Why is Barcelona High School (BHS) the Best American School in Spain?
In the world of schools with American curriculum in Spain, the innovative American school, Barcelona High School (BHS), has rapidly emerged as a revolutionary institution that redefines what it means to educate students for the modern world. Founded in 2020 by Harvard graduate and entrepreneur Akida Mashaka, BHS was created to address the shortcomings of traditional education systems. Unlike conventional American schools in Spain, BHS ensures that students excel not only academically but also socially and psychologically in equal measure.
With a rapidly growing student body and plans to expand into preschool and elementary education, BHS stands apart as a truly student-centered school. Below, we compare BHS to other major American schools in Spain, including the American School of Barcelona, American School of Madrid, Benjamin Franklin International School, and more, demonstrating why BHS is the best choice for families seeking a holistic, forward-thinking education.
Best American Schools in Spain - Why Barcelona High School?
1. The Social Wellness School™ Philosophy
BHS is built around the Social Wellness School™ concept, a post-COVID educational philosophy that prioritizes student mental health and social engagement alongside academic success. Unlike traditional schools that focus heavily on grades and standardized test performance, BHS fosters an environment where students can develop self-confidence, resilience, and meaningful connections with their peers. This approach is crucial in an era where mental health and emotional intelligence are more important than ever.
2. The BHS Method™: Learning by Doing
Traditional education relies on rote memorization—a system developed during the Industrial Age that fails to prepare students for the modern world. In contrast, BHS utilizes the BHS Method™, derived from Akida Mashaka's BHS Method™ for Startups and refined by award-winning educator Amanda Slefo. This methodology asserts that students learn best through hands-on problem-solving and trial and error, rather than passive memorization. This approach helps develop critical thinking, adaptability, and executive functioning skills that are essential for success in higher education and beyond.
3. Personalized and Flexible Learning
BHS is the only American school in Barcelona that offers a 100% U.S. curriculum with flexible Advanced Placement (AP) options. Unlike the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs found at many other American schools in Spain, which follow a rigid, one-size-fits-all model, BHS allows students to tailor their education to their unique strengths and aspirations.
For non-native English speakers, BHS provides an Intensive English Program from early childhood through high school, ensuring students achieve fluency in English while also offering Spanish and Catalan language fluency courses and the ESO Certificate for Spanish nationals.
BHS compared to other American Schools in Spain
1. American School of Barcelona (ASB)
While ASB is one of the most well-known American schools in Spain, it follows a traditional IB curriculum, which can be limiting for students who prefer a personalized learning experience. Additionally, ASB is located outside the city, making daily commutes more difficult for families. In contrast, BHS's central location in Barcelona's vibrant Gracia neighborhood allows students to fully immerse themselves in the city's culture and opportunities.
2. American School of Madrid (ASM)
ASM offers a strong American education, but it lacks the Social Wellness School™ philosophy that defines BHS. Mental health, social engagement, and hands-on learning are not as deeply integrated into ASM's curriculum, making BHS a better option for students who seek a holistic and student-centered educational experience.
3. Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS)
BFIS follows an IB curriculum, which many students find overly rigid. Additionally, BFIS is smaller than BHS, but it lacks the same level of diversity and international representation. BHS, with its large and highly diverse student body, provides a more dynamic and globally connected learning environment.
4. American School of Valencia (ASV)
ASV is another IB school that prioritizes academic achievement but does not emphasize student mental health and social well-being in the way BHS does. Additionally, ASV is located outside a major city, limiting students' access to cultural and extracurricular opportunities compared to BHS.
5. Aquinas American School (AAS)
Aquinas is known for its strong academic reputation, but it is highly traditional and does not offer the same level of flexibility in curriculum or student experience as BHS. The emphasis on standardized testing at Aquinas contrasts sharply with BHS's hands-on, problem-solving approach.
Brewster Madrid is a relatively new entrant into the American school market in Spain but lacks the proven track record and innovative teaching methods that BHS has developed.
7. American School of Bilbao (ASB)
Located in northern Spain, this school follows an American curriculum but does not have the same level of international diversity or the hands-on learning methodology that makes BHS unique.
Atlas American School of Malaga is another school that offers an American curriculum, but it does not incorporate the Social Wellness School™ model that makes BHS stand out. The student experience at Atlas is more traditional, lacking the personalized learning approach that BHS champions.
Located in the Canary Islands, this school offers an American education but is geographically isolated. BHS's location in the heart of Barcelona provides access to far more opportunities for cultural, academic, and extracurricular engagement.
10. The American College in Spain (ACS)
ACS focuses mainly on higher education and does not provide the full secondary school experience that BHS does. Additionally, it lacks the Social Wellness School™ approach that defines BHS.
This is a smaller school that does not offer the same range of programs, AP courses, or language support as BHS. It also does not incorporate the BHS Method™ or Social Wellness School™ philosophy into its curriculum.
This school is primarily known for its focus on tennis and athletics. While it may appear to be a decent option for students pursuing sports careers, it does not provide the same balanced approach to academics, social development, and psychological well-being that BHS does. See Why Athletes Choose BHS.
Why Barcelona High School is the Best American School in Spain
BHS is redefining what it means to be an American school in Spain. By prioritizing student mental health, social engagement, and hands-on learning, BHS goes beyond the traditional education model to prepare students for the world as it exists today. Compared to other American schools in Spain, BHS stands out for its innovative teaching methodologies, diverse student body, and strategic location in Barcelona.
For families seeking a truly forward-thinking education that balances academic success with social and psychological well-being, BHS is the best choice. The future of education is here and it starts at Barcelona High School.
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