-Abroad Program for Middle School Montessori Students

Discover, learn, and become a global citizen at a study and work center in Zaragoza, Spain. Year-long, semester-long, and month-long study and homestay programs for middle school students.

A new cohort is starting soon — only 5 spots available

Montessori Abroad offers year-long, semester-long, and month-long study and homestay programs for middle school students in Zaragoza, Spain

In line with our Montessori Middle School Program, we offer a homestay program within our adolescent community in Zaragoza, Spain.

If you are an international student interested in spending a month, a term, or a full school year at our Montessori Middle School to immerse yourself in a unique academic and cultural experience, our program integrates Montessori principles, allowing students to explore new learning environments, develop independence, and foster a global perspective.

The benefits of this experience include:

Cultural Immersion: Students will have the chance to live in beautiful Spain, experiencing the local culture, language, and history firsthand. This is an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and broadening their worldview.
Academic Enrichment: Our curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, while aligning with Montessori values. Students will have the freedom to explore their interests, engage in hands-on learning, and deepen their academic skills in an inspiring environment.
Language Acquisition: Living in an English/Spanish-speaking environment will naturally improve language skills, an asset for any student as they continue their studies.
Personal Development: A month, term, or year abroad fosters independence, adaptability, and confidence. These are all qualities that align closely with Montessori philosophy and will help students thrive in a globalized world.

The Zaragoza SchoolHouse Difference

This program is open to middle school students who are interested in improving their Spanish and focusing on the competencies of the Zaragoza SchoolHouse Adolescent Montessori Community while living with a host family.

Highlights of the program include:

Studying alongside and taking classes with Spanish students at the Zaragoza SchoolHouse.
Living with a family whose children attend Zaragoza SchoolHouse.
Extensive educational travel throughout Spain, including Barcelona, Madrid, and Aragón.
An interdisciplinary curriculum explicitly designed to build skills through active participation in the community.
A supportive advisory and mentoring program for all students.

Humanities

The work and studies of these adolescents give them an opportunity to explore and understand how society has evolved over time and why we are where we are today. Through research, debate, and creative work, the students investigate people and their lives throughout history as they engage in in-depth discussions that honor the human story.

Mathematics

At the heart of the mathematics program is an in-depth exploration of arithmetic, geometry, and algebra.

Maths is introduced through regular lessons and reinforced through a weekly Socratic-style seminar. The Maths seminar fosters learning in a democratic manner by encouraging each student to articulate and demonstrate their understanding of the various approaches to solving word problems.

English Literature

Spanish lessons for non-Spanish-speaking students. Specifically designed to improve your oral and written communication skills. In addition to these experiences, students work on expanding their grammar and vocabulary, thereby building their knowledge of the language, and participate in a variety of activities that enhance their understanding of Spanish culture.

Science Careers

We take a practical approach to science. Their science projects directly connect the students to their community through production and exchange, their work in the garden, and the culinary program.

Enrichment Activities

Throughout the day, students participate in cultural, entrepreneurship, and microeconomics activities that enrich their social, academic, and emotional development.

Spanish lessons

Spanish lessons for non-Spanish-speaking students. Specifically designed to improve your speaking and writing skills.

Teen Trip

A key part of development at this stage is for adolescents to learn what it takes to be part of a social group and contribute to their community.

Creative Expression

Visual arts, performing arts, and physical expression support adolescents' need for creative work and self-expression.

In our Montessori environment, adolescents build on their knowledge, acquire the academic skills necessary for their development, discover new interests, and explore their own motivations. In addition, they gain access to real-world civic experiences that allow them to develop their social skills in both local and international contexts.

Academics

Mathematics and Science
Stewardship
History
Language Arts
World Languages (English, French, and Spanish)

Personal Growth

Public Presentation
Creative & Physical Expression
Business & Economics
Entrepreneurship
Practical / Kitchen Work

Extensive Educational Travel

Zaragoza
Aragon
Barcelona
Madrid

Our Montessori Abroad Program includes:

Full-day program: extended hours (9:00 AM–4:00 PM) with a homemade lunch
Individual Tutoring: Weekly Academic Guidance
Kultur-Kinder: Specialists who guide students in exploring various artistic disciplines. Activities include field trips and cultural projects outside the center.
Microeconomics Internships: Students will participate in internships where they apply microeconomic concepts and learn about planning, production, and project management.
Community service: which will help them understand the social impact of their actions
Computer Science: students will improve their skills in mathematics and science, applying logic and analysis to solve complex problems.

Host Families

Students participating in the Montessori Abroad program at ZSH will be welcomed into a warm, supportive family that is familiar with the Montessori program and already has children enrolled at ZSH.

They will be part of a supportive, family-oriented environment that fosters the development of language skills and independence.

Host families are members of the Zaragoza SchoolHouse community who volunteer to host students. They have children enrolled at the school, are familiar with the Montessori approach, and understand the school’s culture. These families have been interviewed in person at their homes to ensure they provide a comfortable and suitable environment for the students.

Many of these families also have experience hosting students through ZSH’s exchange programs.

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCESS

Request information

Complete the admission process and pay the application fee:

In-person interview
Sending the student's academic records
Letter of recommendation

Student acceptance or placement on the waiting list

25% reservation fee
Interview with the host family

Start of the program

Full payment for the program must be made before classes begin

Ongoing communication and feedback

End of the program

Explore and discover

April 2026

Austrian students are going on an exchange program to Zaragoza SchoolHouse

April 2024

Metro Montessori, Portland, USA, visits Zaragoza SchoolHouse

September 2025

German Montessori students are going on an exchange trip to Zaragoza

January–February 2025

College Victor Hugo in Besançon visits Zaragoza SchoolHouse

-Abroad Program for Middle School Montessori Students

Discover, learn, and become a global citizen at a study and work center in Zaragoza, Spain. Year-long, semester-long, and month-long study and homestay programs for middle school students.