Benjamin Franklin International School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$13K - US$24K
Curriculum: American · IB
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~700
Location: Pedralbes, Barcelona
Updated April 2026
In Brief
BFIS is the best option if you want an American curriculum with IB overlay in a small, genuinely welcoming school. The entrance fee is a significant one-time cost; weigh that against a school where, according to families, children know each other's names by the end of the first week.
Benjamin Franklin is the only school in Barcelona running a full American curriculum (Pre-K through Grade 12) alongside the IB Middle Years and Diploma programmes. Founded 1986 as a non-profit; 700 students from 60+ nationalities; principal Lila Jorge is also chair of the IBO Americas regional advisory board. IB 2025: average 35, 98% pass rate, 58 graduates - strong for a school of this size.
The campus is in Pedralbes, with a 2016 elementary building and a 2021 secondary building. Parent reviews consistently highlight the community feel and the speed with which newcomer families are integrated. A Center for Creativity and Innovation is planned for 2026, with robotics, recording studio, design labs, and an Olympic gym.
The entrance fee of EUR 6,000 is a one-time, non-refundable charge on top of annual tuition and a separate matriculation fee - the total first-year cost is meaningfully higher than listed tuition. High School fees at EUR 21,720 are the highest of the three schools. Corporate fee schedule is EUR 3,500-4,750 more expensive than individual rates.
What parents value
- –Only full American-curriculum school in Barcelona with both IB MYP and IB DP. Small enough that teachers know every student; parent community is actively engaged.
- –IB Diploma results well above the world average (35 in 2025, 98% pass rate). Non-profit, 100% reinvested in students.
Points of consideration
- –High first-year entry cost: entrance fee EUR 6,000 plus annual matriculation EUR 1,100 plus tuition. Plan for EUR 30,000+ in year one for a High School student.
- –Campus capacity is near 700; the school reached that level in 2019 and has held it. Admission can be selective, particularly for mid-year entry into popular year groups.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood (Nursery - Pre-K) | 3 | 14,935 |
| Elementary School (Kinder - Grade 5) | 5 | 19,606 |
| Middle School (Grades 6-8) | 11 | 21,036 |
| High School (Grades 9-12) | 14 | 25,049 |
Fees converted from EUR. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | 288 |
| Matriculation Fee - first child (non-refundable, annual) | 1,269 |
| Entrance Fee (one-time, non-refundable) | 6,920 |
Photos
Academic Results
| IB DP Average (2025) | 35.0 |
| IB Pass Rate (2025) | 98% |
Key results: IB DP Average (2025) 35.0, IB Pass Rate (2025) 98%.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Barcelona's international schools draw a mix of families relocating for work, long-term resident families, and locally-based parents seeking an English-medium education. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
Lila Jorge
Principal of Benjamin Franklin International School. A native New Yorker with over 28 years in education, including school leadership roles in New York City. IBO advisory board member.