We invite you to browse frequently asked questions about the admissions process at ASM.
If you have a question that is not covered here, please reach out to our Admissions Team - via the Inquiry Form - and they will be happy to give you the information you need.
- The Application Process
- ASM Curriculum for Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools
- Academic Program
- General Information
- ASM Community
The Application Process
How can I apply?
Families begin the application process by submitting an inquiry. Upon receipt of your inquiry, the Admissions Office will inform you of the next steps.
When should I apply?
ASM has a rolling admissions process. For general applications, you begin the process in the fall before the academic year you are applying for (eg. September 2024 for September 2025. For families transferring from abroad during the school year, you may apply at any time.
Once my application and all requirements are complete, when do I get a response?
General applications received in the fall for the following academic year will receive a response between March and August depending on space availability. Families coming from abroad throughout the academic year will receive a response within two weeks of completion of their application and requirements.
Is there a waiting list?
There are times when we do not have enough space to accommodate all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will be offered a place on the waiting list and will be considered for admission if a space becomes available. If a space does not become available before the start of the school year, and you wish to reapply for the following year, please contact admissions@asmadrid.es
How can we arrange to see the School?
Visits to ASM are by appointment only and throughout the year, including the summer months. To make an appointment, please contact admissions@asmadrid.es
Does ASM offer Open Days?
Throughout the school year, we host Open Days - both on campus and virtual.
Please email us to find out more admissions@asmadrid.es
ASM Curriculum for Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools
- What curriculum does the School offer and what Diploma does an ASM student receive?
ASM is an American College Preparatory school that has an American curriculum culminating in a US High School Diploma for all students who complete ASM's graduation requirements. In addition, students may also pursue the full International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) in Grades 11 and 12.
- Does ASM offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
No, we do not.
- Which universities do ASM graduates attend?
They are accepted to top universities in the US and around the world. See our Upper School Profile for the universities and colleges attended by our most recent graduates.
- Do you admit students with special needs?
Please see our Learner Support page.
Academic Program
General Information
What are the school hours?
Some MS and US sports teams hold practices after 5:00 P.M.
Lower School: 9:00 A.M. - 3:45 P.M. with after-school activities (Grades 1-5) from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M.
Middle School: 8:50 A.M. - 3:50 P.M. with after-school activities from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M.
Upper School: 8:45 A.M. - 3:50 P.M. with after-school activities from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M.
Some MS and US sports teams hold practices after 5:00 P.M.
Lower School: 9:00 A.M. - 3:45 P.M. with after-school activities (Grades 1-5) from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M.
Middle School: 8:50 A.M. - 3:50 P.M. with after-school activities from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M.
Upper School: 8:45 A.M. - 3:50 P.M. with after-school activities from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M.
Are there priorities for acceptance?
When offering places to students, the Admissions Committee prioritizes the following:
When offering places to students, the Admissions Committee prioritizes the following:
1. US citizens
2. Expatriate families
3. Alumni, siblings
4. Families who have a need and desire for a college-preparatory program based on American standards and practices, culminating in an American and/or International Baccalaureate diploma.
3. Alumni, siblings
4. Families who have a need and desire for a college-preparatory program based on American standards and practices, culminating in an American and/or International Baccalaureate diploma.
Read more about our admission criteria.
What is your vacation schedule?
For holiday information, please see our school calendar.
For holiday information, please see our school calendar.
What is the language of instruction?
English
English
Where do ASM teachers come from?
Our teachers come from a wide range of schools in the U.S. and around the world. More than 90% of our teachers are from English-speaking countries, mainly the United States. Spanish, French, and Mandarin teachers come from their native countries.
Our teachers come from a wide range of schools in the U.S. and around the world. More than 90% of our teachers are from English-speaking countries, mainly the United States. Spanish, French, and Mandarin teachers come from their native countries.
Do you have to be a native English speaker to attend ASM?
The older the student, the higher the level of English required. Students aged 3 to 5 do not need to speak fluent English. Grades 6-8 are required to have a near native level of English, and Grades 9-12 need a native level of English. If a student is not currently at an English language school, we will need a Cambridge of TOEFL exam result.
The older the student, the higher the level of English required. Students aged 3 to 5 do not need to speak fluent English. Grades 6-8 are required to have a near native level of English, and Grades 9-12 need a native level of English. If a student is not currently at an English language school, we will need a Cambridge of TOEFL exam result.
Does ASM offer Spanish?
Spanish classes are compulsory at ASM from K1 to Grade 10. Students are placed according to their level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, native). In the Lower School, students receive one hour of Spanish per day. In Grades 6-10, Spanish is one of the core courses required.
Spanish classes are compulsory at ASM from K1 to Grade 10. Students are placed according to their level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, native). In the Lower School, students receive one hour of Spanish per day. In Grades 6-10, Spanish is one of the core courses required.
Does ASM have after-school sports and activities?
We do. Please see our Athletics page and our After-School Activities page for more information.
What is the minimum age a student must be to attend ASM?
Applicants for K1, K2, and K3 must turn 3, 4, or 5 years old before September 1. Applicants in these grade levels must be toilet trained.
Who is ASM accredited by?
ASM is accredited by three accreditation bodies: the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the Spanish Ministry of Education, and the International Baccalaureate Organization. For more information, click here.
Does ASM provide busing?
We have designated school buses contracted by a local bus company that covers several routes to and from suburban areas, Madrid city center, and the Moraleja area. There is also an after-school activities bus for Grades 1-12. All routes have a monitor contracted by ASM.
Does ASM have uniforms?
Uniforms are required only in K1-K3. Uniforms are required for PE classes in Grades 6-10.
Uniforms are required only in K1-K3. Uniforms are required for PE classes in Grades 6-10.
Does ASM provide Financial Aid?
Financial Aid is needs-based, limited, and temporary, to help families who are going through sudden financial difficulties. Please inquire at admissions@asmadrid.es.
Financial Aid is needs-based, limited, and temporary, to help families who are going through sudden financial difficulties. Please inquire at admissions@asmadrid.es.
Is ASM a boarding school?
No, we are a day school.
We offer an Experience Spain program where students in Grades 11-12 can live with a Spanish-speaking host family designated by ASM. We can admit a maximum of four students per year depending on space and host family availability. For more information contact admissions@asmadrid.es.
ASM Community
- Who attends ASM?
Students from approximately 60+ countries attend ASM. ASM’s international student body represents approximately one-third American students, one-third Spanish students, and one-third of students from other countries. This “magical mix” of students drives the enrollment process at ASM and places great importance on the multicultural benefits of this particular learning environment.
- How many students attend ASM?
We have approximately 1000-1050 students.
Lower School (K1-Grade 5) 415
Middle School (Grades 6-8) 256
Upper School (Grades 9-12) 365
- What is the average length of stay?
The average time a student attends ASM is approximately three to five years.
- How does the School help with the transition of new Students and Families?
The Admissions Team along with staff members, parent volunteers, and student ambassadors attend the New Family Orientation, which is held before the start of the school year to welcome new families. ASM’s guidance counselors and teachers prepare transition activities and events, including opportunities for new and returning students to talk about their initial experiences at the school. New students are assigned a "buddy" to help them feel included in their new school.
ASM Family & Friends is our parent volunteer organization which is comprised of supportive parents. Within this group there is a Welcome Committee, whose members assist new families throughout the year.
ASM offers welcome events including parent coffees, various informational and recreational presentations, and school events such as the Halloween Fall Festival and Interfest.