Education and Schools in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is known for its excellent educational system that offers numerous options for parents who want to provide quality education to their children. Expats who are new to the city often opt to send their children to private or international schools. This is mainly because public schools in Buenos Aires use Spanish as the primary language of instruction, which could be a challenge for non-native speakers.

Private schools in Buenos Aires are known for their rigorous academic curriculum as well as their emphasis on extracurricular activities, such as sports, music and arts. They often offer smaller class sizes, individual attention and bilingual or multilingual instruction. International schools, on the other hand, follow the curriculum of another country, such as the United States or the United Kingdom. These schools offer a global perspective and attract families who are moving frequently or want their children to have an international education.

That said, the Argentinian education system is facing significant funding challenges following recent austerity measures and high inflation.

Public schools in Buenos Aires

While free public schooling is provided to all children in Buenos Aires, the Argentine public education system is facing titanic challenges. Public schools have experienced severe underfunding, particularly since government budget cuts reduced real education spending by approximately 80 percent.

Expats who choose to send their children to public schools in Buenos Aires should also be aware of the language barrier, as Spanish is the primary language of instruction.

Education System in Argentina

Useful links

• Ministry of Education Argentina
• Buenos Aires City Education Department
• Educational Credential Recognition
• School Enrollment Information Buenos Aires

Private schools in Buenos Aires

Private schools in Buenos Aires are popular among parents, because many of them offer a bilingual curriculum that caters to both Spanish- and English-speaking students. This means that children can continue to develop their English language skills while also learning Spanish.

Most private schools in Buenos Aires are affiliated with the Catholic Church and charge substantial fees. With Argentina’s high inflation rate, school fees have increased significantly, and you may also need to pay for extras such as books, uniforms and stationery, which can add up to considerable additional costs. Consider these additional expenses when choosing a private school.

Competition for places at top private schools in Buenos Aires can also be high, so you should plan well in advance and be prepared to apply to several schools to increase your chances of securing a place for your child. That said, many parents find that private schools in Buenos Aires provide an excellent education and a valuable cultural experience for their children.

International schools in Buenos Aires

There are also a number of well-respected international schools in Buenos Aires that follow European or American curricula. Over 10 schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme alongside other international curriculum options.

Space can be limited at international schools in Buenos Aires, and you need to plan well ahead if you want a place for your child at the school of your choice. International schools provide world-class education and support for their students, although fees have become increasingly expensive due to Argentina’s economic volatility.

If you’re moving to the city as part of a corporate relocation, you should factor both current costs and potential fee increases into any contract negotiations before committing to the move.

International Schools in Buenos Aires

Special educational needs in Buenos Aires

By federal law, all schools must accept children with disabilities, although recent immigration policy changes may affect access for some foreign nationals. There’s an ongoing push for inclusion programmes in many schools, trying to incorporate children with different abilities. Public schools’ capacity to support special needs has been limited by recent budget cuts, making private and international schools often more viable options.

Expat parents of children with special educational needs should consider international or private schools, and it’s advisable to contact the schools to find out what options are available.

Useful links

• Special Educational Needs Support Argentina
• Educational Inclusion Buenos Aires
• UNICEF Argentina Education Programs
• National Disability Commission Argentina

Tutors in Buenos Aires

You can find private home tutors or online tutors in Buenos Aires for your children through various online platforms and local tutoring services. Many international platforms operate in Buenos Aires, although availability and pricing may fluctuate with economic conditions. These tutors can help children adjust to the new curriculum, to learning in Spanish, or offer school support for students struggling in any of their classes.

Useful links

• Superprof Tutoring Buenos Aires
• Apprentus Argentina Tutoring Platform
• Classgap Online Tutoring Argentina
• Private Classes Argentina