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, and they will be happy to help you.
- 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 application. Upon receipt of your application, 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 2026 for September 2027 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 the 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?
You can visit the school by appointment only. 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?
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.
Admissions & Enrollment
What is the minimum age a student must be to attend ASM?
Applicants for EC 3-4 and EC 5 must turn 3, 4, or 5 years old (respectively) before September 1. Please note that all applicants in these grade levels must be fully toilet-trained.
Are there priorities for acceptance?
When offering places to students, the Admissions Committee prioritizes applicants in the following order:
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US citizens
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Expatriate families
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Alumni and siblings
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Families who demonstrate a need and desire for a college-preparatory program based on American standards and practices, culminating in an American and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.
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Learn More: Read more about our Admissions Criteria and our Admissions Requirements.
Does ASM provide Financial Aid?
Financial Aid is needs-based, limited, and temporary. It is designed to assist current families experiencing sudden financial difficulties. For inquiries, please contact admissions@asmadrid.es.
Is ASM a boarding school?
No. ASM is strictly a day school.
Language & Curriculum
What is the language of instruction?
English.
Do you have to be a native English speaker to attend ASM?
English proficiency requirements increase with the student's age:
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Ages 3 to 5 (EC3-5): No fluent English required.
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Grades 6–8: Near-native level of English required.
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Grades 9–12: Native level of English required.
Note: If a student is not currently transitioning from an English-language school, we require a Cambridge or TOEFL exam result.
Does ASM offer Spanish?
Yes. Spanish classes are compulsory from EC3-4 through Grade 10. Students are placed according to their proficiency (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, or Native).
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Lower School: Students receive one hour of Spanish per day.
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Grades 6–10: Spanish is a core required course.
Faculty & Accreditation
Where do ASM teachers come from?
Our educators come from a wide range of schools in the US and around the world. More than 90% of our teachers are from English-speaking countries (primarily the United States). Spanish, French, and Mandarin teachers are recruited from their respective native countries.
Who is ASM accredited by?
ASM is fully accredited by three official bodies:
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The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
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The Spanish Ministry of Education
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The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)
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For more detailed information, click here.
Campus Life, Logistics & Activities
What is your vacation schedule?
For specific holiday dates and school breaks, please view our School Calendar.
Does ASM have after-school sports and activities?
Yes, we offer a robust selection of extracurriculars. Please visit our Athletics Page and After-School Activities Page for details.
Does ASM provide busing?
Yes. We offer designated school buses contracted through a local bus company. Routes cover several suburban areas, the Madrid city center, and the La Moraleja area.
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An after-school activities bus is also available for Grades 1–12.
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To ensure student safety, all bus routes are supervised by an ASM-contracted monitor.
Does ASM have uniforms?
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EC3-5: School uniforms are required.
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Grades 6–10: Uniforms are required exclusively for Physical Education (PE) classes.
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Other Grades: No uniform required.
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.