How do Galician and Spanish share the classroom in Galicia?

Key rules

• Minimum Galician: Galician must be used for at least half of teaching time in each stage.
• Fixed subjects: Galician language and literature is taught in Galician, and Spanish language and literature in Spanish.
• School choice: Each school sets its subject split in its language project, within the minimum.
• Before enrolling: Ask the school for its language project so you know your child's subjects by language.

What is the split between Galician and Spanish?

In Galicia, at least 50% of teaching time is in Galician, and schools set the exact subject split in their language project. A regional decree sets this framework, so it is the same rule across public and publicly funded schools in the region.

Which subjects are in which language?

Some things are fixed. Galician language and literature is taught in Galician. Spanish language and literature is taught in Spanish.

For other subjects, there is a usual pattern. Mathematics and science (physical and natural) are normally taught in Galician. A third block of subjects is taught in Spanish, and in some stages the school chooses the language for it.

The subject lists vary by stage and by school. Treat the pattern as a starting point, not a promise for your child's school.

What can a school decide?

Each school writes a language project (the "proyecto lingüístico"). Inside the minimum share, the school decides which subjects go in which language. It cannot go below the minimum for Galician.

How do you find out for your child?

• Ask the school for its language project before you enrol. It lists the subjects taught in each language, stage by stage.
• Ask the school which language your child's maths and science will be in, since these are the subjects families most often ask about.
• If the school cannot answer, ask the Xunta's education department.

Could the rules change?

The regime has been challenged in the courts and discussed politically, but the decree remains the base text. Check the current text with the Xunta's education department before you decide.

The decision guide and FAQ below cover the same questions in short form.

Choosing between options

How will you find out which subjects your child will study in Galician and which in Spanish?

• Plan around the usual pattern: You want a quick picture: language subjects in their own language, mathematics and science usually in Galician, and a third block in Spanish.

• Ask the school for its language project: You need the exact split for your child's stage, because each school sets it within the minimum.

• Check with the Xunta's education department: You have heard of court cases or reforms and want to know what applies this year.

At least 50% of teaching time is in Galician, and schools set the exact subject split in their language project. So use the usual pattern to get oriented, then ask the school for the real split before you choose.

Subject lists vary by stage and school, so confirm the split with the school and the Xunta's education department.

Frequently asked questions

Which subjects are taught in Galician in Galicia?

Galician language and literature are always taught in Galician, and Spanish language and literature in Spanish.

Can my child's school choose its own language split?

Yes, each school sets its own subject split in its language project, but it must stay within the minimum shares. Ask the school for its language project before you enrol, because the subject lists vary by stage and school.

Is the Galician language rule being changed?

The rule has been challenged in the courts, mostly by groups that want more Spanish-medium teaching, but the Xunta has not replaced it. Reforms have also been discussed in the Galician Parliament. Ask the school or the Xunta's education department what applies this year.