first day does not actually feel like the first day.

Give them time to find their people

Some children make friends within five minutes. Others need a little longer. Neither means anything is wrong.

Your child does not need to arrive Monday and leave Friday with a new best friend, a full social calendar, and an invitation to their birthday party. Settling in takes time.

At Brewster, small class sizes of 15–18 students help teachers get to know students as individuals, while our close-knit community gives children opportunities to build relationships across the school. Every student also has an advisor who provides guidance and support throughout their journey.

Find something they love

One of the easiest ways for a new school to start feeling like their school is to find something they enjoy. It might be a sport, an activity, a subject, a club, a Learning Expedition, or simply the class where they discover they are surprisingly good at something.

When children have opportunities to explore their interests and strengths, they can begin to feel confident in their new surroundings.

And remember: day one is not the final verdict

Your child might love their new school immediately. They might come home and say, “It was fine.” Or they might stare dramatically out of the car window and declare that they are never going back.

Give them time.

At Brewster Madrid, our student-centered approach, small classes, personalized support, and close-knit community are designed to help students feel known and supported as they settle in and grow.

Your child does not need to have everything figured out on day one. They just need the right people around them.

If you are considering a new school in Madrid, visit Brewster Chamberí or La Moraleja and discover how your child could experience the community before they even make the decision to join.

Book a Campus Visit

This week, we sat down with Ms. Judith, our Brewster Kids Summer Academy Coordinator and Brewster Madrid STEAM teacher, to get a first look at what’s in store for Brewster Madrid’s third year of summer programs. From hands-on projects to engaging, skill-building experiences, this year’s program is set to be our most dynamic yet.

But don’t just take our word for it. Hear directly from Ms. Judith below!

1. What’s the most memorable or unexpected moment you’ve seen at the Brewster Kids Summer Academy?

In our program, creativity flows naturally, not just in Art or STEAM, but during playtime too. One of my favorite moments last year was during Water Play, when we introduced paintbrushes to the mix. The school walls became a giant canvas for ephemeral art. The kids were fascinated watching the water change the color of the stone and seeing which areas dried faster. It was a perfect interdisciplinary experience, blending science and art with pure, simple fun.

2. What’s a typical morning like when kids arrive on campus?

The day begins with a warm welcome at the gate, where teachers accompany students to their classrooms. We love using this time to ask about their day and build that essential bond. After dropping off their backpacks and setting out their water bottles, the children head to the playground for curated free-play activities like scavenger hunts or hula-hoop challenges. Finally, we gather for the morning assembly, where we play icebreakers or share a story to ensure everyone starts the day feeling grounded, connected, and ready for adventure.

3. Which activity always gets the biggest reaction from the kids?

It’s hard to pick just one! In Art, tie-dye is always a massive hit; the children are so eager to see their designs come to life. In Sports, the obstacle courses are a favorite as they love testing their own physical limits. However, in STEAM, nothing beats glow-in-the-dark slime or fizzy sand. The chemical reactions and textures always spark a sense of wonder and excitement that spans all age groups.

4. How do the kids usually change from the first day to the last week?

On the first day, it’s normal to see some nerves or hesitation as they navigate a new environment. We make it our mission to help them feel at home, whether they are regular Brewster students or new to the campus. By the end, that initial shyness has transformed into confidence and ear-to-ear smiles. Seeing them walk in like they own the place is incredibly rewarding for us as educators.

5. What’s something that always makes the Kids Summer Academy feel fun and different each year?

We constantly rotate our themes and adapt activities to match the students' evolving interests, which keeps the element of surprise alive. What truly sets us apart is our hands-on approach. Everything is learned through play and experimentation.

6. What do you think surprises students the most when they first join?

I think they are most surprised by how quickly they make meaningful connections. They arrive expecting fun games, but they are often caught off guard by how fast a group of strangers can become a tight-knit team of friends through shared discovery and laughter.

7. What does a full day look like for a student, from start to finish?

A day at Brewster is a perfect balance of energy and focus. After the morning welcome and assembly, students dive into their first rotation of Art, STEAM, or Sports. Following a snack break to recharge, they move into their second activity. Midday, we gather for community-building traditions like camp songs or treasure hunts. Then comes the highlight for many: Water Play! After cooling off and drying, students either head home or to the dining hall. We wrap up the day with choice stations allowing them to follow their own interests until pickup.

8. What would you say to a parent who is considering the Brewster Kids Summer Academy but wants to know if it’s the right fit?

If you want your child to experience the joy of learning through hands-on exploration in a full English immersion environment, then Brewster is the perfect fit. We believe that learning should be an adventure, and our Brewster Kids Summer Academy proves that when children are having fun, their potential for growth is limitless.

Spaces are limited, so we encourage families to register soon if they are interested. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact our Admissions team at mailto:admissions@brewstermadrid.com

The Brewster Academy Boys' Varsity Tennis team has had plenty of bright spots this season, but this week's Bobcat of the Week stands out from the rest. Maxime, a student from Brewster Madrid La Moraleja currently living the American Experience at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, has dominated his singles matches and won all of his doubles matches with impressive poise and technical precision thus far this season. The American Experience is a unique opportunity that allows Brewster Madrid students to spend a semester or full year immersed in a traditional American boarding school environment - competing on varsity teams, living in the dorms, and growing both on and off the field. Maxime is doing exactly that, and then some. His ability to control the baseline with heavy topspin and superior court coverage has kept opponents on the defensive from the very first point.

In high-pressure moments, he displays a high tennis IQ, waiting for the right opening to dictate play - a quality that has proven decisive time and time again this spring. This was on full display in his recent singles match, playing in the #5 spot, versus a strong opponent from New Hampton. Late in the second set, he remained steady and secured a crucial break of serve to seize momentum and close out a gritty 6-4 victory.

His swift hands and smart play continue to be a big advantage for the team on the doubles court as well - where he remains undefeated at the #3 doubles position. His ability to read the game and communicate with his partner makes him a natural on the doubles court, as proven by a quality 8-5 win at Holderness on Saturday. Off the court, his impact is just as noticeable. He is positive, encouraging, hard working, and respectful - a teammate that any program would be lucky to have.

From Goodwin Dorm by way of Alcobendas, Spain, Maxime is a shining example of what the American Experience is all about - a Brewster Madrid student stepping onto a new campus, embracing a new culture, competing at the highest level, and making his mark. Your Brewster Academy Bobcat of the Week, Maxime A.M., Class of 2028!

Interested in becoming part of a community that competes, grows, and supports each other? Learn more about life at our school and start your application today

On April 9th, we hosted a virtual session where families from around the world got an inside look at everything Brewster Madrid offers students in grades 9 through 12 as they prepare for university and life beyond high school.

Here's what we covered:

Kat Simison, Director of Enrollment and External Affairs, walked us through the Brewster model — a holistic approach built around the team model, the advisor system, project-based learning, and meaningful family partnerships.

Brendan Donahue, Upper School Social Studies teacher at our Chamberí campus, broke down the American High School Diploma and AP courses — what they are, which subjects are offered, and how students can earn college credit with strong AP exam scores.

Sergio Yanes, IB Coordinator at La Moraleja, introduced the IB Diploma Programme, launching this upcoming school year with our very first cohort. He covered the six subject areas, the Extended Essay, CAS, and Theory of Knowledge — and explained how students can walk away with both an IB diploma and an American high school diploma.

Philip Wenturine, Director of University Counseling, shared the incredible results from the Class of 2025 — over $6 million in scholarships earned, more than 100 universities from 20 countries visiting Brewster, and a full breakdown of the homologation process for students considering Spanish or European universities.

The session wrapped up with a live Q&A covering everything from how to choose between AP and IB, to applying to UK universities with an American diploma, and how grading works in Upper School.

Want to watch the full session? The recording from our April 9th virtual session is now available — click below and catch up on everything we discussed!

Watch the Recording Here

Have questions? Our Brewster Madrid admissions team is here to help you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out!

This July, give your child a summer full of learning, creativity, and adventure 🌞 At Brewster Kids Summer Academy, children ages 3–8 will explore Safari Week with science experiments and problem-solving, Explorers Week with volcanoes, fossils, and navigation skills, and Beach Adventure Week with ocean science, engineering challenges, and creative play. Spots are limited so register today to secure your child’s place!

Life as an Expat Student in Madrid: How Brewster Madrid Fosters Global Citizenship

For expat families, finding the right school in Madrid can be quite a challenge. If you’re looking for guidance on how to find a good match for your family, check out our earlier post How to Choose an International School in Madrid: A Framework for Expat Families. This post will hone in on how Brewster Madrid fosters global citizenship for expat students while also embracing local context.

Whether in Chamberí or La Moraleja, Brewster students from 45+ countries learn side by side, creating a vibrant, welcoming environment where being “new” is something everyone understands. This shared international experience helps students settle quickly, build friendships across cultures, and develop the empathy and global awareness that define true global citizens. As one student shared, “Everyone here has a story from somewhere else and that makes it easy to feel at home.”

Inside the classroom, the Brewster Model® fosters collaboration, discussion, and critical thinking, ensuring students are active participants in their learning. An intentional advisory system means every student is known personally by a trusted adult mentor who supports both academic progress and Student Wellbeing. Beyond the classroom, learning comes alive through Learning Expeditions across Madrid and Spain, connecting lessons to real-world experiences at museums, historical landmarks, natural parks and beyond. With robust student life activities, campus life remains dynamic and engaging throughout the day and long after classes end, encouraging students to explore passions, develop leadership skills, and strengthen friendships.

What truly sets Brewster Madrid apart is the balance between this important global perspective and local integration. Students grow within an American-style academic framework while immersing themselves in Spanish culture and the rhythms of life in Madrid. Division leaders often emphasize the same goal: every child should feel seen, supported, and inspired. The result is a school experience that feels both international and deeply personal, where Madrid becomes more than a destination, and school becomes a second home.

Schedule a Tour or Meet Our Community to experience it firsthand.