Discover Our New La Moraleja Campus

If you are a parent choosing a school in Madrid, you may have seen the latest headlines about Spain’s PISA results. The 2025 results show that Spanish 15-year-olds scored below the OECD average in mathematics, reading, and science. Results have also declined since 2015, with the proportion of low-performing students increasing across all three subjects.

But what does that actually mean for your child? PISA measures education systems, not individual schools, and it only assesses 15-year-olds. A national average cannot tell you whether your child is being challenged, supported when they struggle, or making meaningful progress. Those are the questions parents should be asking about their child’s school.

At Brewster Madrid, understanding where each student is and helping them move forward is central to our approach to individualized learning. With an average 1:15 teacher to student ratio, teachers can know their students well and use assessment data to understand where they are academically and what they need next.

We see this clearly in our Lower School math data. Our assessments begin in grade 1 and are based on numeracy standards taken from US Common Core Math Standards as well as other international best practices. At the beginning of last year, 48% of students (grades 1-5) started the year below grade level expectations. Over the course of the year, our students not only closed this achievement gap but also surpassed average expected growth per grade level.

As we begin our 2026-27 school year, we have more wins to celebrate. In grade 1 where we focus on foundational math skills, we can see that 85% of students are at or above expected grade level in addition and subtraction (number operations). In grades 2-5, 83% of students are at or above expected grade level range across 5 math domains. These results are a clear reflection of the progress students can make when teachers understand their starting point and have the opportunity to respond to their individual needs.

Individualized learning is not just about what happens during a math lesson. At Brewster, students also have opportunities to apply their learning beyond the classroom. Last school year, students took part in more than 130 Learning Expeditions, connecting curriculum to real experiences across Madrid and beyond. These hands-on experiences encourage students to ask questions, solve problems, and make meaningful connections between what they learn and the world around them.

PISA is useful because it gives us a picture of how education systems are performing. But it should not be the only thing parents consider when choosing a school. Look at how your child is progressing. Look at how well teachers know them. Look at the support available when they need it and the opportunities available when they are ready for more.

Your child is not a PISA score. They are an individual with their own strengths, interests, challenges, and ambitions. Their education should help them make progress, give them the right level of challenge and support, and give them opportunities to discover what they are capable of.

That is what individualized learning looks like at Brewster Madrid. If you are interested in learning more about our approach, click the link to book a campus tour and see it for yourself.

Book a campus tour. 

By Pesh Mistry

Every child learns differently. Some children move quickly through certain subjects, while others need more time or support. Some are naturally curious about science and math, while others discover their strengths through languages, art, music, athletics, or creative projects. As a parent, you want to know that your child's school recognizes those differences rather than expecting every student to learn in exactly the same way.

This is where individualized education can make a difference.

What does individualized education mean?

Individualized education means designing learning around the individual student through differentiation and acknowledgement of pace and skill level to reach and surpass grade-level expectations and milestones. Instead of expecting every child to follow exactly the same path, teachers consider a student's strengths, interests, challenges, and goals and use that understanding to help them grow.

That does not mean every student has a completely different curriculum. It means students receive the right support and challenge to help them reach their full potential.

For parents, one of the most important questions to ask is: How does the school actually individualize learning?

How can a school individualize learning?

Individualized learning starts with knowing the student. Smaller classes can give teachers more opportunities to understand how individual students learn, where they are succeeding, and where they may need additional support or challenge.

At Brewster Madrid, an average class size of 15 supports more attention for each student, active participation, and meaningful connections between teachers and students. Brewster's team-based model also brings educators together to focus on each student's progress, strengths, and areas for growth. An intentional advisory system means every student has a trusted adult mentor who provides unique guidance and support.

Individualization also means giving students opportunities to explore their interests and connect their learning to the world around them. Through Learning Expeditions, students step beyond the classroom to make real-world connections to what they are studying. Madrid becomes an extension of the classroom, giving students opportunities for place-based learning and real-world discovery.

Why does this matter as children grow?

Your child's needs at age 5 will not be the same as their needs at age 15. As students grow, they become more independent, discover new interests, and begin thinking about their future.

An individualized education can grow with them and encourage agency.

At Brewster Madrid, the student-centered approach meets students where they are while challenging them to grow academically and personally. From the early years, when play, wonder, and meaningful relationships guide learning, through Middle School and Upper School, students are given opportunities to develop their strengths, interests, and goals.

Older students also have academic choices that can reflect their goals. At the Chamberí campus, students can pursue the American High School Diploma with AP course offerings. At the La Moraleja campus, students can pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside the American High School Diploma.

What should parents look for?

If individualized education is important to your family, ask schools:

How many students are in each class?

How do teachers identify individual strengths and areas for growth?

How does the school provide support when my child needs it?

How are students challenged when they are ready for more?

Does my child have a trusted adult who knows them well?

How involved are teachers and advisors in my child's progress?

What opportunities will my child have to explore their interests?

What choices will my child have as they get older?

The answers can tell you much more about a school's approach than the word "personalized" on a website.

The right school starts with knowing your child

Choosing a school is ultimately about finding the right environment for your child to grow. You want them to feel known, supported, challenged, and confident in who they are.

At Brewster Madrid, small class sizes, a team-based and student-centered approach, intentional advisory, Learning Expeditions, and different academic pathways help create an education centered around each student's strengths, interests, and goals.

Because your child is unique. Their education should be, too.

If you are exploring education in Madrid, we invite you to visit our Chamberí or La Moraleja campus and discover how Brewster can support your child's individual journey.

Book a Campus Visit

By Pesh Mistry

When choosing a school for your child, you probably have a long list of questions. Is the curriculum right for them? Will they feel comfortable? Will they be challenged? Will they have the support they need?

And then there is one question that can make a surprisingly big difference: How many students will be in their class?

Because there is a big difference between a teacher knowing 15 students and trying to remember 30 names before morning coffee.

Why does class size matter?

Smaller classes do not automatically make a school better. What matters is what smaller classes make possible. When there are fewer students in a classroom, teachers have more opportunities to hear from each student, understand how they learn, identify where they may need support, and provide additional challenges when they are ready.

For students, this can mean more opportunities to participate, ask questions, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships with their teachers. For parents, it can mean greater confidence that their child is not simply another name on a roster.

A smaller class can mean a more personal experience

Every child is different. One may be eager to raise their hand every five seconds, while another has brilliant ideas but needs a little more encouragement to share them. One may need additional support in math, while another is ready to move ahead. A smaller class gives teachers more opportunities to notice these differences and respond to them.

At Brewster Madrid, classes typically have 15 to 18 students, supporting personalized attention, active participation, and meaningful connections. This is an important part of Brewster's student-centered approach. The goal is not simply to have a smaller number on a classroom door, but to create an environment where students can be known as individuals and where teachers can better understand their strengths, needs, and goals.

Your child should be more than a name on a list

Impactful education starts with knowing the student. At Brewster, every student has an advisor who serves as a mentor, coach, parent liaison, and champion. Advisors work with teachers to monitor student progress and help students work toward their goals.

This means your child's support does not stop when the bell rings. There is a wider team paying attention to how they are doing, where they are growing, and where they may need additional support or challenge.

Small classes can give students a bigger voice

A smaller classroom can create more opportunities for students to participate actively in their education. Students have more opportunities to contribute, collaborate, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning.

As children grow, this becomes increasingly important. Brewster's student-centered approach is designed to meet students where they are while challenging them to grow academically and personally. Learning also extends beyond the classroom through Learning Expeditions, which connect classroom learning with the world around students and make Madrid an extension of the classroom.

What should parents ask about class size?

When comparing international schools in Madrid, don't just ask, “How many students are in a class?” Ask what that number actually means for your child.

How much individual attention do students receive?

How do teachers support different learning needs?

How are students challenged when they are ready for more?

How often do students receive individual feedback?

Does every student have an advisor or mentor?

How well do teachers and the wider school community know each child?

A small class is valuable because of what it allows teachers and students to do together.

Finding the right fit for your child

Choosing an international school is ultimately about finding the right environment for your child. You want them to be known, supported, challenged, and given the confidence to discover what they can do.

At Brewster Madrid, classes of 15 to 18 students are one part of a wider student-centered approach built around meaningful relationships, individualized attention, agency, and growth. Across our Chamberí and La Moraleja campuses, we aim to create a community where students are known not just by their teachers, but by the people around them.

Your child should never feel like just another student. They should feel like they belong.

If you are looking for an international school in Madrid with small class sizes and an individualized approach to education, we invite you to visit our Chamberí or La Moraleja campus and experience the Brewster community for yourself.

Book a Campus Visit

We are excited to welcome Brewster Madrid families to our 4th Annual University Information Night, taking place on October 7 from 6:00–7:30 PM at our Pre-University Hub.

Join Phillip Wenturine, Director of University Counseling, and Sophia Calabrese, University Counselor, for an evening focused on helping students and families understand the university planning process and prepare for the next steps beyond Brewster.

Who should attend?
Students and parents in Grades 9–12 are welcome to attend. The evening is especially encouraged for Grade 11 and 12 families, as these years are an important part of the university application journey.

📅 October 7
🕕 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Pre-University Hub, Calle Magallanes 1, Madrid

Joining remotely?
Families who are unable to attend in person can join online. The meeting link will be sent by email the day before the event.

Please note: This is an internal Brewster Madrid event for current students and their families only.

Please save the date. We look forward to welcoming you and supporting our students as they take their next steps beyond Brewster.

See What It Means to Be Truly Known

Choosing the right school means finding a place where your child will be more than a name on a class list. You want teachers who understand their strengths, notice when they need extra support and give them the space to grow with confidence.

Join us on October 13 from 5:00 p.m. for a Fall Open House at the Brewster Madrid La Moraleja campus and experience that difference for yourself.

Tour our brand-new campus, meet our teachers and school leaders, learn how our small classes support individualized learning, and discover how your child can grow through our American and IB pathways.

Most importantly, come and meet the people who could become an important part of your child’s journey.

Come see where your child could feel known, supported and at home.

October 13 | 5:00 p.m. | Brewster Madrid La Moraleja campus

See What an Education Built Around Your Child Can Look Like

Join us for a virtual information session to discover how Brewster Madrid’s approach to Early Years and Lower School gives children the support, challenge and attention they need to thrive.

You’ll hear from our teachers, administrators, current parents and Admissions team about how our small classes and close-knit community help ensure every child is truly known, supported and encouraged to grow.

Come and discover what an education built around your child can look like at Brewster Madrid, from wherever you are.

For more information, please contact admissions@brewstermadrid.com.