American School of Madrid

Academic Profile

The American School of Madrid is fundamentally a college-preparatory institution offering an American K–12 curriculum that culminates in a U.S. High School Diploma. For students in Grades 11–12, the optional IB Diploma Programme (DP) provides an internationally recognised qualification that opens doors to universities on every continent.

Curriculum Structure

Early Childhood (EC3–EC5): Play-based learning with introduction to literacy, numeracy, and Spanish. EC uniforms are required in this division.

Elementary/Lower School (Grades 1–5): Core subjects of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, Art, Music, and Physical Education. Small class sizes (average 14) allow individualised attention.

Middle School (Grades 6–8): Subject-specialist teaching. Students study English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, French or Mandarin, Arts, and PE. Extracurricular programs, student leadership councils, and community service activities begin in earnest.

Upper School (Grades 9–12): The American Diploma track requires completion of graduation credits in core and elective subjects. Students may additionally pursue:

• IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12): Full DP including six subjects (HL/SL), Theory of Knowledge, CAS, and Extended Essay.
• Spanish Programa Oficial: Meeting Spanish Ministry requirements for Spanish nationals and others seeking a locally-recognised credential.

IB Results (2023–24)

ASM's IB results are consistently strong and significantly above the global average:

University Destinations

Between 2021 and 2025, 56% of ASM graduates were admitted to a QS Top-100 university worldwide. For the Class of 2025 alone, ASM reported 67 acceptances to QS Top-100 global universities and 123 acceptances to Top-100 U.S. universities. The school's university counseling program begins in Grade 9 and provides personalised guidance through the entire process.

Languages and Multilingualism

English is the sole medium of instruction. Spanish is compulsory across all grade levels (and is required by the Spanish Ministry of Education). French and Mandarin are offered as foreign language electives. For students not yet proficient in English, a comprehensive EAL/English Language Acquisition program provides pull-out support until students can fully access the mainstream curriculum.

ASM's Educational Philosophy

The American School of Madrid (ASM) articulates its educational philosophy through a clear and ambitious mission statement: "We empower lifelong learners to take on challenges and thrive, care for others in our diverse international community, and think globally and creatively toward a better future." This statement, known as the ASM DNA, encapsulates the school's holistic approach to education.

Core Values

ASM organizes its community life around five paired core values:

• American & International – The school celebrates its American heritage while embracing a genuinely international outlook, drawing students from over 60 nationalities.
• Excellence & Challenge – Academic rigor is central. The school offers a demanding college-preparatory curriculum, IB Diploma Programme, and the Spanish Programa Oficial, ensuring students are challenged to reach their full potential.
• Innovation & Collaboration – ASM fosters creative thinking and teamwork through project-based learning, STEM/robotics programs, and collaborative arts productions.
• Belonging & Community – The school works to ensure every student feels seen and valued, supported by four school counselors, a robust learner support team, and a culture of inclusion.
• Diversity & Inclusion – With a student body that is roughly one-third American, one-third Spanish, and one-third from 60+ other countries, diversity is lived rather than aspirational at ASM.

A College-Preparatory International School

ASM offers an American-style K–12 education that culminates in a U.S. High School Diploma, with the optional IB Diploma Programme available in Grades 11–12. The IB DP at ASM has been consistently strong: in 2023–24, ASM students achieved an average score of 34.5 (versus the global average of ~31), with a 93.3% pass rate. This dual-track approach—American and IB—allows graduates to apply to universities worldwide.

Whole-Child Development

Beyond academics, ASM's philosophy emphasizes whole-child development. The school invests in the arts (a new Black Box Theater opened in 2024, alongside a 600-seat auditorium), athletics (54 teams in 9 sports), and community service programs. The Learner Support team provides differentiated instruction, EAL support, and counseling to ensure all students can thrive. This balance between intellectual rigor and personal growth is at the heart of what ASM means by empowering lifelong learners.

A Pioneering International School

The American School of Madrid holds a distinctive place in Spanish educational history: it was the first American school established in Spain, founded in 1961 as a not-for-profit organization to serve the American diplomatic and expatriate community in Madrid. What began as a small elementary school in the early 1960s has grown over six decades into a full K–12 international academy enrolling approximately 1,000 students from over 60 nationalities.

Key Historical Milestones

1961 – Founding: ASM was established in Pozuelo de Alarcón, a residential suburb of Madrid, by American families and diplomats who needed a U.S.-curriculum school for their children. From the outset, it was organized as a non-profit institution governed by a Board of Directors.

1960s–1970s – Expansion and Recognition: The school gained recognition from the Spanish Ministry of Education, enabling Spanish students to pursue their national diploma (Programa Oficial) alongside the American curriculum. This dual recognition was and remains rare among international schools in Spain. MSA accreditation was obtained in the mid-1960s.

1994 – IB Authorization: ASM became an authorized IB World School for the Diploma Programme in June 1994, one of the first in Spain. This opened pathways to universities worldwide and strengthened ASM's international academic credentials.

2000s–2020s – Campus Development: The Pozuelo campus was progressively expanded and modernized. Science laboratories, technology and robotics facilities, and sports infrastructure were upgraded. By the 2020s, ASM operated two full-size gymnasiums, two football fields, and a 600-seat auditorium.

2024 – Arts Campus Enhancement: ASM completed construction of a new Black Box Theater and updated art studios in summer 2024, representing a significant investment in performing and visual arts facilities.

Governance and Legal Status

ASM has always operated as a non-profit foundation, governed by a Board of Directors drawn from the parent community. This governance model ensures the school's mission remains educational rather than commercial, and that surplus revenue is reinvested in facilities, faculty, and programs.

Community Life at the American School of Madrid

ASM's community is one of its most celebrated assets. With approximately 1,000 students from over 60 countries, the school embodies what it calls its "magical mix": roughly one-third American, one-third Spanish, and one-third from the rest of the world. This demographic balance is unusual among international schools and creates a genuinely cross-cultural environment where students develop global perspectives by simply going to class with peers from different backgrounds.

The Lancer Identity

ASM students are the Lancers — a name that generates considerable school spirit. The Lancer identity runs through athletics (54 teams in 9 sports, competing locally and internationally), performing arts (annual Spring Musicals, orchestral and choral concerts), and community service programs. The school does not operate a formal house system, but Lancer pride functions as a unifying community identity.

Wellbeing and Student Support

ASM invests heavily in student wellbeing:

• 4 School Counselors: Two full-time counselors in Lower School, one in Middle School, and one in Upper School, providing academic, social-emotional, and college guidance.
• 2 Registered School Nurses: The health office is staffed by two nurses who provide on-site medical care.
• Learner Support Team: A dedicated team of specialists offers support in English language acquisition, reading, writing, mathematics, and executive function skills.
• Child Protection Policies: ASM enforces strict child-protection and anti-bullying procedures across the entire campus.

Service and Leadership

Community service is embedded in school culture. Clubs such as Caring Hands (all levels), the National Honor Society (Upper School), Community Connections Club, and Global Citizens Club channel students' energy toward social impact. The Lancer Leadership Council develops middle school students as leaders, while student councils operate across all divisions.

Parent and Family Engagement

ASM has an active parent community. The school operates a New Families portal with practical guidance on uniforms, schedules, and contacts. A Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) organizes community events throughout the year. The school's trilingual environment (English, Spanish, with many families speaking other languages) is reflected in its communication practices.

Campus Overview

Located at Calle América 3 in Pozuelo de Alarcón—a prestigious residential district just west of Madrid—ASM occupies an approximately 45,000 m² (11-acre) campus that provides generous space for academic, athletic, and creative pursuits. The campus is exclusively a day school; there is no boarding provision.

Athletic Facilities

ASM has invested significantly in sports infrastructure to support its 54-team athletic program:

• Two full-size indoor gymnasiums: Used for basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, cheerleading, and general PE.
• Two football (soccer) fields: One full-size and one convertible to two 7-a-side pitches, both with an all-weather running track.
• Outdoor recreational areas: Including volleyball courts, a fitness area, and a covered running/athletics track.

The school competes in local Madrid leagues (Copa Colegial) and international student sports associations (ISSA).

Performing Arts

• 600-seat Main Auditorium: The school's flagship performance venue, hosting concerts, Spring Musicals, and commencement ceremonies.
• Black Box Theater (opened summer 2024): A flexible intimate performance space of approximately 100 seats, added to enhance drama and experimental theater programming.
• Music Suites: Dedicated band room, orchestra room, and practice rooms supporting three full ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) and a Jazz Ensemble.
• Art Studios (renovated 2024): Visual arts, digital arts, and ceramics spaces.

Academic Facilities

• Science Laboratories: Dedicated labs for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
• Technology & Robotics Lab: Computer labs and a 3D design/digital fabrication space supporting the school's growing STEM programs.
• Libraries and Learning Commons: Media centers across all divisions.

Access and Transport

The campus is accessible via multiple public bus lines (2, 3, 657, 658A, N902) and the Cercanías rail network (Aravaca station, approximately 11 minutes' walk). ASM operates a school bus service covering Pozuelo and surrounding Madrid neighborhoods at an annual fee of €2,324. Madrid Barajas International Airport is approximately 30 km / 30 minutes by car.