Programs

Primary Level

At American School of Madrid, younger students between 3 and 11 learn largely through play and direct experience. Their teachers have trained in the OPAL methodology, which shapes outdoor activities so children develop academically while also building emotional skills and learning how to form friendships and resolve conflicts. In 2023, the school opened Don Quijote Park—Spain’s first play park designed according to advanced European principles. From first grade onward, students can sign up for additional activities: sports sections, creative workshops, and other clubs run from October through May after regular lessons.

Middle School at American School of Madrid

From 6th through 8th grade (ages 11–14), everyone studies six core subjects: English language, natural sciences, mathematics, history, Spanish, and physical education. Since 2022, music has joined this core for sixth and seventh graders, giving each student a chance to try choir, orchestra, or wind ensemble. Alongside these, they choose exploratory courses—short modules in arts, STEM, or humanities that let them dive deeper into areas that interest them.

Exploratory courses:

• Visual Arts: Introduction to Art, Digital Photography, Graphic Design, 3D Computer Animation, Video Art, Digital Art, Introduction to Ceramics
• Performing Arts: Orchestra 2, Middle School Choir, Wind Ensemble 2
• Humanities: Innovation and Debate, Model UN, Creative Writing, Film as Literature, Drama
• STEM: Technology and Innovation, Gardening

High School

In high school at American School of Madrid (grades 9–12, ages 14–18), students can choose one of three parallel paths toward graduation: all receive the American US High School Diploma, may complete the IB Diploma Programme in grades 11–12, and can also pursue Spain’s Programa Oficial if they wish. Additionally, tenth graders have access to a semester at partner Breck School in the US—an opportunity to experience American education from within while broadening their cultural horizons.

• Languages & Lit: Lit 9, American Lit 10; IB: English A SL/HL, Literature and Performance SL, Narrative and Performance
• Mathematics: Math 9/10, ASM Research; IB: Analysis and Approaches SL/HL, Applications and Interpretation SL/HL
• Natural Sciences: Science 9/10; IB: Biology / Chemistry / Physics SL/HL, Environmental Systems SL, Sports and Health SL/HL
• Foreign Languages: French, Spanish, Mandarin (beginner through IB level)
• Social Sciences: Social Studies 9/10, Sociology; IB: History / Business / Economics / Digital Society / Global Politics
• Technology: Computer Science and Engineering (basic and advanced levels)
• Arts: Choir, ensembles, orchestra, drawing, painting, photo, 3D animation, video art, film; IB: Music SL/HL, Visual Arts SL/HL

IB Diploma Programme

The IB at American School of Madrid is a two-year program for grades 11–12, where students select six subjects from six groups: languages, second language, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and social disciplines. Typically three subjects are studied at higher level (HL) and three at standard level (SL), which balances workload with interests. Beyond these six disciplines, the IB Diploma requires three mandatory components: Extended Essay (a research essay up to 4,000 words), Theory of Knowledge (an interdisciplinary course exploring the nature of knowledge), and CAS—Creativity, Activity, Service—involving 150 hours of practical experience.