Marbella’s new Swedish School

Officially called the Svenska Skolan, the Swedish School of Marbella compliments the full range of schooling requirements offered by its equivalent in Fuengirola to provide a much-needed option for the growing Swedish-speaking community in Marbella. Where the longer-established school covers the full range from kindergarten up to university entrance, the Marbella school caters to children between three and twelve.

There had been a small school of this kind at the CFS (Centro Forestal Sueco) for many years, but with the move to the Vasari Centre within the elegant La Alzambra complex the Swedish School has improved not only its facilities but also its scope and range of possibilities.

Since the move in January, the number of pupils attending has grown from 43 to 61, with the school expected to reach its capacity level of 75 before long. State funding from Sweden provides a solid foundation upon which staff and parents build to create a high standard of education along with a wonderful learning environment for kids.

The setting, within La Alzambra on the edge of Nueva Andalucía, is in itself a plus, but this is a school that enjoys a pleasant open flow in favour of more typical corridors, where classes for toddlers and primary school pupils are both high-tech and welcoming, and where everything from the library and play areas to the canteen is sunny and connected to lovely views of the garden that surrounds the school.

“We aim to provide a thorough educational base within a very pleasant setting,” says Annika the headmistress, who leads a team of six teachers. “The facilities are great and one of the things that is really pleasant about this school is how close we are to a wonderful garden that allows us to make the most of the Marbella climate.” The latter includes a terrace leading on from the canteen, play areas for the children, a fenced-off swimming pool and a barbecue used for regular events where teachers, kids and parents come together.

Though a non-profit institution, those involved with the Svenska Skolan work hard to continue to improve and expand the range of facilities offered. “This applies to both the physical amenities and curricular activities,” says Mathias Jonsson a director of the board who has three boys in the school and contributes over 20 hours a week of his time. “We work together with the neighbouring gym and padel tennis court to provide additional sports facilities, and we plan to convert part of the garden into a football pitch”

In addition, he and the rest of the team are aiming to create facilities such as a computer lab on the lower level and want to stimulate the integration of children within their host community. “We don’t like the idea of kids becoming isolated within the expatriate community,” says Mathias, so we’re organising regular exchanges with Spanish schools designed to enhance language skills and an understanding of the local culture. This is a Swedish school with an official Swedish curriculum that also includes English, but to this we will be adding not only computer classes and sports activities but also Spanish lessons.”

The result is an appealing, well-run school with lots of growth potential that is serving a burgeoning community of Swedes and also Norwegians and Finns – but one that is also firmly planted within the greater communities of Marbella and Spain. “We regard our role as preparing our children to have the widest possible range of options within Marbella, the expat community, Spain and indeed internationally.” In a place as cosmopolitan as this that makes perfect sense.