Which school customs will a newcomer family not know?

Terms used

• Almuerzo — The almuerzo is the small mid-morning snack children eat during the school break.
• AMPA — The AMPA is the school's parents' association.
• Concertada — A concertada school is privately run but state-subsidised.
• Chándal — The chándal is a tracksuit, often used as school uniform or PE kit.
• Comedor — The comedor is the supervised school lunch service.
• Monitores — Monitores are non-teaching staff who supervise lunch and the break afterwards.
• Jornada continua — Jornada continua is a school day with lessons in one block and no long midday break.

Key rules

• Greeting: Say hello with words; your child is never expected to kiss teachers or classmates.
• Uniform: Rules are set by each school, not national law, so ask for the clothing and PE kit list.
• Parent group: Joining the class WhatsApp group is how most invitations and reminders reach you.
• Gifts: Teacher gifts are optional, and a card or drawing is enough.

Greetings: a kiss is not expected

Children usually greet teachers with a spoken "buenos días". Many call them by first name, or "seño" or "profe". Younger children, especially in the first years, sometimes give a teacher a kiss or hug. Classmates mostly say "hola" or hug. Your child does not have to copy the two-cheek kiss, and children who prefer not to are accepted. Teachers normally use the informal "tú" with parents and children.

Almuerzo: the mid-morning snack

Children eat a small snack in the morning break. It is called almuerzo, and in some regions "hora del bocadillo" or "merienda". Pack something simple: a small bocadillo with ham, cheese or tortilla, or fruit, or yoghurt.

Many schools push healthy snacks and discourage sweets, industrial pastries and sugary drinks. Some set a "día de la fruta", or a weekly plan with fruit on some days and bocadillo on others. Some schools ban nuts or other foods because of allergies. Each school sets its own rules, usually through the AMPA, so ask the teacher in the first week.

Clothing: check the school's list

Most public schools do not require a uniform, and children wear everyday clothes. Uniforms are common in private schools, many concertada schools, and international and religious schools. They usually mean a school jumper or jacket, a polo shirt, and a skirt or trousers.

Many public schools, especially in Madrid, Andalusia and the Valencia region, use a school chándal as the uniform or for PE. In Catalonia a school tracksuit or jacket is common for PE and outings. Ask the school for its list of requirements and for the PE kit before you buy anything.

Comedor: school lunch

The comedor is a supervised lunch service. A catering company usually runs it, with monitores who supervise the meal and often the break afterwards. They keep order and encourage children to try the food, but they are not teachers.

Meals last about 30 to 45 minutes. In schools with jornada continua, lunch plus play is about 1.5 to 2 hours. Younger children often sit by class. Older ones may choose seats within their class or year. Classes are often mixed, so sitting with classmates is common but not guaranteed. It is where many friendships start, though younger children can find it noisy. Allergy and religious diets can usually be requested, so tell the school when you sign up.

Parent WhatsApp group

Almost every primary class has a parent WhatsApp group, and it is common in infantil too. A class delegate (padre or madre delegado) or a volunteer parent usually sets it up at the start of the year. Give your number to the delegate, the teacher or the AMPA to be added.

The group carries homework questions, reminders about excursions and materials, school events, and money for class gifts. Birthday invitations and playdates are often arranged there, so not joining can mean your child misses out. Keep messages relevant and avoid late-night posts. Do not use the group to complain about teachers, and use private messages for personal matters. Some schools discourage these groups and use an official app instead.

Teacher gifts

Gifts are customary but not required. They are given at the end of the school year in June or at Christmas. A handwritten card or drawing from your child is perfectly fine. Other options are a small present, flowers or a book. Often the class organises a collective gift in the parent group. Contributing is voluntary. Public school staff cannot accept valuable gifts, so keep it small.

Birthday parties and other quick answers are in the FAQ below.

Quick answers on school social life in Spain

Do children kiss teachers and classmates in greeting in Spain?

Children usually greet teachers with a spoken "buenos días" rather than a kiss, though younger children sometimes give a teacher a kiss or hug.

What is the almuerzo and what should my child bring for it?

The almuerzo is the mid-morning snack, usually a small bocadillo (sandwich) with ham, cheese or tortilla, or fruit or yoghurt. Many schools discourage sweets, pastries and sugary drinks. Some set a fruit day, and some limit nuts because of allergies, so ask your school for its rules.

Are teacher gifts expected in Spain?

No, teacher gifts are customary but not required. They are usually given in June or at Christmas, and a card or drawing from your child is perfectly fine. A class collection is voluntary, and schools discourage expensive presents.

Should I invite the whole class to my child's birthday party?

Yes, in infant and early primary school the usual norm is to invite the whole class, or at least your child's class group. If the party is small, invite a few close friends but do not hand out invitations openly at school. From about 9-10 years, children often choose a handful of friends.