ASB History

October 2, 1962

Was the first day of the history of the American School of Barcelona.

1960s

The idea to open the first and only school to provide an education in English belonged to Dr. Jose Maria Poal. Upon returning to Barcelona from US Dr. Poal was inspired to provide his children with an American education leading him to found the first American School in Barcelona.

In 1977, ASB was given a large sum to leave the rented building in Pedralbes. With this money the school bought the land for the new building in Esplugues de Llobregat.

1970s

During the 1970s, Spain went from dictatorship to democracy, enjoying the new liberty achieved, which ASB had been enjoying for over a decade. By the end of the 1970s, ASB had 400 students, about 300 in Esplugues and over 100 in la Font del Lleo.

During the 1988-1989 school year, we said goodbye to the Spanish national system classes. From that time on all students would study the American High School program, with a series of obligatory subjects for the students who wished to study in Spanish universities.

In 1986, the Ministry of Education recognized ASB as a “foreign school” (centro extranjero).

1980s

The 1980s brought the reunification of all the students to the Esplugues campus.

In 1995, the Generalitat of Catalunya recognized the parity of the North American educational system with the Spanish system.

1990s

The 1990s brought increased enrollment, better facilities, and official recognition for the quality of education that ASB provided. In the spring of 1990, ASB was accredited by the Middle States Association in the United States.

During the 2000s, ASB continued working on self improvement and was rewarded in 2001 when the Middle States Association re-accredited ASB, recognizing its academic excellence and standards. The alumni reunions, celebrations and goodbye parties for teachers have been an opportunity for many to touch base with their old classmates and teachers.

In 2014, a celebratory event was held to inaugurate the new ECC and Elementary building and the new library.

US Ambassador James Costos was a special guest at the event.

2012

ASB celebrated its 50th anniversary.

ASB bought the land bordering our facilities and created an outdoor recreation space of about 3,100 square meters. The construction started in August 2017 and includes an outdoor amphitheater, artificial grass field, hard court play space, and gardens. In January 2018, the school completed the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) re-accreditation process and met all MSA standards.

2019

In 2007, ASB was the first school to start the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in English in Barcelona.

In 2016, ASB launched a development program called Building Together to help unite the community and start an inclusive culture of giving.

October 19th was a momentous day in ASB´s history: the inauguration of our new Middle School and auditoriumgymnasium. Over 400 community members celebrated this special event and got to see first-hand how the space brought everyone together and allowed us to spotlight our tremendous student talent. This new facility is a sign of our quest for ongoing improvement and just the starting point of where we would like to go as a school.

In 2020

ASB, like all schools in Spain, was forced to close our campus in order to combat the spread of coronavirus. Overnight, teachers and students of all ages had to adapt to a curriculum delivered 100% online.

Fortunately in 2021, we came back to a full school year although still following strictly the covid protocols and procedures. We really missed having parents on campus.