After-school activities (extraescolares): what they cost and who runs them

Key rules

• Billing: You are usually billed monthly by direct debit, sometimes with a registration fee at the start of the year.
• Dropping out: You usually need to give notice before the end of a month to stop an activity.
• AMPA membership: Some AMPAs charge membership fees, and non-members pay more.
• Private clubs: Clubs and academies outside school usually cost 30 to 80 euros a month or more.

Who runs extraescolares

Extraescolares are run by the AMPA or by a company, and they are separate from private sports clubs. The AMPA either hires monitors itself or brings in a company. In other cases the school or the town hall picks an outside company. In some places the council or a local sports club runs them.

Ask the school office or the AMPA who runs each activity. That tells you who to contact about payment, absences and dropping out.

How billing works

You are billed monthly, usually by direct debit (domiciliación bancaria) from your bank account. Some providers add a registration fee at the start of the year.

• Activities usually run from October to May or June.
• Companies often charge the same fixed fee each month, whatever the number of sessions in that month.
• Some AMPAs charge a membership fee as well, and non-members pay more for activities. Ask what the total is for your family.
• To drop an activity, you usually have to give notice before the end of a month. Ask for the deadline when you sign up.

Typical monthly prices

These are typical monthly prices for school activities in public and concertada schools, for one or two sessions a week:

Prices are higher in Madrid, Barcelona and other large cities. Enrolment or material fees are sometimes added, so ask for them before you commit.

School activity or private club?

Private clubs and academies outside school usually cost more, at 30 to 80 euros a month or more. School activities are often cheaper and happen on site, which saves the trip. A club may suit you better if your child wants a higher level or more sessions.

How to budget

1. Ask the school or AMPA for the list of activities, prices and any membership or registration fees.
2. Add the monthly fees for each child and each activity.
3. Add the one-off fees for enrolment and materials.
4. Check the notice deadline for dropping out before you sign.

The questions below cover common doubts about dropping activities, uneven months and AMPA membership.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drop an activity in the middle of the year?

Yes, you can usually drop an activity, but you normally have to give notice before the end of a month. Activities usually run from October to May or June. Ask the AMPA or the company how much notice they need, so you do not pay for an extra month.

Do I pay the same each month if a month has fewer sessions?

Yes, companies often charge a fixed monthly fee whatever the number of sessions in the month. The fee is usually taken by direct debit (domiciliación bancaria) from your bank account.

Do I pay more for extraescolares if I am not an AMPA member?

Yes, in some AMPAs non-members pay more for the same activity. Ask for the member and non-member price before you enrol, and compare it with the cost of joining.

Is a private club outside school more expensive than a school activity?

Yes, private clubs and academies outside school usually cost 30 to 80 euros a month or more. School sports usually cost about 15 to 40 euros a month for 1 to 2 sessions a week.