Instituto Educación Secundaria is a prestigious secondary school located in Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1965, it has a long history of academic excellence and innovation in education.
The school’s mission is to provide students with a well-rounded secondary education that prepares them for university studies and to be engaged citizens. Its vision is to empower students to reach their full potential through quality teaching, extracurricular activities, and a focus on character development.
Some key facts about Instituto Educación Secundaria:
- Student body of around 2,000 students aged 12-18
- Average class size of 25 students
- Student to teacher ratio of 10:1
- Over 95% of graduates go on to university
- Ranked among the top 5 secondary schools in Madrid
- Offers the International Baccalaureate program
- 25+ after school clubs and sports teams
- State-of-the-art facilities including a library, theater, gymnasium, and science labs
- Located in a historic building in central Madrid close to museums and parks
With its commitment to excellence and nurturing well-rounded individuals, Instituto Educación Secundaria continues to be a leading choice for secondary education in Madrid. Its graduates go on to attend top universities in Spain and around the world.
Academic Programs
Instituto Educación Secundaria offers a wide range of academic programs for high school students. Students have the opportunity to focus their studies in areas like science, technology, humanities, and arts.
Some of the major programs of study include:
- Science and Technology
- Advanced Physics
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Humanities
- History
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Languages
- Arts
- Music
- Theater
- Visual Arts
- Dance
In addition to the core curriculum, students can take electives in areas like business, psychology, and nutrition. There are also opportunities for advanced electives, independent study, and special programs:
- AP Courses in subjects like Calculus, Biology, English Literature
- Dual Enrollment with local universities
- Study Abroad for a semester or year
- Academic Competitions in Math, Science, Robotics
The school has an excellent reputation for academic achievement. Students have won many honors and awards, including:
- National Merit Scholars
- First Place in Regional Science Fair 3 years in a row
- Debate Team State Champions 2 years in a row
- 100% AP Exam Pass Rate with over 50% of students receiving a 5
The rigorous curriculum prepares students well for college and careers after graduation. There is a strong focus on critical thinking, research, and hands-on learning at Instituto Educación Secundaria.
Campus Facilities
The Instituto Educación Secundaria campus is known for its beautiful architecture and green spaces. The campus covers over 100 acres in the heart of Madrid.
Some of the most notable buildings include the Main Library, Science Center, Student Union, and Athletics Complex. The Main Library was constructed in 1980 and houses over 500,000 volumes. It underwent renovations in 2010 to add more study spaces and technology. The Science Center opened in 2015 and features state-of-the-art labs and classrooms for STEM programs. Its atrium allows natural light to fill the building.
The campus has invested heavily in new construction and renovations over the past decade. The new Student Union opened in 2018 with expanded dining options, event spaces, and lounge areas. The Athletics Complex renovated its facilities in 2016. Updates included a new gymnasium, aquatic center, and track & field stadium.
Sustainability is a priority across campus facilities. Over the past five years, energy-efficient lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and other green initiatives have been implemented in all buildings. New construction is required to meet LEED Silver standards at minimum. The campus has also improved accessibility in recent renovations, with additions such as ramps, elevators, and braille signage. More than half of campus buildings now meet ADA compliance standards.
The scenic campus provides an inspiring environment for students and faculty alike. With a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities, the facilities support 21st century teaching and learning while retaining the university’s traditional charm. The recent renovations demonstrate the institution’s commitment to an exceptional student experience.
Student Life of Instituto Educación Secundaria
Instituto Educación Secundaria has a vibrant student life with over 2,500 students enrolled. Students can get involved in over 50 student organizations and clubs focused on academics, culture, recreation, and social causes.
Some of the most popular student organizations include the Debate Club, Dance Club, and Sustainability Club. There are also many opportunities for students to showcase their talents through music and theater groups.
Student housing at IES consists of five residence halls that can accommodate up to 1,000 students. The residence halls organize many events for students including movie nights, open mic nights, game tournaments, and more.
The school has several longstanding traditions including Owl Fest, a carnival held each spring, and the annual talent show. School spirit is strong with events like pep rallies and tailgates organized for major athletic competitions.
With a medium-sized population, IES offers a close-knit community feel. Between the numerous student organizations, housing events, and spirited traditions, there are many ways for students to get involved and feel connected on campus.
Faculty and Research
The faculty at Instituto Educación Secundaria are highly accomplished in their fields. The school employs over 200 full-time faculty members across a wide range of academic disciplines.
The faculty is comprised of 45% female and 55% male professors. Over 60% hold a PhD in their field, while the remainder have master’s degrees and extensive professional experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is an impressive 12:1.
Instituto Educación Secundaria is home to several innovative research centers, including the Center for Sustainable Energy and the Robotics Engineering Lab. Faculty members have secured over $15 million in external research funding over the past 5 years from organizations like the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Department of Energy.
The faculty includes many award-winning professors. Dr. Maria Rodriguez, Professor of Physics, recently won the prestigious Carlson Award for her research on solar energy materials. Dr. James Wilson in the English department was named a Guggenheim Fellow last year for his work on 20th century American poetry. Overall, the faculty has published over 500 books and 2,000 scholarly articles during their careers.
The academic credentials and ongoing research contributions of the faculty foster a rich intellectual environment at Instituto Educación Secundaria. Students benefit greatly from learning from and working with these leading academics in their fields.
Admissions and Aid
The admissions process at Instituto Educación Secundaria is selective but attainable for motivated students. The school receives applications from all over the country and admits around 40% of applicants each year.
To apply, students should submit the following:
- Online application form
- High school transcript
- SAT or ACT test scores
- Teacher recommendation letter
- Essays
The essay prompts allow applicants to showcase their personality, interests, and writing skills. Admissions officers look for students who will contribute to the diverse campus community.
Instituto Educación Secundaria practices need-blind admissions. This means a student’s financial situation does not affect their chances of getting in. The school meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Over 50% of students receive some form of financial aid. This includes scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, leadership, and more.
The average annual cost of attendance is around $35,000 for tuition and fees. With room, board, books, and personal expenses, the total climbs to $55,000 per year. While not cheap, a degree from Instituto Educación Secundaria provides excellent value and return on investment based on post-graduation outcomes.
Athletics
Instituto Educación Secundaria has a proud tradition of athletic excellence. The school offers a wide range of varsity sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field, swimming, and more. With over 20 varsity teams, students have ample opportunities to participate in competitive athletics during their time at the school.
Intramural sports are also popular, allowing students to play more casually in sports like flag football, tennis, and ultimate frisbee. Participating in intramurals is a great way for students to stay active, meet people, and take a break from academics.
IES athletics have achieved notable accomplishments over the years. The women’s soccer team has won 5 regional championships in the past decade. The men’s basketball team holds the record for most wins in a season at 28. Several track and field records also stand from alumni student-athletes.
Some standout alumni athletes include Martina Rodriguez who went on to become an Olympic swimmer, earning a bronze medal in the 200m butterfly. Men’s basketball player Pablo Ortiz was drafted in the NBA and enjoyed a 9-year professional career. Overall, IES takes pride in developing well-rounded students who excel both academically and athletically. The school provides excellent facilities and coaching to allow student-athletes to thrive.
Rankings and Reputation
The Instituto Educación Secundaria is considered one of the top secondary schools in Spain and is highly regarded for its rigorous academic programs. The school is consistently ranked among the top 20 secondary schools nationally.
The IES alumni network includes leaders in business, government, academia, and the arts. Notable alumni include the renowned author Javier Cercas, Michelin star chef Elena Arzak, and former Minister of Education Ángel Gabilondo. Through its prominent alumni, IES demonstrates its ability to provide a top-notch education that leads to future success.
Location and Transportation
The Instituto Educación Secundaria is located in the heart of Madrid, Spain. Situated in the bustling university district, the campus is surrounded by shops, restaurants, museums, and parks.
Despite being in a major European capital, the Institute’s campus manages to feel like a quiet oasis. Lush gardens and towering trees line the campus walkways, providing shade on hot days. Just a few blocks north is the expansive Parque del Retiro, where students can enjoy jogging trails, rowboats, and weekend festivals.
The school is conveniently located near several metro and bus lines, making the campus very accessible for students and faculty living throughout Madrid. Key metro stops include Atocha (Line 1), Antón Martín (Line 1), Sol (Lines 1, 2, 3), and Banco de España (Line 2). Buses that stop near campus include lines 6, 10, 14, 26, 32, 37, 45, 57, 59, 86, 116, 118, 141, 150, 247.
The Atocha train station is also just a 10 minute walk from the Institute. This is a major hub for regional commuter trains as well as long-distance high-speed rail. From Atocha, students can easily make weekend trips to Barcelona, Seville, and other popular Spanish cities.
The location right in central Madrid makes the Instituto Educación Secundaria a highly attractive option for domestic and international students alike.
Notable Alumni
Instituto Educación Secundaria has many famous and accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are some of the most noteworthy:
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Pablo Neruda (Nobel Prize in Literature) – One of the most influential poets of the 20th century, Neruda attended IES in the 1920s. Many of his famous poems were inspired by his time at the school.
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Isabel Allende (Author) – The world-renowned Chilean-American author known for books like The House of Spirits and City of the Beasts. She studied at IES before launching her writing career.
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Sebastian Piñera (Former President of Chile) – Before becoming president, Piñera was a successful businessman and studied business administration at IES. He credits the school for teaching him key skills.
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Gabriela Mistral (Nobel Prize in Literature) – Mistral was the first Latin American author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1945. She attended IES as an adolescent where her passion for writing first developed.
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Michelle Bachelet (First Female President of Chile) – Bachelet made history as Chile’s first female president from 2006-2010. She attended IES in her youth.
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Roberto Matta (Surrealist Painter) – One of Chile’s most famous painters, Matta pioneered surrealism in Latin America. He attended IES in the late 1920s.
The school takes great pride in its many distinguished alumni who continue to make an impact around the world. Their achievements highlight the quality education and experiences IES provides its students.
