Moving To Andorra With Children: Schools And Daily Life
Moving to Andorra with Children: Schools, Daily Life, Choosing the Right Area and the Favourable Tax System.
If you are researching a move to Andorra with children, two questions usually come first:
- What will day-to-day life actually feel like?
- Which school system is the best fit for our child?
Psst: For a lot of families, the deciding factor is whether the move also makes sense financially. This explains Andorra’s income tax clearly: Income tax in Andorra.
This guide is written for parents who want clear, practical answers without the hype, plus a few pointers that make the first months smoother.
For deeper detail, you can also use these two pages as your “quick reference” while you read:
What daily life in Andorra is like for families
Everything is close. Most errands are short, and it is normal to do school drop-off, work, shopping, and an activity without spending half your day in the car.
Outdoor time is part of the routine. Even if you are not a “sporty family”, children tend to spend more time outside simply because the mountains are right there. Weekends often become about walks, bike rides, playgrounds, and (in winter) snow.
Seasons matter. Winters can be properly cold, and the mountains shape daily planning. You quickly get used to checking road conditions, clothing layers, and timing.
If skiing is part of your plan (or you think it might become part of your child’s life), check this out: Skiing in Andorra.
Choosing where to live: pick the parish that fits your routine
For families, “best” usually means: the easiest routine for school runs, activities, and your preferred lifestyle (more central vs quieter, more sun vs more shade, easier parking, walkability, proximity to your child’s friends).
A practical starting point is to skim the parish guide and shortlist 2-3 areas that match your day-to-day needs:
While you explore areas, keep these family questions in mind:
- How long is the school commute at peak times?
- Can one parent manage drop-off and pick-up if the other is away?
- Is your child likely to walk to friends’ houses as they get older?
- Where are the weekend activities (sports, skiing, clubs) actually based?
Schools in Andorra: the main options explained simply
Andorra has multiple education systems, and that flexibility is a big advantage for families. The right choice depends on your child’s age, languages, and what you want long term (for example, continuity into a specific university route).
Start here for a structured overview:
Below is the summary.
1) Andorran system
Often chosen by families who want strong integration into local life, with Catalan as a key language. It can be a great option if you want your child to settle quickly into Andorran culture and social circles.
Best for:
- Families planning to stay long term
- Children who adapt well to language immersion
- Parents who value local integration
2) French system
A popular route for families who want a French curriculum pathway. It can suit children who already speak French, or families who want that educational continuity.
Best for:
- Children already in French schooling, or who learn languages easily
- Families who value a French curriculum structure
3) Spanish system
A familiar option for families coming from Spain or planning to maintain a Spanish curriculum path.
Best for:
- Families who want Spanish continuity
- Children who are already comfortable in Spanish, or will be
4) International schooling
International schools can be attractive if your child is older, if you prefer an English-heavy environment, or if you want an internationally portable curriculum. The practical considerations are usually location, admissions, and cost.
Best for:
- Older children joining later
- Families who want a more international pathway
Language: what parents worry about most (and what usually happens)
It is normal to worry about language, especially if your child is 8+ and joining a new system.
In practice:
- Younger children often absorb languages fast if they are supported and feel settled socially.
- Older children can still do extremely well, but they benefit from a clear plan: extra support early on, consistent routines, and plenty of social contact outside school.
A useful mindset is: do not aim for perfection in month one. Aim for confidence, friendships, and steady progress.
Admissions, timing, and documents: what to prepare
Processes vary by school and year group, so treat this as a checklist rather than a rulebook.
What parents commonly need:
- Passports and residency paperwork (or proof of process)
- Previous school reports
- Vaccination/medical records (where relevant)
- A short summary of your child’s languages and any learning support needs
If you are moving on a tight timeline, it helps to be organised early. If your move also involves residency planning, keep this guide open in parallel:
A quick checklist for parents planning a move
- Shortlist school options and confirm commute realities
- Pick 2-3 areas to live based on routine, not “buzz”
- Prepare the standard documents early
- Plan one or two after-school activities for social integration
- Keep expectations realistic for the first term
Useful links to keep open as you plan:
Need help aligning schools, areas, and your move plan?
If you want help joining the dots (schools, daily routine, and choosing the right area), start with the relocation overview:
And if property is part of the plan, this is the best place to begin:
Income tax in Andorra
Andorra’s income tax is often one of the big “yes” factors for families. If you need the numbers for the partner conversation, start here: