A group of secondary students talking in a bright classroom, next to a teacher.

The American School of Torrelodones

Learning where nature teaches

A private American bilingual school in Torrelodones, Madrid, for ages 3 to 18, where every student moves at their own pace: a dual US and Spanish diploma, no phones at any age, and time outdoors written into the timetable rather than left to break time.

  • Dual diplomaUnited States and Spain
  • +40 nationalitiesin our community
  • 80% of teachersnative or bilingual

Educational model

Our way of teaching brings together the best of the American system and an approach of our own, built on personal attention, fresh thinking and the growth of the whole student.

Read more about the dual diploma

  • United States

    High School diploma.

    Recognized by universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France and many other countries.

  • Spain

    Official recognition as the Spanish Bachillerato

    Recognized by the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport of the Government of Spain.

School life

The right place to explore, discover and learn

  • The school seen from above: the low building, the garden and the hills behind.

    We study in nature

    Learning moves outdoors. Nature sparks curiosity, critical thinking and respect for the world around us. Every corner of our campus is a classroom open to the world.

  • A plate from the school canteen with carrot sticks and a portion of omelette.

    Healthy food

    Balanced menus made with local, seasonal produce, free of added sugars and ultra-processed food. Gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan options available.

  • Two students in helmets and harnesses hold hands as they climb the school’s climbing wall.

    Bullying-free

    Active anti-bullying protocols and emotional development programs that build positive coexistence.

  • A student holds a lockable phone pouch over its unlocking base.

    Phone-free

    Mobile phones are not allowed in any grade, and we avoid electronic devices altogether until Grade 7. From then on, we teach mindful, responsible use of technology.

Students and teachers

Where we come from

The cultural and linguistic mix of our community enriches every lesson and prepares students for a global, connected world.

Students

From Spain
70%
From abroad
30%

Teachers

Native or bilingual
80%
Spanish teachers
20%

Sport, music and the arts · Documented high-level commitment

Their talent needs time. So does their education.

Daily training, concert preparation, travel for competitions. At Dragón, the American School of Torrelodones, we personalize school timetables so that learning and a demanding pursuit can fit together.

Explore our approach for athletes and artists

A teenager in a race suit and bib skiing through a gate in a slalom race.

Dragon Talent Scholarship 2026-2027

Where unusual ability can grow

Eight scholarships of up to 100% of tuition services for students aged 6 to 17 with talent in sport, the arts, science, entrepreneurship or their studies. Applications close on 1 November 2026.

Find out more and apply

Three students in lab coats, goggles and gloves working on a laboratory practical.

The American School of Torrelodones

Come and meet us

A group of students in wetsuits standing beside their boards on the beach.

Upcoming events

Everything we hold at Dragón: workshops, outings, fairs and much more.

The campus garden at dusk, with young trees and grass.

Spaces designed for learning by exploring

Our campus was designed to respect its setting and to help students learn: open spaces, free of electromagnetic emissions, built into the landscape and surrounded by one of the finest parks in the Community of Madrid.

A teacher and a student talking, sitting across from one another.

Coffee mornings with the head teacher

A relaxed, informal space where families can talk directly to the school’s leadership: somewhere to share concerns and ideas, and to build our children’s education together.

An award-winning way of teaching

Recognized by Forbes, the Premios El Suplemento, the Premios Excelencia Educativa and two European innovation awards. A friend school of the Teatro Real and of Aptis Solutions.

What our families say

In their own words

Letters written by families at the school, in their own words, complete and unedited. Most of them are in Spanish: we do not translate what a family signed.

  • Respect for children

    We chose Dragón three years ago for its extraordinary care and respect for children (the way it encourages each child’s emotional self-management, independence and self-esteem is remarkable). The school looks at childhood and at the learning process with respect, but also as an opportunity.

    Virginia, mother of a studentTranslated from SpanishRead the full letter from Virginia, mother of a student
  • Very happy and grateful

    After almost six years with two children at the school, we have seen steady academic growth, suited to the needs of each school stage and of each student.

    It is reassuring to know that it is a small, very personal school, with practically no conflict at all.

    They have a special knack for hiring the best teaching teams (with a few exceptions, which they have been able to correct in time), which lets children reach their full potential and interest in their subjects, beyond the shortcomings of the compulsory education system.

    The Olano Arqueros familyTranslated from SpanishRead the full letter from The Olano Arqueros family
  • A discovery

    For us, Dragón has been a real discovery. From the very first day we felt it was not just another school, but a place where children can be themselves, learn with enthusiasm and grow up in a very healthy, close-knit environment. What we value most is the human touch.

    The Boualam Bouassab familyTranslated from SpanishRead the full letter from The Boualam Bouassab family
  • We’ve been very lucky

    My son has been at Dragon for 4 years and is now in Grade 11 and I can honestly say he is thriving! The project-based learning has been great for him and his confidence has improved so much. We’ve been very lucky to have had amazing tutors who support him (and us as parents sometimes) in many more ways than just the academic and he also has great friends which is important at this stage.

    Julia TRead the full letter from Julia T
  • So much support

    We have only been at the school for a few months and we are so grateful to have found it and chosen it! The most important thing for us was a gentle, respectful transition for our daughter (who had never been to school or nursery before), and the support and knowledge of the Dragonfly teachers have been wonderful: instead of a traumatic process it was one adapted to her needs and her pace, with no tears and no problems!

    The Uva familyTranslated from SpanishRead the full letter from The Uva family
  • A different way of teaching

    Eleven years ago we decided to take a chance on a different way of teaching, and eleven years later we can say that we are very happy with our choice.

    Throughout that time our son has felt listened to and valued.

    He has learned through play (especially in the early years) and through his own interests.

    Patricia FernándezTranslated from SpanishRead the full letter from Patricia Fernández
  • Nurturing hearts and minds

    We are very happy with Dragon; our experience has been excellent in all the aspects. I would like to highlight which are (for us) very important factors. Concepts that guide children to understand themselves, care for others, collaborate with empathy, and celebrate unique, are values present on the day-by-day actions.

    José Carlos BarbosaRead the full letter from José Carlos Barbosa
  • Immensely grateful

    Dear Dragón team,

    We are immensely grateful for the wonderful learning experience that Jorge’s school years at DAS have been.

    The sensitivity and warmth you bring really make the difference.

    THANK YOU!

    The Carbayeda Pérez familyTranslated from Spanish
  • An exceptional school

    We could not be happier with the decision we made five years ago to choose DAS Dragón American School for our four children. The school offers an impeccable educational approach, respectful of each child’s individual development and fully in line with the law, but with a unique ability to personalize learning for every child.

    The Demelas Fuentes familyTranslated from SpanishRead the full letter from The Demelas Fuentes family
  • Our thanks to the chef

    We wanted to pass on our appreciation for Tamara, the chef you have at Dragón. We love her professionalism, her enthusiasm and above all the way she cooks for the whole school, and especially for Dragonfly, in a healthy and varied way.

    It is one of the school’s great strengths and we could not be happier or more satisfied.

    Nerea CarvajalTranslated from SpanishRead the full letter from Nerea Carvajal

Our education blog

Articles, reflections and resources on teaching, innovation and raising children

How we work in the classroom, what inspires us and how we support students as they grow.

News

What if learning did not have to hurt?

A few months ago, a family decided to take their son out of the school. Their reason left us thinking for a long time. They told us the…

All the posts

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