Atalaya International School
Atalaya International School is a prestigious bilingual institution serving students from ages 3 to 18. The curriculum blends strong English-language instruction in early years with Spanish-led immersion in later stages, and includes a third language option for secondary students.
The modern campus spans over 16,000 m², with 6,000 m² dedicated to classrooms and another 6,000 m² to sports facilities. It's been designed to provide a safe, stimulating learning environment with contemporary technologies and comprehensive cultural and sports amenities.
The school emphasizes academic excellence, offering a truly international, bilingual environment where English and Spanish are learned seamlessly through structured teaching and a rich cultural context. Its spacious, modern facilities and cooperative learning methods foster teamwork. Additionally, students benefit from healthy, in-house prepared meals.
Extracurricular Activities & School Life
Atalaya goes beyond academics—students participate in diverse activities such as ballet, skiing, cultural excursions, and theatre . The school’s news section highlights recent student achievements, including a “Blood Donation” awareness project and an internal prestigious “Atalaya Awards” ceremony for the 2024/25 academic year, reflecting its commitment to community and holistic development.
Transportation Convenience
Families have access to a robust bus service with six routes spanning locations like Calahonda, Estepona, Marbella/San Pedro, Nueva Andalucía, Sotogrande, and La Cañada. Morning and afternoon schedules are tailored to fit school hours (typically around 08:00–09:00 for drop-off and 16:00–17:00 for pick-up).
What Parents Say
On review platforms, the school earns praise as one of the best private/international schools in Estepona and Málaga in 2025. Parents commend its balance of strong academic standards, excellent bilingual development, outstanding physical education facilities, and a nurturing environment. One parent shared:
“My daughter is happier, her English levels have remained strong, she loves school projects and the variety of subjects… speaks Spanish almost fluently after just 6 months here.”
Another reflected on the school's human values:
“My children went on to university, propelled by the top-notch education and personal orientation at this school… the most valuable aspect was the human values they gained.”
At a Glance
| Feature
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Highlights
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|---|---|
| Location & Access | Estepona campus, convenient for families near Benahavís; bus routes covering key areas. |
| Bilingual & International | Balanced English–Spanish instruction in a culturally rich setting. |
| Facilities & Learning | Spacious, modern campus with collaborative methodologies and thoughtful dining. |
| Extracurriculars | Wide-ranging activities from arts to sports to off-site excursions. |
| Community & Reputation | Recognized for academic quality; praised by parents for bilingual proficiency and values-based education. |
Property for Sale Around the School
Living near the school places you at the heart of a vibrant residential area—Atalaya, featuring several property types across diverse price ranges.
Apartments & Penthouses
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Gazules del Sol (Benahavís): A gated community offering a 2-bed, 2-bath middle-floor apartment with terrace for €420,000. Amenities include five outdoor pools, an indoor heated pool, gym, paddle court, and landscaped gardens. The school is just ~100 meters away.
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Atalaya Hills (Benahavís): A modern 2-bed, 2-bath corner apartment (~100 m² plus 48 m² terrace) for €575,000, offering panoramic views of the golf course, sea, and La Concha mountain. Located adjacent to the Atalaya Golf Club within a secure community with pool, garden, and communal parking.
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Atalaya Emotion (Estepona/Benatalaya): Sophisticated new-built apartments near the school:
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Ground-floor garden apartment (~110 m² total) priced at €450,000, featuring private gardens, brand-new finishes, high-end appliances, and proximity to the school with a minute walk.
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Additional listings:
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3-bed penthouse (~166 m²) for €540,000, with 2 parking spaces and storage room.
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Brand new 3-bed apartments (~127 m²) from €740,000 with solarium and panoramic views .
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Marques de Guadalmina / Atalaya: A spacious 3-bed ground-floor corner apartment (~181 m² with 124 m² terrace and 134 m² garden) in a gated community with gym, sauna, paddle court, children’s play area, and placing you within walking distance of both the school and Atalaya Golf Course.
Townhouses
Townhouses in the Atalaya area typically range from €550,000 to €950,000, falling into charming complexes above the N-340 road, ideal for families seeking moderate-size residences within proximity to amenities.
Villas
Villa properties span a wide spectrum:
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Villas start at around €1,750,000 built on a plot of ~600 m².
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Modern luxury developments (e.g., Belfry, The Sanctuary Villas, Arboleda) command higher prices and contemporary design.
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Ultra-luxury options in Tierra Viva, a Lamborghini-designed estate, can reach into the €4–9 million range, offering expansive plots, high-end finishes, and commanding Mediterranean views.
What Makes This Location Special
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Education Hub: With Atalaya International School at its core, the area is highly attractive to families seeking quality bilingual and IB education for their children.
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Lifestyle & Amenities: Atalaya benefits from a network of convenient shopping centers (Diana Park, Isdabe del Sol, Atenea), restaurants, supermarkets, and leisure facilities. Quick access to golf, beaches, and popular towns like Marbella and Estepona enhance its appeal.
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Varied Real Estate: Whether you're a young family, investor, or luxury seeker, there’s a fit—from cozy apartments and townhouses to sleek penthouses and opulent villas.
Final Thoughts
Atalaya International School not only provides an excellent education but also anchors a community where families can walk to school while enjoying a lifestyle rich in amenities. The real estate market here is diverse—offering beautiful options close to the school across multiple property types and price points.
You can find all the properties currently for sale within a 5 minute drive of the school here:
Alternatively, if you would you like help comparing specific listings or narrowing options based on budget, size, or property type, contact us with your requirements and we would be happy to make some recommendations.