Aloha College: Why attend one of Marbella’s premier private school?

The Costa del Sol attracts thousands of expats to its shores thanks to its weather, employment opportunities, and beach communities. Thanks to the collection of people that make the Costa del Sol home, international and private schools are available for students seeking a high-quality education.

Aloha College is one of the premier private schools in Marbella. It provides an education experience similar to the ones found in United Kingdom, only in a more vibrant environment. Students will enjoy lessons and activities similar to those at schools in Britain, yet also experience an education in Spanish culture and language.

Learners enjoy a fully rounded education allowing them to study for qualifications by taking both British and Spanish examinations.

History of one of Marbella’s largest schools

Aloha College is one of Marbella’s most well-established international private schools. It was founded in 1982 after a group of expat families invested in the creation of the school. The project was a not-for-profit experiment that took off and is now one of the largest schools in the area.

Today, the school is owned and operated by Fundación Aloha College. The not-for-profit group is a registered education charity in Spain. Student fees and tuition enable the college to run each year and any revenue made by the school is put into the education provision.

The education foundation was the first of its type in Spain. The college’s Board of Governors are elected by an assembly. Each governor is a parent of a student or students attending the school. Parents have a voice in the growth and direction of the school courtesy of being governors.

Since its founding nearly 40 years ago by a group of expat families and six teachers, Aloha College has grown into an incredibly powerful education provider. The school has more than 840 students studying and working towards qualifications. It also welcomes learners from 48 different nationalities. From its humble beginnings, Aloha College has been on a fantastic rise and is still growing.

Aloha College: Student life and curriculum

Students from Aloha College have received offers from major universities around the world. Many of the students to gain qualifications from the college have taken up these offers and gone on to achieve even more academically.

Classes are held in modern facilities that were built for the sole purpose of housing the school. Unlike some schools in other countries, Aloha College is in an updated, modern, facility allowing students to access up to date provisions.

Learners can access three computer suites, a media centre, library, laboratories, an art and design studio, music department, and two drama studios on campus. Few schools in the UK or Spain can claim to provide students with so many education options and opportunities.

Students have even more to be excited about than just the in-door education provision. Outside students can access two all-weather sports fields allowing them to play a variety of sports whether the warm Costa del Sol sun is out or if it is raining – which it rarely does.

If students prefer to participate in non-field sports, Aloha College also provides a golf academy, and horse-riding program. There are also swimming pools and tennis courts just off-site.

Aloha College continues to grow and add new facilities to its campus. Their passion for continued growth showed in 2016 with the debut of a brand-new arts and sports hall. The 3,600-sq metre facility makes the college an even more sought-after education provider. Few schools in Spain can claim to have an arts and sports hall, especially one that is so large.

Aloha College: What age groups are provided for?

One of the aspects that makes Aloha College a top provider of education in Marbella is that it delivers provision for students up to Key Stage 5. Key Stage 5 allows students to study one of two pathways before progressing to university. Learners can select the International Baccalaureate Diploma or A-Level. Few Spanish private and/or international schools can claim to offer Key Stage 5 provision. The ability to give learners the chance to work toward the IB or A-Level qualifications sets Aloha College apart from others.

The Key Stage 5 education provision is one of the top reasons over 840 students are enrolled in the college. While students can attend Aloha College up to Key Stage 5 and the age of 18, the school offers a Foundation Stage Early Years programme to learners, allowing them to begin their education journey. The Early Years provision begins at three-years-old and gives learners the chance to develop. The Foundation Stage gives students the chance to build the base of their education for years to come.

Aloha College: Staff community

All teachers employed by Aloha College are fully qualified professionals. The vast majority of teachers at the school trained in the UK and Spain before joining the staff at Aloha. Teachers must receive an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure or equivalent check to work at the college.
The teaching staff aims to inspire the students at the school and increase their abilities to learn. Teachers continue to develop and grow as professionals through ongoing career-building opportunities.

Aloha College: Why attend the school?

Aloha College offers learners facilities rarely seen across Spain. The school has grown from a small private institute in 1982 to a vast campus with modern, cutting-edge facilities. From having a large arts and sports hall to providing sports facilities to offering a dedicated music department, Aloha College gives students a wealth of educational opportunities other schools in Marbella cannot.

The college’s facilities are not the only reason to attend. Students have a full, through pathway from Foundation all the way to Key Stage 5. This allows students to learn and grow in the same community throughout their primary and educational careers. Private international schools do not always allow students to have a complete pathway encompassing Key Stage 5.

Having the chance to study the IB programme or for A-Level qualifications makes the school unique. Aloha College has everything a parent and their student could want in Marbella. Exceptional facilities, teaching, and education opportunities are available to those seeking a high-quality learning environment.