We are an international school authorized by the Consejería de Educación de la Junta de Andalucía as a private foreign center accredited by the American agency New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Since the beginning of the project, the goal has been to offer a quality bilingual educational program based on the principles of Montessori pedagogy, with a comprehensive approach to the development of children (academic, physical, emotional, and social), coexisting with a local approach, proud of our land and our roots, open to the world to give children the opportunity to expand their relationship with languages and different international cultures. We promote a school culture based on openness and respect for all languages, but with a daily presence of Spanish and English as vehicles of communication and access to knowledge in the different environments (Children´s House, Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary).

How is English taught and learned in our school?

Our pedagogical vision focuses on love and respect for the child and on promoting the development of their abilities to reach their maximum potential, ensuring harmonious development in all areas of their being and academic learning according to current legislation. In this sense, English is introduced progressively from the first year until they finish in sixth grade (Upper Elementary).

Just as the child acquires their mother tongue, the process of acquiring the second language is similar according to the approach we base our school on, the “Natural Acquisition Approach.” Therefore, the elements of the language are gradually introduced to accompany learning in a respectful and meaningful way within the child’s developmental stage to develop the four basic communication skills:

• Listening.
• Speaking.
• Writing.
• Reading.

The learning of English in our school is integrated into the morning dynamics in the environments, while being complemented with specific moments for its practice and specific attention with the reference adult at each stage. Repetition and oral practice in groups are fundamental for true language acquisition, complementing a more individualized process that responds each child’s level and needs, as well as group time to learn from classmates.

In addition to our pedagogical team, which accompanies the children daily in both languages, we have an international volunteer program, initiated in the 2021/2022 school year, which allows us to host native students from different countries through institutional collaboration agreements with various training centers. These students want to learn about the Montessori methodology while collaborating as conversation assistants during their time at our school.

What level do students finish with in 6th grade?

Our reference, in accordance with NEASC’s international accreditation, is that children can develop autonomously in the four basic communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) along with the reference of the European Framework of Languages and local requirements. We have established a minimum level equivalent to A2 for students who finish primary school at our center. This reference guides our daily work and demands, attending to children with higher levels and those who need specific curricular adaptations.