Founded in 2009 in Clot by several families and located since 2013 in a Guinardó building, the accreditation of Espai Aigua represents a significant step for alternative education in the Catalan capital. This recognition will allow the center, which is funded by family fees, to apply for public aid to cover part of its operating expenses.
“"It has been a long and difficult process but finally we have found solutions to meet the requirements and be a recognized school."
The main challenge for accreditation was adapting the building on Rambla de Volart, built in 1909, to current accessibility regulations. Families invested more than 150,000 euros in improvements, including the installation of an elevator and a ramp. Additionally, to meet outdoor space requirements, the school uses the petanque courts of Mas Guinardó, totaling 900 square meters of playground.
Espai Aigua's pedagogical proposal is based on living education, with axes such as gender perspective, non-exclusion, creativity, and emotional support. This methodology is inspired by methods like Montessori or Reggio Emilia, characterized by individualized monitoring and reduced student-to-teacher ratios. In 2021, the center created the Pedagogical Laboratory, a space for teachers and families dedicated to researching and designing new learning processes, also offering individualized support for situations of exclusion, neurodivergences, or new sexual identities.
“"Here we have found the emotional well-being we were looking for my son and that public centers cannot offer due to lack of resources and very high ratios."
The school will open its doors on Friday, May 15, at 5 PM, to offer a guided tour and present its educational project to families interested in the 2026-2027 academic year.
