Atalaya International College (AIC) — School Guide

Atalaya International College (AIC) is a leading bilingual school on the Costa del Sol, serving children from early years through to pre-university. Set between Benahavís, Estepona and Marbella, it is especially popular with families living in the Benahavís–Atalaya–La Alquería corridor who want a high-quality British/IB pathway and a practical school run.

This guide summarises the curriculum, campus, transport options and nearby neighbourhoods — and links to curated homes near Atalaya school for families planning a move.

About Atalaya International College

Atalaya International College is a prestigious bilingual school for students aged roughly 3–18. The school blends strong English-language teaching in the early years with increasing Spanish immersion as pupils move through Primary and Secondary, with additional language options introduced in later stages.

The modern campus has been designed as a safe, spacious learning environment with contemporary teaching technologies, well-planned sports areas and a clear focus on healthy, balanced school life. Many Benahavís-based families choose AIC because it combines academic rigour, bilingual outcomes and a very practical location for the daily school run.

Curriculum, Ages & Languages

AIC follows a British-style pathway with bilingual Spanish integration, leading towards recognised international qualifications and smooth progression into universities in Spain, the UK and beyond.

  • Early years and primary with strong English foundations and structured Spanish teaching.
  • Secondary stages with increasing Spanish content and exam preparation.
  • Additional language option introduced for older students (e.g. French or other modern languages, depending on year).
  • Continuous focus on values, social skills and global citizenship.

For families relocating from abroad, the bilingual approach helps children maintain strong English while becoming genuinely comfortable in Spanish — a key reason many parents shortlist Atalaya International College when comparing Costa del Sol schools.

Campus, Facilities & Dining

The Atalaya International College campus extends over approximately 16,000 m², with large areas dedicated to classrooms, sports and outdoor recreation. It is laid out to feel open and calm rather
than dense and urban.

  • Purpose-built classrooms and collaborative learning spaces.
  • Sports facilities including multi-use courts, play areas and dedicated zones for physical education.
  • Outdoor spaces designed for break time, informal play and small group work.
  • On-site dining offering healthy, freshly prepared meals that support longer school days and after-school activities.

Overall, the campus is designed to feel modern and secure, with an emphasis on day-to-day wellbeing as well as academic performance.

School Life, Activities & Community

Atalaya International College goes well beyond the classroom. Students can take part in a wide range of activities that help them explore interests, build confidence and integrate socially.

  • Arts, music and theatre, including performances and cultural events.
  • Sports such as football, athletics and seasonal options like skiing.
  • Educational excursions, charity initiatives and community projects.
  • Internal awards and recognition programmes celebrating student achievements.

Parent reviews frequently highlight Atalaya as one of the most respected private/international schools in the Estepona–Marbella–Benahavís area, often praising the balance between academic standards, bilingual outcomes and a genuinely nurturing environment.

Families also comment positively on the school’s “human values”, noting that graduates not only reach university with strong grades but also with a clear sense of responsibility and maturity.

Transport, Buses & Catchment

The school is positioned just inland from the coast, close to the Atalaya and La Alquería residential zones. This location works very well for families living in Benahavís and the western Marbella corridor.

  • Morning and afternoon school buses covering key areas such as Estepona, San Pedro, Marbella and surrounding neighbourhoods.
  • Typical car journeys of around 5–10 minutes from La Alquería, Atalaya, Benatalaya and parts of El Paraíso.
  • Easy access to the A-7 and AP-7 for parents commuting onwards after drop-off.

If you plan to live in Benahavís municipality specifically, it is worth comparing drive times from different urbanisations and checking where bus stops are located. Our dedicated guide to living near Atalaya school looks in more detail at school-run patterns, traffic and daily routines.

Living Near the School

The Atalaya–La Alquería corridor is one of the most popular choices for Atalaya International College families. You’ll find a mix of modern apartments, townhouses and family villas within a short drive of the campus.

  • Apartments & penthouses: broadly from around €400k–€900k+ depending on size, views and specification.
  • Townhouses: typically around €550k–€950k in gated communities with pools and shared facilities.
  • Villas: a wide range from circa €1.7M+ for modern family villas, with prime plots and panoramic views reaching several million.

Prices change over time, but these bands give a useful starting point when planning budgets. For a live snapshot of current homes close to the school, you can browse our curated collection.

Neighbourhoods for AIC Families

Several residential areas work especially well for families whose children attend Atalaya International College. Each offers a slightly different balance of views, facilities and price points.

  • Atalaya: closest to the school; a mix of apartments, townhouses and villas with easy access to the coast road.
  • La Alquería: elevated plots, golf views and modern villas; popular for families seeking space and privacy near AIC.
  • Benatalaya & nearby gated communities: resort-style apartments and penthouses with pools and landscaped gardens.
  • El Paraíso & Los Flamingos: slightly broader catchment with golf-oriented living, still very manageable for the school run.

To compare these areas in more detail, you can read our Atalaya area guide and our upcoming overview of the best neighbourhoods for families in Benahavís.

For a broader look at parks, activities and day-to-day life with children in the municipality, see our Family Life in Benahavís guide.

Related Guides & Property Resources

If you are planning a move to Benahavís with school-age children, the following resources will help you connect the dots between education, neighbourhood choice and property search.

Touring schools and homes in one trip?

As parents with first-hand experience at Atalaya International College, we understand the realities of the school run and family life in the area. Darren & Angelina — your Personal Property Concierge — can coordinate Atalaya International College tour times with nearby property viewings, and share realistic school-run timings for each home.
Get in touch →