Thrive here,
then everywhere

On April 9th, we hosted a virtual session where families from around the world got an inside look at everything Brewster Madrid offers students in grades 9 through 12 as they prepare for university and life beyond high school.

Here's what we covered:

Kat Simison, Director of Enrollment and External Affairs, walked us through the Brewster model — a holistic approach built around the team model, the advisor system, project-based learning, and meaningful family partnerships.

Brendan Donahue, Upper School Social Studies teacher at our Chamberí campus, broke down the American High School Diploma and AP courses — what they are, which subjects are offered, and how students can earn college credit with strong AP exam scores.

Sergio Yanes, IB Coordinator at La Moraleja, introduced the IB Diploma Programme, launching this upcoming school year with our very first cohort. He covered the six subject areas, the Extended Essay, CAS, and Theory of Knowledge — and explained how students can walk away with both an IB diploma and an American high school diploma.

Philip Wenturine, Director of University Counseling, shared the incredible results from the Class of 2025 — over $6 million in scholarships earned, more than 100 universities from 20 countries visiting Brewster, and a full breakdown of the homologation process for students considering Spanish or European universities.

The session wrapped up with a live Q&A covering everything from how to choose between AP and IB, to applying to UK universities with an American diploma, and how grading works in Upper School.

Want to watch the full session? The recording from our April 9th virtual session is now available — click below and catch up on everything we discussed!

Watch the Recording Here

Have questions? Our Brewster Madrid admissions team is here to help you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out!

Life as an Expat Student in Madrid: How Brewster Madrid Fosters Global Citizenship

For expat families, finding the right school in Madrid can be quite a challenge. If you’re looking for guidance on how to find a good match for your family, check out our earlier post How to Choose an International School in Madrid: A Framework for Expat Families. This post will hone in on how Brewster Madrid fosters global citizenship for expat students while also embracing local context.

Whether in Chamberí or La Moraleja, Brewster students from 45+ countries learn side by side, creating a vibrant, welcoming environment where being “new” is something everyone understands. This shared international experience helps students settle quickly, build friendships across cultures, and develop the empathy and global awareness that define true global citizens. As one student shared, “Everyone here has a story from somewhere else and that makes it easy to feel at home.”

Inside the classroom, the Brewster Model® fosters collaboration, discussion, and critical thinking, ensuring students are active participants in their learning. An intentional advisory system means every student is known personally by a trusted adult mentor who supports both academic progress and Student Wellbeing. Beyond the classroom, learning comes alive through Learning Expeditions across Madrid and Spain, connecting lessons to real-world experiences at museums, historical landmarks, natural parks and beyond. With robust student life activities, campus life remains dynamic and engaging throughout the day and long after classes end, encouraging students to explore passions, develop leadership skills, and strengthen friendships.

What truly sets Brewster Madrid apart is the balance between this important global perspective and local integration. Students grow within an American-style academic framework while immersing themselves in Spanish culture and the rhythms of life in Madrid. Division leaders often emphasize the same goal: every child should feel seen, supported, and inspired. The result is a school experience that feels both international and deeply personal, where Madrid becomes more than a destination, and school becomes a second home.

Schedule a Tour or Meet Our Community to experience it firsthand.

This July, give your child a summer full of learning, creativity, and adventure 🌞 At Brewster Kids Summer Academy, children ages 3–8 will explore Safari Week with science experiments and problem-solving, Explorers Week with volcanoes, fossils, and navigation skills, and Beach Adventure Week with ocean science, engineering challenges, and creative play. Spots are limited so register today to secure your child’s place!

By Kat Simison

For expat families moving to Spain, selecting the right international school in Madrid is one of the most impactful decisions you will make. Beyond academics, the right school supports your child’s emotional wellbeing, social integration, and long-term opportunities in an increasingly global world. With so many options available, it helps to evaluate schools through a clear, consistent framework rather than relying on marketing claims alone. Brewster Madrid has put together a seven-point framework to help find the right match for your family.

A strong starting point is accreditation. Reputable international schools should be accredited by recognized international organizations and aligned with national education authorities where relevant. Accreditation ensures quality standards, accountability, and that qualifications will be recognized by universities worldwide.

Equally important is the curriculum. Madrid offers international schools following American, British, Spanish, Swiss, French, German, and beyond, including blended systems. Families should consider not only the current fit for their child, but also future mobility. A flexible curriculum that supports transitions between countries and university systems can make a significant difference, particularly for globally mobile families.

The quality of teachers and instructional approach is another key factor. Experienced, internationally minded educators who emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and student engagement tend to foster deeper learning and confidence. Schools that prioritize professional development and student-teacher relationships often create stronger academic outcomes and more supportive learning environments.

Class size is closely tied to this experience. Smaller classes allow for personalized instruction, more classroom participation, and quicker academic and emotional support. These benefits are especially valuable for students adapting to a new country, language, or culture.

For many families, university outcomes are also a major consideration. Strong international schools provide structured university counseling, guidance on global admissions systems, and a proven record of students gaining acceptance to reputable universities across different regions.

Beyond academics, families should assess facilities and campus life. Campus spaces and how they are utilized, extracurricular offerings and experiential learning opportunities all contribute to a balanced education that supports intellectual, physical, and social development.

Finally, location and community matter more than they may initially appear. Commute times, neighborhood safety, and access to a diverse, welcoming school community all affect daily family life. Schools with a strong international population can help children integrate quickly and feel at home while developing global awareness.

How Brewster Madrid Brings This Framework to Life

When viewed through this framework, Brewster Madrid exemplifies what many expat families seek in an international school in Madrid. Backed by over 200 years of educational history, Brewster combines tradition with a modern, globally focused approach to learning.

Academically, the school offers a flexible pathway that includes the American High School Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), allowing students to pursue university options worldwide. Personalized learning is supported by an average class size of 15 students, ensuring close relationships between students and teachers.

Brewster Madrid’s commitment to outcomes is reflected in its 100% college acceptance rate, supported by comprehensive university counseling. The school’s two campuses, located in Chamberí and La Moraleja, provide age-appropriate learning environments, while its diverse student body, representing 45+ countries, creates a truly international community.

For families looking for an international school in Madrid that balances academic rigor, individualized attention, and global perspective, Brewster Madrid offers a compelling option.

Ready to learn more?  Schedule a visit or explore how to apply and take the next step in your child’s educational journey.

Last Thursday evening, January 29th, our La Moraleja campus was full of energy that perfectly captured the spirit and enthusiasm of the Brewster Madrid community. We opened our doors after the academic day and welcomed a fantastic turnout of over 50 attendees to our Friends of Brewster event.

Guests had the unique opportunity to explore our facilities and engage in meaningful conversations with our senior leadership team, academic administrators, and current families. This event wasn't just about formal presentations, but about more intimate dialogue; sharing firsthand experiences and stories to showcase our inclusive and supportive culture, answering questions with multiple perspectives, discussing our vision for cross-discipline, student-centered learning, and reiterating how Brewster delivers on its more than 200 year old mission of preparing diverse thinkers for lives of purpose. And, of course, no celebration of community is complete without hospitality! Attendees enjoyed a spread of delicious food and drinks prepared by our top-notch, in-house dining team, which added a lovely touch of warmth to the evening.

Thank you to everyone who attended and for making the event such a resounding success. Your curiosity and engagement remind us why we are so passionate about what we do. If you weren't able to join us this time, we invite you to learn more about what makes the Brewster experience so unique. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our admissions team or schedule a personal visit.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus soon!

Brewster Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Colburn as the new Executive Director of BA International, LLC. Matt will lead Brewster’s international operations, including its two campuses in Madrid, Spain.

This appointment marks an important milestone in Brewster’s international journey. Since the launch of BA International in 2023 and the opening of Brewster Academy Spain in Madrid, Brewster has taken bold steps to extend its mission and educational philosophy into new global contexts. With two thriving campuses in Chamberí and La Moraleja, BA International is now poised for its next phase of growth, one that is thoughtful, mission-driven, and deeply aligned with Brewster’s values. For current Brewster students and families, this leadership appointment strengthens the global reach of the Brewster Model®, expands opportunities for cross-campus learning and connection, and reinforces Brewster’s position as a forward-looking school preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world.

Matt brings more than two decades of transformative leadership experience across education, government, and nonprofit sectors. A mission-driven executive, he has dedicated his career to community investment through transformational education, building institutions, scaling impact, and strengthening organizations in complex global environments.

Most recently, Matt served in senior executive leadership roles with the United States Peace Corps, including Acting Chief Administrative Officer and Country Director in Mexico, overseeing multinational operations across more than 20 countries. His work required navigating complex regulatory, financial, and cultural landscapes while leading diverse teams and ensuring program integrity, operational excellence, and strong financial stewardship.

Earlier in his career, Matt served as Chief Operating Officer of KIPP Delta Public Schools, where he helped scale the organization from a single school into a multi-campus regional network, nearly tripling the number of students served while preserving educational quality, mission fidelity, and long-term financial sustainability. He also led the development of international education and literacy networks in Central America with The Riecken Foundation, building a deeply impactful community-based education model from the ground up.

A fluent Spanish speaker with nearly two decades of international field experience, Matt brings deep intercultural competence and a collaborative, strengths-based leadership style. He is known for building high-performing, values-driven teams and forging meaningful partnerships across cultures and communities.

As Executive Director of BA International, Matt will serve as both a strategic leader and an educational entrepreneur. He will be responsible for ensuring fidelity to the Brewster Model®, championing academic excellence across international campuses, supporting campus leadership, and shaping the long-term vision for Brewster’s global presence.

Reflecting on his appointment, Matt shared: “Brewster’s bold vision for international education reflects the very best of what schools can be: mission-driven, innovative, and deeply committed to students. I am excited to partner with the Brewster community as we expand this extraordinary model around the world.”

We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the Brewster family and look forward to the leadership, vision, and global perspective he brings to this exciting next chapter of Brewster Academy’s story.

We are thrilled to invite prospective families to a virtual session that focuses on our Academic Pathways & University Counseling.

During this session, you will hear from our teachers, administrators, university counselor, and admissions team about what makes this approach so powerful for our older learners and how it helps students thrive.

Date: April 9th 2026

Stay tuned for more info!