A world where flexibility is valued over one-size-fits-all education

For students ages 3 to 18, BHS is a one-of-a-kind international American School in Barcelona Spain with a mission to solve the failures of traditional education, so all students in the post-Covid era not only excel academically to attend the world’s top universities if desired, but also excel socially and psychologically as well in equal measure, in order for students to truly find their superpower.

Barcelona High School (BHS) was founded in 2020 during Covid by American entrepreneur and Harvard graduate Akida Mashaka who wanted a better education model for his teenage son. BHS initially started as only an American high school, hence its name, and then added a middle school in 2023. Now in 2025, BHS has created a new trilingual elementary school and Montessori preschool to serve as the #1 international school in Barcelona.

BHS uses its own teaching methodology known as the BHS Method™, which asserts that students learn better by doing versus long lectures and memorization as the best way to obtain the skills they will need for the world they will be in.

In the BHS Method, BHS stands for “Build. Harvest. Succeed.”, a revolutionary educational model to provide the most engaging school experience based on empowering curiosity and hands on problem solving through fearless trial and error and continual iteration to achieve executive functioning excellence, instead of the outdated traditional rote memorization methodology developed in the industrial age over 200 years ago that fails to prepare students for the world that exists today.

In short, BHS is about empowering and inspiring students, instead of controlling them like in traditional education.

“Not only a superior educational and cultural experience for our daughter, but a truly caring and nurturing environment, as well. A welcoming, diverse, and accepting home for parents and siblings, in addition. BHS has truly been an enriching and meaningful contributor to our family.”

  • Ski week for the students at BHS
  • Peacesign from one of the students at BHS

Why choose Barcelona High School

Discover why this school is worth considering – from its teaching ethos and facilities to its activities and children’s support.

BHS lives by the promise and original mission to help teenagers excel not only academically, but socially and psychologically as well.

BHS is a welcoming and dynamic new-age school for the post-Covid era that focuses on student-centered learning through a revolutionary education approach called the BHS Method, rather than using the old-fashioned “one-size-fits-all” teaching methodology that unbelievably still exists today in other schools.

BHS is revolutionizing education by teaching students that the path to success is by finding their true strengths and continually learning from failure to find solutions to problems. Unlike traditional schools that still believe in the out-dated teaching model designed for children in the industrial age nearly 300 years ago that defines success simply by how well students can memorize answers to tests in one chance versus trial and error.

BHS PRESCHOOL: The only Montessori American preschool in Barcelona

BHS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: The only Trilingual American primary school in Barcelona (40% English / 40% Spanish / 20% Catalan)

BHS MIDDLE SCHOOL: The only STEAM American middle school in Barcelona

BARCELONA HIGH SCHOOL: The BHS METHOD

Instead of being located outside the city like the other international and American schools in Barcelona, BHS is centrally located in the heart of Barcelona, in the bohemian neighborhood of Gracia with perfect access to all modes of public transportation.

While BHS has a small student-teacher ratio, the school consists of different campuses, like a university, which makes the BHS student experience the most unique in the world.

​The learning spaces are open and dynamic, and students are encouraged from different grade levels and nationalities to interact and ask questions in class which leads to an incredible blend of ideas and perspectives.
A Revolutionary Partnership in Student Living: BHS + Beyoo Marina
What makes BHS different from other boarding schools in Spain?  The answer lies in its exceptional partnership with Beyoo Marina Accommodations, one of the most secure, modern, and comfortable student housing providers in Barcelona.  

BHS has created a home away from home for students aged 14 to 18, delivering a holistic boarding experience that merges safety, comfort, and community all within a short 2 minute walk from the school itself.  Nestled next to the Marina metro station, students can access the vibrant heart of Barcelona while enjoying a tranquil and supportive living space.

Prime Location, Ultimate Convenience
Both Barcelona High School and Beyoo Marina student residence are located in one of Barcelona’s safest and most well-connected neighborhoods.  With the Marina metro station right next door, students are only a few stops away from historical landmarks, art museums, beaches, and international attractions.

This location provides more than convenience.  It offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the rich culture and lifestyle of Barcelona, all while being supervised and supported in a secure environment.

Designed for Teenagers: Community + Privacy
Unlike traditional dormitories, BHS boarding students live on a dedicated floor at Beyoo Marina, creating a close-knit community that encourages interaction, friendship, and collaboration.  Each student enjoys the privacy of their own individual room, while sharing a modern communal kitchen.  This setup fosters a perfect balance between independence and community, ideal for students navigating their high school years away from home.

An adult resident monitor is there to ensure supervision, provide emotional support, and help maintain a respectful and inclusive environment for all.

More information here

Sports:

  • Football (Soccer)
  • Basketball
  • Run Club
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Skateboarding

BHS will be starting new sports teams in the future, however, for now students can also train and compete, outside of BHS, in the following sports in competitive clubs and academies with a flexible school schedule specifically designed for highly competitive athletes if required:

  • Football (Soccer)
  • Tennis
  • Girls Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Waterpolo
  • Swimming
  • Baseball
  • American Football
  • Rugby
  • Lacrosse

Extracurricular Activities:

  • Model UN
  • STEM
  • Art
  • Music
  • Film
  • Chess
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Make-Up
  • Yearbook
  • Field Trips

The BHS Method™ is an educational methodology that empowers students to independently initiate learning, refine their understanding through guided instruction and trial-and-error, and achieve academic success by applying knowledge to real-world challenges.  The BHS Method™ emphasizes the importance of relevant and impactful education, driven by skilled teachers who foster personal connections with students.  The BHS Method™ encourages students to embrace challenges, engage in meaningful learning experiences, and apply their knowledge creatively.  This educational methodology not only prepares students academically but also equips them with the resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in the real world, setting the foundation for lifelong growth and achievement. 

BHS Method™: Build, Harvest, Succeed

In the BHS Method™, BHS stands for build, harvest, succeed.

B – Build

H – Harvest

S – Succeed​

Build – fearlessly build it on your own quickly
Harvest – learn through teacher instruction, cyclical failure and fast improvements
Success – learn how to find solutions as the way to academic success

More information here

The mental health and emotional well-being of BHS students is very important.

Accordingly, BHS has health and wellness professionals at school to ensure that students have an outlet to discuss issues that may be causing harm to their mental health and to help provide solutions if necessary.

Tuition Fees:

Annual Tuition Fee: €12,500

Payment Options:

Full Payment (One-time, due at enrollment): €12,000 (€500 discount)

Termly Installments (3 payments): €4,250 per term

Monthly Installments (10 payments): €1,300 per month

Enrollment & Registration Fees:

New Students:

Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable): €500

Enrollment Deposit (deductible from tuition): €1,000

Returning Students:

Re-enrollment Fee (annual): €300

Students eating lunch at BHS
Students at BHS

Visa and Permits FAQ

How do you get the matriculation letter required for your Student Visa?

Once you pay the Annual Matriculation Fee  +  One-time Entrance Fee then BHS will send you an official Student Visa matriculation letter as part of your Student Visa application.​

Where do you apply for your Student Visa?

You can ONLY apply for the Student Visa in your home country. Not in Spain. 

When should you start your Student Visa process?

If you are applying from your home country we recommend that you start the process 5 months from your arrival date to obtain all the required documents and to be able to get an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.

Do you need a Legal Guardian?

If you are a minor (under 18 years old) and you will be living in Barcelona without your parents then BHS can be your Legal Guardian as required for your Student Visa application. The administrative fee for this is 250€.

Do you want professional help to get your visa?

While the visa process may seem easy, it can be quite complicated and difficult to obtain your visa in a timely manner. Therefore, BHS can refer you to a professional visa specialist to help you obtain your Student Visa if desired.

“It’s a wonderful school! My daughter for the first time in years is super happy to go to school every day. She’s self motivated, studies, and has become responsible for her own grades and performance. Amanda and her team are fantastic. The kids feel loved and free. And those are the two best things gifts we can give to our youngsters these days. I love BHS and I would highly recommend it!”