Inside Fontenebro International School: Where Students are Known, Supported and Challenged

Fontenebro International School is a warm, forward-thinking international school located in Moralzarzal, in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, just outside Madrid. Surrounded by nature and with easy access from the north-west of the city, the school offers families a calm, safe and inspiring environment where children can learn, grow and feel truly known.

Introducing Fontenebro International School in Madrid

At Fontenebro International School, we inspire every child to achieve academic excellence while developing confidence, curiosity, and strong personal values. Our caring international community provides a supportive environment where students are known, challenged, and encouraged to thrive. Through innovative teaching and a global outlook, we prepare learners for success in an ever-changing world. We are delighted to welcome your family and look forward to partnering with you on your child’s educational journey.

More Than a Decade of Change Since Joining ISP

Looking back over the past ten years, the biggest change has been our journey since joining ISP. Becoming part of a global community of schools has opened up incredible international learning opportunities for our students, allowing them to collaborate with peers around the world, broaden their perspectives, and develop the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

At the same time, our approach to teaching and learning has become even more student-centred. We have evolved our practice to ensure that every student is known, challenged, and supported as an individual. This focus on personalised learning has enriched the experience we offer and enables each child to develop their strengths, grow in confidence, and reach their full potential.

Stepping Into the Role of Head of School

It is a real privilege to lead the school. Having been part of the Fontenebro community since 2012, I already understood what makes this school so special, its people, its values and its sense of community.

That continuity has allowed me to build on the strong foundations already in place while looking ahead to how we can continue to grow. I know our students, families and staff well, and that shared understanding helps us work together with confidence and purpose.

Fontenebro’s Approach to Bilingual Education

Our bilingual approach is about much more than learning two languages. Students use both English and Spanish naturally throughout their school day, giving them the confidence to communicate, collaborate and think in both languages. Combined with our international outlook, this helps students become open-minded, culturally aware and well prepared for opportunities anywhere in the world, while remaining connected to their own identity and culture.

A Location That Sets Fontenebro Apart

Our location in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama is one of our greatest strengths. Being surrounded by nature provides students with space to learn, play and grow in a calm, healthy environment. 

It encourages curiosity, wellbeing and a love of the outdoors, while giving children opportunities to explore and learn beyond the classroom. It creates a wonderful balance between academic learning and personal development.

Wanting every student to feel “Known, Supported and Challenged”

In practise this means that every student is seen as an individual. Our teachers take the time to understand each child’s strengths, interests and areas for growth, building positive relationships that help students feel confident and valued. 

At the same time, we challenge every learner to aim high, take risks in their learning and become increasingly independent. When students feel known and supported, they are much more willing to challenge themselves and reach their full potential.

Weaving Outdoor Learning and Nature into Everyday Lessons

At Fontenebro, nature is an extension of the classroom rather than somewhere we visit occasionally. Teachers make use of our beautiful surroundings across many areas of the curriculum, whether through science investigations, creative projects, physical education or outdoor problem-solving activities. Learning outdoors encourages curiosity, collaboration and resilience, while helping students develop a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

The Value of Being Part of the International Schools Partnership

Being part of ISP brings opportunities that would simply not be possible as a standalone school. Our students benefit from international learning programmes, collaborative projects and leadership opportunities with students from schools around the world. 

They gain a genuine global perspective while still enjoying the close-knit community that makes Fontenebro unique. Families know their children are receiving the personal care of a local school alongside the opportunities and expertise of a global network.

Preparing Students for a Global Future

Preparing students for the future means developing much more than academic knowledge. We want our students to become confident communicators, critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers and compassionate global citizens. Through bilingual education, international experiences and a focus on collaboration and leadership, they develop the skills and mindset they will need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Balancing Academic Ambition with a Close-Knit Family Feel

For us, academic excellence and a strong sense of community go hand in hand. Because our students are known so well, we can provide the right balance of challenge and support for each individual. 

Families are true partners in their children’s education, and the close relationships between students, staff and parents create an environment where children feel safe, confident and motivated to achieve their very best.

A Personalised Approach to Admissions

We understand that choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family can make, so we aim to make the admissions process as personal and supportive as possible. From the first visit, families have the opportunity to experience our community and ask questions about every aspect of school life. Once students join us, our staff and classmates work together to help them settle quickly, build friendships and feel that they truly belong from their very first day.

City Life in Madrid Vs the Quiet of Moralzarzal

Every family’s priorities are different, but many parents are looking for a place where their children can enjoy an outstanding education while growing up in a safe, healthy and inspiring environment. 

At Fontenebro, students benefit from the best of both worlds: easy access to Madrid alongside the space, tranquillity and natural surroundings of the Sierra de Guadarrama. It is an environment where children have the freedom to explore, develop independence and enjoy a balanced childhood.

A Moment That Captured What Fontenebro Represents

One of the most memorable moments this year was our Fontenebro Awards Ceremony for our 2nd Bachillerato students. The whole school community came together to celebrate their achievements and to say farewell as they prepared for the next stage of their journey.

What made the ceremony so special was that it reflected everything Fontenebro stands for. We celebrated not only academic success, but also the values that define our community: Responsibility, Teamwork, Creativity, Honesty, Resilience and Empathy. 

Seeing our graduating students recognised for the way they had lived those values, surrounded by younger students, and staff, was a powerful reminder that our role is not only to prepare young people for university, but to help them become thoughtful, compassionate and responsible citizens.

About Mike West, Headteacher

Originally from just outside London, UK, Mike West is a father of two bilingual children who speak both English and Spanish. After beginning his career as a civil servant, he chose to follow his passion for education and moved to Spain in 2000 to become a teacher.

Mike joined Fontenebro International School, then Laude Fontenebro, in 2012 and has been fortunate to teach across Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form in a variety of subject areas. Before becoming Head Teacher in 2024, he served as Head of Learning, helping to shape the school’s student-centred approach to teaching and learning.

He describes it as a genuine privilege to lead such a special school, working alongside a talented and dedicated team who share a common commitment to placing students’ safety, wellbeing and learning at the heart of everything they do.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fontenebro International School

What is Fontenebro International School?

Fontenebro International School is a bilingual international school located in Moralzarzal, in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, just outside Madrid, welcoming students from Early Years through to Bachillerato.

What curriculum does Fontenebro follow?

The curriculum places a strong emphasis on languages, academic progress, creativity, technology, wellbeing and life skills, supported by programmes such as robotics, STEAM learning, active play, personalised tutoring and early guidance.

Is Fontenebro part of a wider school network?

Yes. Fontenebro International School is part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), giving students access to international learning programmes, collaborative projects and leadership opportunities with schools around the world.

Where is Fontenebro located, and how far is it from Madrid?

The school is based in Moralzarzal, to the northwest of Madrid, around a 40 to 50 minute drive from the city centre.

What is the campus like?

The campus offers learning spaces designed for each stage of development, from Early Years classrooms to specialist areas for older students, with natural surroundings that support outdoor learning, movement and wellbeing as part of everyday school life.

What are the school fees at Fontenebro?

Tuition fees vary depending on year group and individual circumstances. Families receive personalised fee information directly during the admissions process.

How does the admissions process work?

Families are invited to visit the school, meet the Admissions Director, explore the campus and understand how the school can support their child’s individual needs, with a personal and carefully guided process from the first enquiry.

Read more articles about international schools and education on the MumAbroad blog