Choosing the Best International Schools in Portugal

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.

Take-a-look-at-the-international-school-guide

 

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.

international schools portugal

 

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

private school portugal

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

private schools portugal

Red Bridge School Lisbon Portugal

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

Lycee Francais International School Porto

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

german school portugal

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

expat schools portugal

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 Julians School Portugal

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 – CarcavelosCascais downtown

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

English school books

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

houses Sintra Portugal

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

Porto Portugal

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

international school porto

international schools 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

international school lagoa

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 Portugal

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

What international schools are 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).

What international schools are in Lisbon?

International schools in Lisbon include the British School of Lisbon, Oeiras International School, Lycée Francais Charles Le Pierre de Lisbonne, and The Lisboan.

What universities are in Portugal?

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.

What international schools are in Cascais?

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.

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