Benjamin Franklin International School

BFIS Barcelona is located in Barcelona, Spain, at Martorell i Peña, 9, 08017 Barcelona. The school serves Nursery through Grade 12. It provides a comprehensive American curriculum complemented by the IB MYP and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). Over 63 nationalities are represented at BFIS.

Nursery through Grade 12 (PK-12)

non-profit International American school in Barcelona

Over 63 nationalities represented.

A learning support team helps students with mild to moderate learning differences. BML Specialists provide targeted English language instruction for bilingual/multilingual learners.

Spain

Three private bus routes serve Primary and Secondary students: Route 1 Puerto Olímpico – Gràcia – Sarrià; Route 2 Plaça Universitat – Les Corts – Sarrià; Route 3 Sant Cugat – Sarrià.

BFIS provides a comprehensive American curriculum from Nursery to Grade 12, complemented by the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10 and the Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grades 11–12. The IBDP is a two-year program for Grades 11–12 that emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and intercultural understanding. Students in the IBDP select six courses from Groups 1–6, with at least three at Higher Level, and complete the DP Core (Creativity, Activity and Service; Theory of Knowledge; Extended Essay). BFIS offers college counseling to support local and international university applications. In 2025, IBDP results show 58 total graduates, 57 diploma candidates, a 98% pass rate, and an average score of 35 (highest 45). BFIS is IB-accredited and located in Barcelona (Martorell i Peña, 9, 08017 Barcelona).

Class size is 20–22 students.

2025 IBDP results: 58 total graduates; 57 diploma candidates; 98% pass rate; 81% world pass rate; average DP score 35; highest score 45.

University acceptances for 2025 include institutions across the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and beyond, with examples such as American University, Boston University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, Loyola Marymount University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, University of Pennsylvania, University of San Diego, Villanova University, Virginia Tech, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of Sussex, Imperial College London, University College London, IE University, ESADE, Universidad de Barcelona, Leiden University, Maastricht University, and many others.

BFIS has Social Emotional Counselors who support students in developing self-awareness, child protection, self-advocacy, self-regulation, communication and conflict resolution. They work with students individually and in small groups and teach age-appropriate SEL and comprehensive sexuality health and wellbeing content. Students are connected with an Advisor or Teacher they meet with daily to support their overall wellbeing. The school runs initiatives such as Child Protection Training, a Peer Mediation Program, a Transitions Program, and Healthy Choices Awareness for Grades 6-12. The Camino mental health walking route and events like Kindness Week, R U OK? Day, Pink Shirt Day, and Mental Health Awareness Month support mental wellbeing.

BFIS is an inclusive school that values diversity and positive responses to every student's learning needs. Learning support helps students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive by providing strategies and extra help. Specialists join classes to assist individual students and small groups and work with teachers to set learning goals. If more specialized assistance is needed, BFIS connects families with outside experts.

The language of instruction is English. Other language courses are offered, including Spanish, Catalan, and French. BFIS provides targeted English language instruction for students learning English, with BML Specialists co-planning lessons with teachers and providing materials and data-driven support to help learners reach their language goals.

BFIS supports mental wellbeing through a dedicated counseling program that provides SEL/CSHW education and personal support. The counseling team offers individual and group support to promote resilience and coping skills. BFIS Camino provides a walking route for mindfulness and reflection. School-wide initiatives such as Kindness Week, R U OK? Day, Pink Shirt Day, and Mental Health Awareness Month promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma.

BFIS provides safeguarding through Child Protection Training for all students and staff. All students learn how to protect themselves from harm and how to report concerns, and staff are trained in child protection protocols to ensure safe reporting and response.

BFIS has a flexible, rolling admissions process for students aged 3–17 (Early Childhood–IBDP), year-round; siblings are accommodated. The four-step process is: 1. Online Application; 2) Assessments; 3) Review of Application; 4) Enrollment. Step 1: Applications are submitted through OpenApply; a non-refundable 250 Euro fee applies; documents must be original copies with English translations in PDF. Step 1 documents depend on grade; typical items include the Application Form, Health Form, Vaccination Records, Student Passport, Parents' Passports, Student Photo, School Report Cards, and Teacher Questionnaires. Step 2: Assessments vary by grade: Early Childhood includes an in-person observation (30–40 minutes) or video samples; Elementary can include in-person observation or video/work samples; Middle/High requires MAP Math and English and a writing sample; ESL considerations may apply. Assessments do not guarantee a place. Step 3: Admissions decisions are communicated within two weeks after completion of Step 1–2; outcomes include Qualified - Acceptance (space offered on a rolling basis) and Qualified - Waiting List (space offered when available; waitlist positions change). Step 4: Enrollment occurs when space is available; enrollment paperwork includes Enrollment Contracts, SEPA Direct Debit, updated Vaccination/Immunization Records, Doctor Health Form, Parent Health Form, Data Protection Consent, and guardian documentation as required; documents must be PDFs. BFIS may require a legal guardian residing in Spain and related documents (powers of attorney, BFIS Legal Guardian Form).

No scholarships or financial aid are offered at BFIS currently.

BFIS uses a waiting list when a grade is full. A prioritization sequence determines which qualified students on the waitlist are offered space, and a candidate's position on the waitlist changes as others are added. When a place becomes available, the Admissions Office contacts the family by email.