Andorra has really rolled out the red carpet for educated, high-wealth newcomers over the past decade. This recruitment effort depends, in large part, on maintaining and promoting the high standards Andorra sets for its school system.
The free, public schools in Andorra are divided into three systems:
- French
- Spanish
- Andorran
The Andorran system has recently added two streams of the International Baccalaureate programme for upper school students.
Attendance at school is mandatory — home-schooling is prohibited in Andorra.
Outside of the public system, there are also two private international schools in Andorra. Of the pair, the Agora International School is a bit older and more established. The comparatively new British College of Andorra teaches England’s national curriculum, almost entirely in English.
Language proficiency is a big advantage for students in all parts of the Andorran school system. High school graduates will speak two languages if not three or four.
Of course, mountains and skiing were not forgotten when the school curriculum was being developed. It’s mandatory for students in first grade to go to ski school as part of their physical education curriculum. Skiing continues to be a vital part of many students’ education programme.