Valencia is often described as one of Europe’s most livable cities. But if you’re a family relocating with children, what does that actually mean? For many of the families we work with, the answer lies in a very practical question: where can we live in the city, and still give our kids access to a great international education?

The good news is that Valencia city itself offers several excellent international and bilingual schools — not just in the outskirts, but right within the urban core or well-connected residential zones. Whether you’re arriving from Paris, New York, Brussels or Bogotá, you’ll find familiar school systems (French, British, American), high-quality bilingual education, and a manageable urban scale where life unfolds on a human rhythm.

Here’s a narrative overview of Valencia’s top city-based international schools and the surrounding neighborhoods where families feel at home.

1. Lycée Français de Valence (Lycée Maternelle / École Primaire – Valence, city campus)

Let’s start with the French school, a well-known institution among francophone families in Spain. While the main campus is technically in Paterna, there is an École Maternelle and École Primaire annex located in the city, specifically in the Ayora district, near Mestalla and the Turia riverbed park. This satellite campus welcomes younger children (ages 3–6) and is often the first step for families settling in Valencia before deciding whether to stay in the city or move outward.

Curriculum: French National Curriculum
Languages: French (primary), with Spanish and English
Ages: 3 to 6 (Valencia city location), full cycle available in Paterna (10km from city center)
Student profile: French, Belgian, Swiss, Canadian, mixed families

Where to live nearby

• Algiros / Ayora: A lively, family-friendly area near the river park and well served by metro (Ayora station). Affordable compared to the city center, with wide avenues, parks, and a mix of older and modern flats.
• Mestalla / Pla del Real: Quieter, more residential, and elegant — this neighborhood offers larger flats, good local services, and a mix of local and international residents.

Both areas are 10–15 minutes by bike or metro from the historic center, and walking distance to the school annex.

2. Caxton College (technically in Puçol, but with families living in Valencia city)

Although Caxton College is not physically located in the city, many families choose to live in Valencia city and use the school bus service offered by the school. Caxton is a British curriculum school offering education from early years through to university preparation, with high academic standards and a strong international reputation.

Curriculum: British (IGCSEs, A Levels), also Spanish Bachillerato
Languages: English (primary), Spanish (for local accreditation)
Ages: 3 to 18
Student profile: International and Spanish families seeking bilingual immersion

Where to live nearby (city-based families)
While Caxton is in Puçol (30 km from the city), many families choose to live in the city’s northern or eastern districts for ease of bus pick-up and city life:

• Benimaclet: Young, alternative, bilingual, and full of life. A mix of students, families, and professionals. Metro connections (Line 3 & 4), bike lanes, and relatively affordable housing for a city lifestyle.
• Algirós / Amistat: Practical and residential, close to universities and several school bus stops. Flats here tend to be modern and functional.
• El Pla del Real: For families looking for calm, green surroundings near the Jardines del Real and the Turia park, while staying central.

Living in the city and sending children to Caxton by school bus offers the best of both worlds: full city life for parents, and a campus-style education for children.

3. British School of Valencia (BSV), Gran Vía / Ruzafa

Located in the heart of the city, BSV offers a full British education from ages 2 to 18. The school is popular with both local and foreign families seeking a UK-aligned curriculum without having to leave the city. The building itself is urban and compact — this is not a campus-style environment — but it compensates with modern facilities, excellent teaching staff, and a strong academic reputation.

Curriculum: British curriculum (IGCSE, A Levels), adapted to Spanish regulations
Languages: English (primary), with Spanish for legal requirements
Ages: 2 to 18
Student profile: International and local mix

Where to live nearby

• Gran Vía: A highly sought-after residential area full of tree-lined avenues, modernist architecture, and cafés. It combines elegance with accessibility and is walking distance to the school.
• Ruzafa: Trendy, diverse, artistic, and increasingly family-friendly. Ruzafa is ideal for families who enjoy culture, food, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Flats here are often in older buildings, but many have been beautifully renovated.
• Ensanche / Colón: For those seeking upscale city living with high-end shopping, dining, and large apartments.

Being able to walk or bike to school is a major plus for many parents — and BSV is one of the few schools that makes that possible right in the city.

4. Colegio Internacional Ausiàs March (Patraix / Jesús area)

This bilingual school is less known internationally, but increasingly popular with families who want a bilingual Spanish-English education in a nurturing, inclusive environment. The school offers both the Spanish curriculum and English instruction from an early age, with an emphasis on creativity and social-emotional development.

Curriculum: Spanish with English immersion
Languages: Spanish and English
Ages: 3 to 18
Student profile: Mostly Spanish, with a growing expat segment

Where to live nearby

• Patraix: A hidden gem for families, this neighborhood is quiet, community-oriented, and affordable. Parks, public transport, and good local services make it a solid option.
• Jesús / Arrancapins: Closer to the center but still residential, well-connected by metro and bus, with a local vibe and large apartment buildings.

If you’re looking for a more integrated local experience — not an expat enclave — and a school that still offers solid English education, this is a strong contender.

5. International Montessori School Valencia (Montessori British School)

A newer addition to Valencia’s international education landscape, this school brings together the Montessori philosophy with the British curriculum, offering a child-led, bilingual education for younger learners. Located in a calm residential area, the school is expanding gradually and has earned praise for its focus on emotional intelligence and creativity.

Curriculum: Montessori + British Early Years
Languages: English and Spanish
Ages: 2 to 11 (Primary only for now)
Student profile: International families with younger children

Where to live nearby

• Ciudad Jardín / Amistat: Quiet, local, and well-connected by metro and tram. Flats here are typically spacious and less expensive than in more central districts.
• Camins al Grau: More modern, with access to shopping centers and quick routes to the beach or center.

This option is particularly attractive to young families who plan to stay long-term and value a progressive education approach.

6. Cambridge House Community College (Rocafort, with bus from Valencia)

Cambridge House is one of the most established British schools in the Valencian Community, located in the suburb of Rocafort. While the school itself isn’t in the city center, many families choose to live in Valencia city and rely on the school’s organized bus routes, which pick up pupils in several neighborhoods.

The school offers a full UK curriculum from Early Years through A-Levels, with a strong academic track record and a student body that mixes local and international families. Known for its stability, teaching quality, and inclusive environment, it’s a strong option for families who want a British education without needing to move to the outskirts.

Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A Levels)
Languages: English (primary), Spanish (complementary)
Ages: 3 to 18
Student profile: Long-standing mix of international and local families

Living in the city with school bus access. Central districts like Ruzafa, Gran Vía, Mestalla, and Pla del Real are served by the school’s private bus routes, allowing families to enjoy the cultural and practical benefits of living in Valencia while sending their children to school in Rocafort.

This option is particularly appreciated by families who prefer the vibrancy of city life but don’t want to compromise on their child’s education. The door-to-door transport means less stress for parents — and a comfortable routine for the students.

Living in the City vs. the Suburbs

Not all families want to move to the suburbs. Many international parents enjoy Valencia’s walkable neighborhoods, vibrant culture, and urban parks. Living in the city can make daily logistics easier, especially if both parents are working, and it allows children to grow up with a strong connection to the local culture.

But choosing the right neighborhood — with access to a school that fits your child’s needs — is key. Do you want a quiet area with green space? A lively, creative district? A home walking distance from the school? Or do you prefer to live city-center and use the school bus?

👉 If you’re considering areas outside the city, we’ve also written a full guide to the best international schools and premium urbanizaciones in Valencia’s suburbs — including Rocafort, L’Eliana, Paterna, and Puçol. Read the full article here →

Final Thoughts — And How We Can Help

The choice of school will shape your family’s experience in Valencia. But the choice of where to live is just as important. At Livin’Valencia, we don’t just talk about square meters or rental prices. We talk about morning routines, bike paths, lunch breaks, and real life.

We help you find a home where you and your children will feel settled — where the school drop-off is simple, where your neighbors greet you by name, and where you’ll feel part of something. And because we’re based here — and have been for years — we know the schools, the teachers, the streets, and the real stories behind every neighborhood.

There are, of course, more schools in Valencia than we could include here. If you’d like to explore more options or tell us what matters to your family, we’d be happy to guide you — privately, practically, and with zero pressure.

Let’s talk. Book a one-to-one video call with our team and let us help you find the right place — and the right school — in Valencia city.