Les Alzines

"Les Alzines is a private international school located in Girona, Spain, offering a rigorous and globally recognized academic experience rooted in the values of the International Baccalaureate."

Situated in one of Catalonia's most historically rich and livable cities, the school serves families seeking an education that balances intellectual ambition with personal development, preparing young people not just for university, but for engaged and thoughtful lives as global citizens. Founded in 2008, Les Alzines has established itself as part of Girona's educational landscape during a period of growing international interest in the region. The school takes its name from the alzina, the Catalan word for the holm oak — a hardy, enduring tree native to the Mediterranean landscape — a fitting symbol for an institution that aims to cultivate deep roots alongside an openness to the wider world. Since its founding, the school has built a community of learners who are encouraged to think critically, communicate across cultures, and take genuine ownership of their education. Academically, Les Alzines offers the IB Diploma Programme, the internationally respected qualification designed for students in the final two years of secondary school. The IB Diploma is widely recognized by leading universities across Europe, North America, and beyond, making it an especially valuable credential for the children of expatriate families and relocating professionals who may be planning onward moves or whose children aspire to study internationally. The programme's interdisciplinary approach, extended essay requirement, Theory of Knowledge component, and commitment to creativity, activity, and service give students a genuinely broad formation that goes well beyond subject-specific examination preparation. Girona itself is a compelling backdrop for an internationally minded school. A medieval city of remarkable character, it sits at the confluence of four rivers in the northeastern corner of Catalonia, just over an hour from Barcelona and within easy reach of the Costa Brava coastline and the Pyrenean foothills. Girona has become increasingly popular with international families in recent years, drawn by its high quality of life, safety, cultural vitality, and excellent transport connections. For families arriving from abroad, the city offers a welcoming and manageable environment without sacrificing the richness of urban life. As a Catalan school, Les Alzines reflects the linguistic and cultural identity of its region. Families considering the school should be aware that Catalan plays an important role in daily school life, alongside Spanish, while the international dimension of the IB Diploma brings a strong emphasis on English and multilingual competency. This multilingual environment can be a genuine asset for children growing up in internationally mobile families, encouraging linguistic flexibility and cultural sensitivity from an early age. For expat families and relocating professionals evaluating schools in the Girona area, Les Alzines offers a distinctive combination: the credibility and portability of the IB Diploma, the warmth of a community-sized private school, and the extraordinary setting of one of Spain's most welcoming cities. It is a school worth exploring carefully for families who want an education with both local depth and international reach.