Homeschooling in Spain and How to Transition Your Kids to Local Schools

Families moving from the US, UK, or other systems often arrive with one risky assumption: that home education can continue in Spain under the same legal model. In practice, Spain's compulsory education framework is much stricter.

This guide helps you transition safely and keep your child progressing academically.

Quick Reality Check

In Spain, basic education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16. The legal and administrative system expects enrollment in recognized educational pathways during these compulsory years.

For expat families, that means planning school entry early, not after arrival.

What This Means for Families Coming from Homeschool Systems

For children previously educated at home, the primary challenge extends beyond age-appropriate placement; it also involves documentary continuity, meaning providing official records that demonstrate equivalent academic progress. Key aspects include:

• Academic records and grade equivalence
• Language support needs
• Catch-up planning for curriculum differences

Many schools can work with transitional situations, but they need evidence and a clear integration plan.

Enrollment Path: Step by Step

1. Start with local education authority timelines

Each autonomous community and municipality can have specific admission windows and procedures. Confirm these early.

2. Prepare core documents

Usually requested:

• Child ID/passport
• Parent ID and local residence proof (often padrón)
• Previous school records/transcripts
• Vaccination/health documentation as required locally

3. Ask about language support from day one

Public systems in many regions offer support pathways for newly arrived students, but places and intensity vary. Inquire about programs for non-Spanish speakers.

4. For older students, review homologation/convalidation needs

Primary and compulsory secondary placement is often age-linked. However, for upper stages (e.g., Bachillerato or university access), formal recognition steps like homologación (homologation) or convalidación (convalidation) may be required. These terms refer to the official recognition of foreign academic qualifications by the Spanish education system.

Common Transition Challenges

Curriculum mismatch

Math, language, and social science sequencing may differ from your home system. Be prepared for potential gaps or overlaps.

Spanish/Catalan language load

Even strong students can struggle during the first term if language transition is abrupt. Consistent language exposure is key.

Paperwork fatigue

Families often underestimate how much documentation needs translation or formalization. Factor in time and potential costs for certified translations.

Practical Mitigation Plan

• Build a portfolio of recent learning outcomes (not just grades)
• Arrange diagnostic tutoring for Spanish and math before term start
• Schedule school meetings early and ask for written adaptation plans
• Keep realistic expectations for the first two terms

Mistakes to Avoid

• Delaying enrollment while searching for a "perfect" school
• Assuming home country records are automatically equivalent
• Ignoring local language support options
• Waiting to register on padrón before starting school paperwork

What to Do This Week

1. Register your household address and obtain padrón documentation.
2. Contact local school admission offices for current deadlines.
3. Gather school transcripts and prepare translations if needed.
4. Book at least one school visit and discuss language support.
5. Create a 90-day transition plan for attendance, language, and homework routines.

If you are also handling your own immigration path, pair this with Spain's 2026 Regularization Law: Who Qualifies and How to Apply when relevant.