IES PRINCIPE FELIPE

"IES Príncipe Felipe is a state-funded secondary school located in Madrid, Spain, offering families an accessible and academically rigorous educational experience within the Spanish public school system."

The school is committed to preparing students not only for success within the national educational framework but also for the demands of an increasingly interconnected world, a mission reflected in its adoption of the International Baccalaureate programme alongside its standard Spanish curriculum offerings. One of the school's most notable features is its status as an authorized IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) to students in the upper years of secondary education. The IB Diploma Programme, typically undertaken by students aged 16 to 19, is internationally recognized by universities and higher education institutions across the globe, making IES Príncipe Felipe an attractive option for families who anticipate their children may pursue higher education abroad or who simply value a curriculum with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, independent research, and intercultural understanding. The school began offering the IB Diploma Programme in 2016, a development that marked a significant step in expanding the range of academic opportunities available to students within Madrid's public school network. As a public institution, IES Príncipe Felipe offers families the considerable advantage of an internationally recognized qualification without the tuition fees typically associated with private international schools. This makes it a particularly compelling choice for relocating professionals and expat families who are seeking quality, internationally aligned education while remaining within the Spanish state system. The school operates within the framework of Madrid's regional education authority, ensuring that its programs meet national standards while simultaneously reaching beyond them through the IB curriculum. Situated in Madrid, one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan capital cities, the school benefits from a rich urban environment that naturally complements the globally minded ethos of the IB programme. Madrid's diverse population and its role as a major hub for international business, culture, and diplomacy mean that students at IES Príncipe Felipe are immersed in a broader community that mirrors the international perspective the school seeks to cultivate in its classrooms. The primary language of instruction reflects the Spanish-language environment of the school, consistent with its identity as a Spanish state institution. Families considering IES Príncipe Felipe should be aware that a strong working knowledge of Spanish will be important for students navigating daily school life, though the IB Diploma Programme itself introduces students to internationally standardized academic content and assessment. For expat families and relocating professionals evaluating their options in Madrid, IES Príncipe Felipe represents a genuinely distinctive proposition: the rigor and global recognition of an IB Diploma Programme delivered within the framework of a Spanish public school. It offers students the opportunity to gain a prestigious and portable qualification while engaging deeply with Spanish language, culture, and society — an experience that can be profoundly enriching for young people building their futures in an interconnected world.