Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions that you will make. Their school days will develop their skills, allow them to form lifelong friendships, and set them up for the challenges of life. If you are considering moving to Portugal – or already have – you’ll be pleased to know that the education system in Portugal is excellent and there is a vast array of top-quality international schools to choose from. With this said, it can be difficult to know just where to begin.
This is why our partner, Global Citizen Solutions, has created an international school guide, with the help of specialists in the field. The guide provides you with everything you need to know about the education system in Portugal, including helping you fathom which school is the best choice for you and your family.
Global Citizen Solutions International School Guide
A word from Patricia Casaburi, CEO at Global Citizen Solutions.
“Throughout their lives, there are some difficult decisions you will have to make for your child/children, however, choosing a suitable school is arguably one of the most important.”
“All your questions will be answered,” [in our International School Guide] which will arm you with crucial information on, “the steps involved in this exciting chapter for you and your child/ children. The key things to remember are; do your research, visit schools, and, most importantly, trust your instincts.”
A word from Nathalie Willis-Davis, Founder & Educational Consultant at Tendoria.
“The educational landscape is booming in Portugal. Families starting their search for an international school in the country are now spoilt for choice”. The country has experienced an “exponential increase in the number of international schools…Families now have more opportunities to find a school that best matches their educational goals and needs, and schools are energized to push their offerings to the next level by investing in facilities and professional development.”
Some top tips to consider from Nathalie:
- Begin the search as early as possible as places can fill up fast
- Make sure you understand the curriculum options and how they will impact your child’s learning
- Visit as many schools as possible that you are interested in as this is the best way to get a feel for them
- Apply to at least three schools, its best to hedge your bets
- Bear in mind that what works for one family may not work for you
- Seek professional assistance to discover the schools that best match your expectations and educational goals
Why choose an international school in Portugal?
In Portugal, families have access to a high-quality education system. Within this system are three main options: public schools, private schools on the Portuguese curriculum, and international schools that teach English, French, or other curriculums, often along with Portuguese.
There are pros and cons to each of these, but expats moving to Portugal often have different needs when compared with families who have been in Portugal for a while.
That’s where international schools come in. For people who plan to raise their children in a global setting, international schools may be the perfect option.
Please check out the International School Guide by our partner, Global Citizen Solutions, to get the lowdown on international schools in Portugal.
Need more information about moving to Portugal? Read more in Moving to Portugal, a Guide to Visas, Documents and Regulations.
And, if you’re moving to Portugal from outside of the EU, you should read: How to Get Portuguese Residency for Non-EU Citizens.
The Best International Schools in Lisbon
British School of Lisbon
The British School of Lisbon is a fairly new school in Cais do Sodré that was founded in 2019. This English-language school teaches children from the ages of three to 14. The British School is chartered by The Schools Trust, a UK-registered international school trust, responsible for the development of international schools worldwide.
Curriculum: British
Language taught in: English
Tuition: Є11,300 to Є14,535 per year
Address: Rua de S. Paulo, n.o 89, 1200-427 – Lisboa
Oeiras International School
Oeiras International School holds a special focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. It follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and is open to students from the ages of six to 19 years old. They hold their key values as integrity, respect, commitment, growth, and personal challenge.
Curriculum: IB
Language taught in: English
Tuition: €10,550 to €18,060 per year
Address: R. Antero de Quental, n.o 7, 2730-013 – Oeiras
Redbridge School
Redbridge School is an elementary school in the Campo de Ourique neighborhood. The school focuses on creativity and an international mindset, and teaching is done in a multilingual (English and French) environment. At Redbridge school, the focus is on providing a creative approach to learning, digital literacy, and a connection to the community.
Curriculum: IB, Portuguese, and French Curriculum
Language taught in: English and French
Tuition: €7,572 to €11,150 per year
Address: R. Francisco Metrass, n.o 97, 1350-165 Campo de Ourique – Lisboa
Lycée Français Charles Lepierre de Lisbonne
Lycée Français Charles Lepierre is a French international school in Lisbon. The Lycée accepts students from the ages of three to 18 years old and offers children the opportunity to learn English and Portuguese.
Curriculum: French
Language taught in: English and French
Tuition: €4,710 to €6,510 per year
Address: Avenida Eng. Duarte Pacheco, no 32, 1070-112 Campolide – Lisboa
Deutsche Schule Lissabon
Founded in 1899, the Deutsche Schule Lissabon (DSL) is one of the oldest German schools located outside of Germany. This German international school caters to students in kindergarten, primary, and secondary grades. The DSL considers bilingualism and multicultural exchange to be essential conditions and fundamental goals of their work. In addition to the main campus in Lisbon, there is also a campus in Estoril.
Curriculum: German
Language taught in: German
Tuition: €6,900 to €7,830 per year
Address: Largo Willy Brandt DSL, 1600-891 – Lumiar
If you are looking for student health insurance take a look at HCCMIS Student Insurance.
Best International Schools Near Cascais and Sintra
IPS Cascais
IPS Cascais is a primary school for children aged three to 12 years and has been teaching children since 1982. Its students and teachers are multinational and the school focuses on global understanding.
Curriculum: British
Language taught in: English, Dutch, and Portuguese
Tuition: €9,200 to €13,400 per year
Address: Rua da Lagoa, n.o 171, 2645-344 Alcabideche – Bicesse
St. Julian’s School
Founded in 1932, St. Julian’s School is the largest British international school in Portugal. The school has a strong record of academic achievement. This nondenominational, co-ed school teaches kids from ages three to 15. It aims to promote excellence, academic achievement, and intellectual curiosity.
Curriculum: IB, a bilingual curriculum of English and Portuguese
Language taught in: English, German, French, and Portuguese
Tuition: €10,740 to €25,260 per year
Address: Quinta Nova – Av. Jorge V, 2775-588 – Carcavelos
International Christian School of Cascais
The International Christian School of Cascais offers a North American-style education. It’s a non-profit that serves the Christian missionary community and other expats in Portugal.
Curriculum: American
Language taught in: English
Tuition: This school does not make its fees public
Address: Av. de Sintra 1154, 2755-322 – Cascais
St. Dominic’s International School
St. Dominic’s International School is a highly respected and well-known international school. The school places a strong emphasis on the arts, sports, and community service.
Curriculum: IB
Language taught in: English
Tuition: Є10,500 to €19,200
Address: R. Maria Brown, n.o 311A, 2785-816 São Domingos de Rana – Cascais
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
While it’s called the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon, this school is actually in nearby Sintra. The school works in cooperation with other American international schools and with the US Department of State. It adopts and adapts the Common Core curriculum for English and math and Next Generation Science Standards for science.
Curriculum: American
Language taught in: English and Portuguese
Tuition: Є9,144 to €19,372 per year
Address: Rua António Dos Reis, n.o 95, 2710-301 – Sintra
Best International Schools in Porto
CLIP Oporto International School
The International College of Oporto (CLIP) offers a curriculum that connects physical, personal, and social development with academic discipline.
Curriculum: British
Language taught in: English
Tuition: €7,585 to €10,945 per year
Address: Rua de Vila Nova, n.o 1071, 4100-506 – Porto
Lycée Français International de Porto – LFIP
Lycée Français International is located in the leafy green Parque Serralves. It’s part of the worldwide network of AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad), in line with the education standards of France’s Minister of Education.
Curriculum: French
Language taught in: French
Tuition: €4,703 to €5,460 per year
Address: R. Gil Eanes 21, 4150-348 – Porto
Find out what it’s like to live in Porto.
Best International Schools in the Algarve
Nobel Algarve British International School
The Nobel International School Algarve is the oldest private school in southern Portugal. It offers a range of programs for students ages three to 18. This unique setting promotes common experiences, friendship, and trust. The Nobel Algarve British International School has two excellent campuses, a flagship Eco-school in Lagoa and a state-of-the-art campus in Almancil, that opened in 2020.
Curriculum: British and Portuguese
Language taught in: English
Tuition: Є4,884 to €16,720 per year
Address: Barros Brancos, EN125, 8400-400 – Lagoa
Vale Verde International School
Vale Verde International School offers education to an international student body, based on sound values and high expectations. The school was established in 2002 and achieves excellent pass rates for students in all subjects in exams.
Curriculum: British
Language taught in: English and Portuguese
Tuition: Є6,096 to €10,800 per year
Address: Alagoas, Estrada do Burgau, 8600-120 Luz – Lagos
Life in the Algarve is amazing. Read all about Living in the Algarve.
Best International Schools in Madeira
International School of Madeira
The International School of Madeira is a primary school that prepares students to go on to secondary school and higher education. It’s open to kids from the ages of four to ten and offers immersive English-language classes.
Curriculum: British and Portuguese
Language taught in: English and Portuguese
Tuition: €2,750 to €3,300 per year
Address: Calçada do Pico 5, 9000-206 Funchal – Madeira
International Sharing School – Madeira
With a holistic curriculum with a multicultural and multilingual approach to education, the International Sharing School provides a safe and empowering learning environment where students are encouraged to be their best.
Curriculum: IB
Language taught in: English, Spanish, French, German
Tuition: €4,950 to €10,945 per year
Address: Caminho dos Saltos, n.o 6, 9050-219, Funchal – Madeira
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Best International School in Portugal
International schools can be found all over Portugal. Depending on the school, courses are offered in English, French, Portuguese, or German. Many offer international courses of study like the International Baccalaureate (IB).
International schools in Lisbon include the British School of Lisbon, Oeiras International School, Lycée Francais Charles Le Pierre de Lisbonne, and The Lisboan.
There are public and private higher education institutions throughout the country, offering a wide range of educational options for students seeking a university or college experience.
International schools in Cascais include IPS Cascais, St. Julian’s School, the International School of Cascais, St. Dominic’s International School, and the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon. What international schools are in Portugal?
What international schools are in Lisbon?
What universities are in Portugal?
What international schools are in Cascais?