Moving to a new country with school-age children means juggling multiple priorities: education, housing, lifestyle, and long-term integration. In Valencia, many international families find that the balance they’re looking for lies just outside the city. Suburbs like L’Eliana, Godella, Rocafort, La Cañada, Puçol and Paterna have long been favorites for those seeking reputable international schools and family-friendly living. But finding the right school is only part of the story — understanding where and how to live nearby is just as important.

Here’s a closer look at five of the best international schools of Valencia’s metropolitan area, and the premium residential areas around them that offer both quality of life and convenience for foreign families.

1. American School of Valencia (ASV), Puçol

Set against the green hills of the Sierra Calderona, the American School of Valencia (ASV) has been welcoming international families since 1980. It offers an American curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12, with instruction in English and Spanish, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in the final years.

Students graduate with access to both American and European university systems, and the campus emphasizes holistic learning: academics, arts, sports, and social development.

Ages: 3 to 18
Languages: English (primary), Spanish
Curriculum: American + IB
Student profile: International mix (approx. 40+ nationalities)

Where to live nearby
Two neighboring gated communities stand out for families enrolling at ASV:

• Los Monasterios: Perhaps the most prestigious urbanization north of Valencia. Nestled in the hills, it offers 24/7 private security, a country club, swimming pools, tennis courts, and forested surroundings. Villas are spacious, modern, and private — often with mountain or sea views.
  Distance to Valencia: 25 km / 30 min
  Connection: Car only (AP-7 highway). No metro or train.
• Alfinach: More discreet than Los Monasterios but equally well-positioned, Alfinach is known for its green zones, tranquility, and community feel. Houses range from classic Mediterranean to contemporary builds, and families enjoy excellent sports facilities and a strong sense of local cohesion.
  Distance to Valencia: 24 km / 30 min
  Connection: Car only (AP-7 highway). No metro or train.

These two areas are ideal for families prioritizing space, privacy, and an international environment — many neighbors are expats or returning Spaniards with global experience.

2. British College La Cañada (Paterna)

This British school offers the full UK curriculum from Early Years through A Levels, alongside Spanish language instruction and official Spanish school accreditation. Its size is modest compared to other institutions, which is part of its charm — the environment is personal, warm, and focused on individual growth.

Ages: 3 to 18
Languages: English and Spanish
Curriculum: British (IGCSEs, A-Levels)
Student profile: Mix of international and local families

Where to live nearby

• La Cañada (Paterna): A large residential area just 10 km from Valencia. La Cañada combines the feel of a green suburb with full services: supermarkets, shops, restaurants, and direct metro access to the city (Line 2 and 9). Homes are mostly independent villas with gardens, but there are also modern townhouses and apartments.
  Distance to Valencia: 10–15 km / 15–20 min
  Connection: Metro, car (CV-35 highway)

The area is especially appreciated by families seeking a balance between urban accessibility and outdoor living. Most streets are tree-lined, and there are parks, cycle paths, and sports clubs all within walking distance.

3. Cambridge House Community College (Rocafort)

As one of the oldest British curriculum schools in Spain, Cambridge House has a long-standing reputation for academic rigor and international diversity. It offers the UK curriculum from age 3 through 18, with a strong track record of university admissions both in the UK and across Europe.

Ages: 3 to 18
Languages: English (primary), Spanish
Curriculum: British (IGCSEs, A-Levels)
Student profile: Balanced international and local enrollment

Where to live nearby
Two premium residential areas are often chosen by families attending Cambridge House:

• Santa Bárbara (Rocafort): A gated urbanization with round-the-clock private security, known for its luxurious villas and large plots. The community includes a tennis club, country club, and private shuttle service to several international schools. It’s highly residential, green, and quiet.
• Campolivar (Godella): Slightly closer to Valencia, Campolivar offers elegant villas and townhouses with more accessible pricing. It’s ideal for families who want space but also wish to be close to city life. Godella also has its own metro stop, making daily commutes easier.
  Distance to Valencia: 8–10 km / 15 min
  Connection: Metro (Lines 1 & 2), car

Both areas are popular with executives, diplomats, and professionals relocating with children. Homes tend to retain their value well, and demand is consistently high.

4. Iale International School (L’Eliana)

Iale is a bilingual school with a long history in Valencia. It combines Spanish and English instruction and offers a holistic curriculum focused on academic excellence, sports, and character building. Though not a “British school” per se, it prepares students for both Spanish and international university systems.

Ages: 1 to 18
Languages: Bilingual (Spanish-English)
Curriculum: Spanish curriculum with English immersion
Student profile: Mostly Spanish families, with a growing expat population

Where to live nearby

• L’Eliana: One of the most family-oriented towns around Valencia, known for its relaxed atmosphere and village feel. L’Eliana has everything: an excellent public sports complex, lively local markets, international restaurants, and a direct metro line to Valencia. Properties range from classic chalets with pools to newer developments.
  Distance to Valencia: 16 km / 20–25 min
  Connection: Metro (Line 2), car (CV-35 highway)
• Entrepinos & Montealegre: Within L’Eliana, these micro-urbanizations offer premium villas and quieter streets, surrounded by pine trees and nature.
  Distance to Valencia: 18 km / 20–25 min
  Connection: Metro (Line 2), car (CV-35 highway)

Families with young children often choose L’Eliana for its pedestrian-friendly streets, community life, and access to both public and private healthcare facilities.

5. Lycée Français de Valence (Paterna)

Accredited by the French Ministry of Education, the Lycée Français de Valence delivers the French curriculum from maternelle to terminale. It’s a popular choice not only for French-speaking families, but also for international parents seeking a structured, multilingual education. The school maintains high academic standards and offers strong preparation for university-level study in France, Spain, or other EU countries.

Ages: 3 to 18
Languages: French (primary), Spanish and English
Curriculum: French National Education
Student profile: Predominantly French-speaking families, with a multicultural mix

Where to live nearby

• Valterna (Paterna): A newer development closer to the Lycée, offering modern flats and houses in gated communities. Family-friendly and well-connected by tram and bus to the city.
• Mas Camarena (Bétera): Although slightly further, this modern urbanization has become a magnet for expat families thanks to its full-service approach: international schools, private club, shopping center, and health services all within the community. It also has its own bilingual school (Mas Camarena School).
  Distance to Valencia: 12–18 km / 15–25 min
  Connection: Car, limited public transport (tram/bus to Valencia)

Final Thoughts: What Makes These Areas Ideal for Families

Living near a good school is a major consideration for families moving to Valencia — but it’s rarely the only one. You’re also looking for a safe, welcoming community, green space for your children to grow up in, reliable transport, and a home that feels like your own. Whether you’re looking for a large villa with a pool, a modern townhouse in a gated complex, or a cozy home near the metro, there’s a place for you here.

Many of our clients are families just like yours — thoughtful, pragmatic, and looking for a smooth transition to life in Valencia. We’ve seen time and again how choosing the right neighborhood, not just the right school, can make all the difference.

There are, of course, many more schools and neighborhoods we haven’t mentioned here — and that’s where we can truly help. If you’d like to talk about your specific needs and see which areas would be the best match for your family, we’d be happy to talk. We know this region inside out, and we’ll be honest about the pros and cons.

👉 Prefer to stay in the city? We’ve also written a full guide to the best international schools and neighborhoods in Valencia city for families who want to combine urban life with great education. Read it here →

Let’s talk. Book a one-to-one call with our team — and start exploring what life near the best schools in Valencia could look like.