American School of Barcelona

Diplomas and International Programs

At ASB, all High School students earn the US High School Diploma. It is accredited in the US by the Middle States Association. Students can also add one of three International Baccalaureate (IB) options:

IB Diploma Program (IBDP): offered since 2009. It is a demanding program that prepares students for college. It is known around the world and teaches students to think critically.

IB Career-related Program (IBCP): new in 2025. It mixes IB courses with studies linked to the world of work.

IB Certificates: students take single IB courses without doing the full Diploma.

The IB aims to raise curious, caring young people who help build a better world. This fits ASB's vision. We want our students to lead with integrity, keep an open mind, and make the world a better place.

School Divisions

We welcome students ages 3 to 18, from Pre-K to Grade 12. The school has four divisions:

Early Childhood Center (PK3, PK4, and K5). Each class has about 15 children and two teachers.

Elementary School: Grades 1 to 5.

Middle School: Grades 6 to 8.

High School: Grades 9 to 12. All students earn the US High School Diploma. They can also take the IB Diploma or the IBCP.

Classes are taught in English. Students learn Spanish from age 3 and Catalan from Grade 1.

Mission: We help our students, from Pre-K to Grade 12, become citizens of the world. We teach them to think critically and to believe in themselves. This way, they can reach their full potential.

Vision: ASB inspires students to lead with integrity and to keep an open mind. We want them to help make the world a better place.

Core Values

Caring: We care for each other. Kindness and respect guide how we treat everyone.

Innovative: We love new ideas. We solve problems and adapt to a changing world.

Rigorous: We set high standards and do our best in all we do.

Resilient: We teach students not to give up. They face challenges and come out stronger.

Joyful: We enjoy learning. We celebrate curiosity and every student's success.

IB results: the Class of 2026 earned an average of 37 points in the IB Diploma. This is the best result in ASB's history, outside the COVID years, and well above the world average. 99% of students earned the Diploma. 32% scored 40 points or more, and one student got a perfect 45.

Rankings: Education Advisers lists ASB among the top 10 IB schools in Spain and the top 50 in Europe. Forbes also named ASB one of the 100 best schools in Spain in 2024.

2026 highlights: a student won silver at the International AI Olympiad. A teacher wrote a new IB History textbook. A player and a coach from ASB's flag football team went to the European Championships with Spain.

Accreditations: ASB is accredited in the US by Middle States. It is also approved by the IB, the Catalan government, and Spain's Ministry of Education. It is a member of CIS, ECIS, BISA, and Eco-Schools.

ASB is in Esplugues de Llobregat, just 10 km from Plaça Catalunya. Students enjoy the city and one of the largest campuses in Barcelona. Every space is built for learning, sports, and the stage.

Classrooms with air conditioning, lots of natural light, and flexible furniture.

A library with books in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

Six science labs.

A Maker Lab with 3D printers, laser cutters, and other tools.

Art rooms with a pottery kiln, and music rooms.

An auditorium with more than 700 seats.

A gym, a fitness center, and sports fields and courts.

Outdoor amphitheaters and a cafeteria with sea views.

Every day, Hostesa cooks hot, healthy meals in our own kitchen, working with Ametller Origen. Our health specialist checks the menu. Students and staff eat in a large cafeteria with views of Barcelona and the sea.

School Nurse

ASB has a fully equipped health office staffed by a full-time health specialist. Sick or injured students can be treated any time, or can rest and wait for pick up.

After School Activities

The goal of ASB's after-school activities program is to allow students to explore their individual talents and discover new interests outside the regular school hours. The program includes a range of activities for all age levels in the areas of Academics, Sports and Performing Arts. Activities are held Monday through Friday, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm with some High School Sports from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. There are also after school buses to central Barcelona that depart at 5:30 pm.

Learning Support

We welcome students with learning differences, special needs, or disabilities. Before we offer a place, our Student Support Team checks that we can give each child the help they need.

In Elementary and Middle School, our learning support is limited. It is for students with mild learning needs. It also helps young children with their first steps in reading and writing. Some students may get short-term help with schoolwork. In High School, support is also limited. It can include help with planning and extra time on tests.

To offer a place, we look at two things. Can the student follow regular classes with some help? And what will they need from us? Unfortunately, we cannot accept students who need major changes to the program or one-to-one help all day.

If your child has special needs, please send their reports to our Admissions team before you apply. This helps us see if ASB is the right fit. Useful reports include an IEP, school reports, and reports from a doctor or psychologist.

ASB's after-school activities program allows students to explore their individual talents and discover new interests outside the regular school hours. The program includes a range of activities for all age levels in the areas of Academics, Sports and Performing Arts.