The Spanish school system, which is also valid in Fuerteventura, is organized in a clear and progressive way.
Education is compulsory from 6 to 16 years old.
The path is divided into several phases:
● Educación Infantil (0-6 years) Not compulsory but very widespread. It is divided into:
○ 0-3 years old (kindergartens)
○ 3-6 years (kindergarten)
● Educación Primaria (6-12 years) Compulsory, lasts 6 years and is similar to Italian elementary school.
● ESO – Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (12-16 years) This corresponds to middle school and the first years of high school.
● After the age of 16 Students can choose from:
○ Bachillerato (2 years, university preparation)
○ Formación Profesional (FP), more practical and work-oriented
How much does school cost in Fuerteventura?
One of the most positive aspects is that public school is completely free.
No compulsory contributions are required, thus ensuring equality between all families.
However, some expenses remain the responsibility of the parents:
● Books and school supplies
● Any uniforms (depends on the institution)
● Canteen service
● School transport
In addition to public schools, there are also:
● Concertadas schools (subsidized private schools)
● Private schools
School timetables and calendar
Schools operate from Monday to Friday, with Saturdays off.
Hours may vary:
● Open all day: from 8:00 to 9:00 until 14:00
● Split timetable: with lunch break and exit around 16:00
This allows families to choose the solution that best suits their needs.
Technology and languages: a modern system
Schools in Fuerteventura focus heavily on innovation. In many institutions:
● Paper books are replaced by tablets or computers
● Teaching is increasingly digital
● English is introduced from primary school
Some schools adopt bilingual programs, offering an important advantage for the future of the children.
Language and integration: what to expect
One of the initial obstacles for the children of Italian families is the language.
Teachers generally speak only Spanish, but this should not be scary.
Schools offer support through:
● Special needs teachers
● Integration programs
In addition, children tend to learn Spanish very quickly, especially living in daily contact with local peers.
To facilitate the process, many families choose to support:
● Private Spanish courses
● Extracurricular activities in the language
Useful tips for families
Before enrolling your children in school in Fuerteventura, it is useful to:
● Find out about institutions in your area
● Evaluate distance and transportation
● Consider the type of school schedule
● Prepare children for an initial period of language adaptation
