Thrive here,
then everywhere

By Pesh Mistry

Choosing a school for your child is a big decision. You want to know that they will be happy, supported, challenged, and prepared for what comes next. But with so many international schools in Madrid, how do you know which one is right for your child?

The answer is not simply about finding the school with the biggest campus, the longest list of programs, or the most impressive facilities. It is about finding a school that understands your child and can support them as they grow. If you are searching for the best international school in Madrid, here are some of the most important things to consider.

Will your child be truly known?

Every child is different. Your child may love math and science, while another student may thrive in art, languages, music, or sports. They may be highly independent in some areas but need more support in others. They may need extra challenges to stay engaged or more time and guidance to build confidence.

As a parent, you want to know that your child will not get lost in the crowd. When visiting an international school, ask how many students are in each class, how well teachers know their students, how the school identifies individual strengths and needs, and what happens when a student needs additional support or challenge.

At Brewster Madrid, small class sizes help make personal attention part of everyday learning. With an average class size of 15 students, teachers can build strong relationships with students and understand how they learn best. Students also have an advisor who acts as a mentor, coach, parent liaison, and advocate throughout their school experience. For families looking for a more personalized education, these relationships can make a meaningful difference.

Will the school adapt as your child grows?

The child who starts school at age 3 will be very different from the student who graduates at 18. Their interests will change, their strengths will develop, they may discover new passions, and their academic goals may become clearer over time. That is why it is worth looking beyond what a school offers your child today and asking what their education could look like several years from now.

A strong international school should give students opportunities to become increasingly independent while continuing to provide the support they need. At Brewster Madrid, students can follow a continuous educational journey from ages 3 to 18 across our Chamberí and La Moraleja campuses. In the early years, students learn through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. As they grow, they take increasing ownership of their learning, develop deeper academic skills, and begin making choices that reflect their interests and goals.

The goal is simple: your child's education should grow with them.

Does your child have room to discover what they are good at?

Sometimes, a child's strengths are obvious. Other times, they need opportunities to discover them. Your child might not know yet that they love engineering, debate, creative writing, entrepreneurship, theater, coding, or biology. They need opportunities to try new things, make connections, and discover what motivates them.

That is why learning should not be limited to textbooks and classrooms. At Brewster Madrid, experiential learning is an important part of the educational experience. In Madrid, the city itself becomes a classroom, giving students opportunities to connect what they learn in school with the world around them. For parents, this means your child is not simply learning about the world. They have opportunities to experience it.

Does the school offer the right academic options for your child?

As your child gets older, academic choices become increasingly important. You may already know what your child wants to study at university, or perhaps they have no idea yet. Both are completely normal. What matters is finding a school that can give your child appropriate options as their interests and goals develop.

Brewster Madrid offers different academic pathways across its campuses. At the Chamberí campus, Upper School students can pursue the American High School Diploma and choose from a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. At the La Moraleja campus, students can pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme alongside the American High School Diploma.

This gives families different options depending on their child's needs, interests, and future plans. The right academic pathway is not about choosing the most impressive-sounding program. It is about finding the pathway that allows your child to do their best work and prepare for the future they want.

Will your child feel like they belong?

Academic success matters, but so does feeling that you belong. When children feel that they belong and are supported and comfortable enough to be themselves, they are more likely to participate, take risks, ask questions, and build confidence. This is particularly important for families moving to Madrid or joining an international school community for the first time.

When you visit a school, look beyond the classrooms and facilities. Ask yourself: Do the students seem happy here? Do teachers know their students? Does the community feel welcoming? Could my child see this as their school?

Brewster Madrid brings together students and families from a diverse international community across its Chamberí and La Moraleja campuses. The smaller scale of the community allows students to build meaningful relationships with teachers, advisors, classmates, and other members of the Brewster community. For your child, that can mean finding not just a school, but a place where they feel they belong.

Is the school preparing your child for life beyond school?

When choosing an international school, it is natural to think about university. But preparing your child for university should mean more than helping them complete applications. You want your child to leave school able to think independently, communicate clearly, solve problems, make decisions, and understand their own strengths.

University counseling should help students understand their options and make decisions that are right for them. At Brewster Madrid, university counseling works alongside the academic experience to help students plan for life after high school and make informed decisions about their next steps. The goal is not simply to get your child into a university. It is to help them find a path where they can continue to thrive.

Can you see your child there?

You can learn a lot about an international school online, but you cannot fully understand a school community from a website. If you are seriously considering a school for your child, visit. Walk through the classrooms, meet the teachers, talk to the admissions team, ask questions, and look at how students interact with one another.

Most importantly, imagine your child there. Would they feel known? Would they be challenged? Would they have opportunities to discover what they love? Would they have the support they need? Would they feel that they belong?

At Brewster Madrid, families can visit both our Chamberí and La Moraleja campuses to experience the different environments firsthand and speak with our admissions team about finding the right fit for their child.

Finding the Right International School in Madrid

There is no single international school that is right for every child. The best school for your family is the one that understands your child, supports their individual needs, develops their strengths, and gives them the opportunities and choices they need as they grow.

If you are looking for an international school in Madrid where your child can be known as an individual, Brewster Madrid offers a unique American education from ages 3 to 18 across two distinctive campuses. From small class sizes and close relationships to experiential learning and different academic pathways, we give students the support and opportunities to find their own path.

Your child should not have to fit into their school. Their school should help them become who they are.

Ready to find out if Brewster Madrid is the right fit for your child?

If you are exploring international schools in Madrid, we would love to meet your family. Visit Brewster Madrid's Chamberí or La Moraleja campus, meet our team, and discover what your child's experience could look like at Brewster.

Book a Campus Visit

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!