International Schools In Portugal: How To Choose In 2024

Are you considering relocating to Portugal with your family? If so, you’re probably thinking about your child’s education and school life and wondering what options are available to you.

Choosing the right school is a critical decision, and we want to help you make the best choice for your family. That’s why we created this International School Guide, which covers everything you need to know about the best international schools in Portugal. From what’s on offer to how to choose the right one and where to find them, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also outline the top factors to consider when making your decision.

Here’s what we’ll cover in our international school guide:

• Tips to pick the best international school in Portugal
• The best international primary schools and secondary schools in Portugal
• An overview of the Portuguese education system, and more

 

What can international schools in Portugal offer my child?

International schools in Portugal offer a high standard of education and are often accredited by international organizations. They provide a multicultural environment and an opportunity for children to learn and interact with students from across the world. This type of education encourages students to be open-minded, empathetic, and respectful of other cultures.

Additionally, international schools often have a wide range of extracurricular activities and programs that can help your child develop their skills, talents, and interests.

Moreover, many international higher education institutions follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum or the UK national curriculum, both recognized worldwide. These curricula are designed to promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the 21st century.

Thinking about the future? Many of Portugal’s schools offer internationally recognized qualifications, such as the Cambridge International Examinations. These qualifications can give your child a competitive advantage when applying to universities around the world.

One of the advantages of attending an international school in Portugal is that it can open up a world of opportunities for your child. With a global education system, your child will be well-prepared for higher education in any part of the world.

 

Types of International Schools in Portugal

Portugal hosts a diverse range of international schools, catering to the educational needs of expatriate communities and local families seeking a globalized curriculum. Among the various types of international schools in the country, you’ll find:

American Schools

American international schools in Portugal typically follow the American curriculum, providing students with an education system aligned with standards in the United States. These schools often incorporate Advanced Placement (AP) courses and may lead to an American high school diploma. English is the primary language of instruction, and these schools aim to create an environment familiar to students from the United States.

British Schools

British international schools in Portugal adhere to the British curriculum, offering programs such as the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and A-levels. These schools follow the UK education system, emphasizing subjects like English, mathematics, and science. British schools often maintain a strong academic tradition and may prepare students for entry into universities in the United Kingdom.

Bilingual Schools

Bilingual international schools in Portugal offer a curriculum that integrates two languages, typically English and Portuguese. These schools aim to provide students with proficiency in both languages, fostering cultural awareness and linguistic diversity. Bilingual education often includes the incorporation of elements from international curricula to ensure a well-rounded educational experience. These schools are particularly suitable for students seeking fluency in both languages and a multicultural learning environment.

French Schools

French international schools in Portugal follow the French educational system, offering programs such as the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) and the French Baccalauréat. These schools provide education in French and often emphasize the French language, literature, and culture. French schools aim to maintain academic excellence while promoting French values and traditions.

German Schools

German international schools in Portugal follow the German curriculum, offering programs such as the Abitur. These schools provide education in German and often focus on maintaining strong ties to the German language, history, and culture. They may cater to families seeking continuity in their German-language education while residing in Portugal.

 

How to Choose an International School in Portugal

When choosing an international school in Portugal is crucial, and there are many factors to consider. The location of the school, the language of instruction, the curriculum, the fees, and the extracurricular activities are just some of the things you need to consider.

 You can start by researching online and checking out school rankings and reviews. It’s also a good idea to schedule visits to the schools you’re interested in to see the facilities and meet the teachers and students. This will also help you get a feel for the school’s atmosphere and community. 

Portugal offers everything from German schools to British international schools to American international schools.

Don’t forget to listen to your child’s needs and preferences because, after all, they are the ones who will be attending the school. It’s important to consider your child’s needs and interests when choosing a school. For example, if your child is passionate about sports, you may want to look for a school with a strong athletic program. Likewise, if your child is interested in music or the arts, you may want to find a school with a robust performing arts curriculum.

Here are some top tips to help you make the best decision for your child:

Accreditation

Look for an international school that is accredited by a recognized organization, such as the Council of International Schools (CIS), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), or the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). 

Accreditation ensures that the school meets high standards in areas such as curriculum, teaching, and facilities.

Curriculum

Consider the type of curriculum offered by the school. Some primary schools offer the international primary curriculum, and some high schools in Portugal offer the International Baccalaureate Programme (potentially leading to an International Baccalaureate Diploma), while others follow the British curriculum, the Cambridge curriculum, or the American curriculum, and others include a combination of international curricula and the Portuguese national curriculum.

As you explore the options available to you, consider which international curriculum best fits your child’s needs and future goals.

Location

Think about the school’s location and how easy it will be for your child to commute there. Consider the proximity to your home or workplace and access to public transportation. The Greater Lisbon area is home to some of Portugal’s best international schools, but there are great institutions all over the country.

Extracurricular activities

Check out the school’s extracurricular offerings. Do they offer sports, music, drama, or other activities your child is interested in? Extracurricular activities can be an excellent way for your child to make friends, develop new skills, and improve their sense of well-being.

Teacher qualifications

Look into the capabilities of the school’s teachers. Do they have the necessary certifications and experience to provide a high-quality education? A good teacher can significantly impact your child’s learning experience.

By considering these factors, you can help ensure that you choose the best international school in Portugal for your child.

Continuity

Depending on what stage your child is at, it might be worth considering what level of education is on offer. For example, whether you’re interested in a school which offers both a primary school and secondary education. You might plan to continue higher education elsewhere, or you might want your child to stay in the same school.

 

The Number of International Schools in Portugal

Portugal has 51 international schools in seven different cities. Many are located in the Greater Lisbon area, Porto, and the Algarve region. 

Lisbon neighborhoods with international schools include Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, Oeiras, and Carcavelos.

The Algarve region has international schools in Faro, Almancil, Lagoa, and Portimão. Other regions of Portugal, such as Braga, Madeira, and Leiria, also have international schools, although they are fewer in number.

 

Locations of International Schools in Portugal

International schools in Lisbon

If you’re planning on living in Lisbon, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of international schools to choose from in the city and surrounding areas. 

Some of the neighborhoods in Lisbon with international schools include Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, Oeiras, and Carcavelos. Each neighborhood offers a unique living experience and provides access to some of the best international schools in Portugal. How

Some of the best International schools in the Greater Lisbon area include the The British School of Lisbon and the The Carlucci American International School of Lisbon.

International Schools in the Algarve

If you’re planning on living in the Algarve, you’ll be happy to know that there are several international schools in the region. 

Private options such as Nobel International School Algarve, Vale Verde International School, Eupheus International School, Aljezur International School, and the Vilamoura International School offer high-quality education and a range of extracurricular activities for students of all ages. These schools provide a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and cultural awareness.

International schools in other regions of Portugal

In addition to Lisbon and the Algarve, there are respected international schools located throughout different regions of Portugal.

Private schools like the French School of Porto, International Preparatory School, and Leiria International School offer exceptional education and a multicultural environment for students of all ages. 

Schools like Oporto British School in Porto offer both primary education and secondary education. Boarding schools like St.Peter’s School also offer weekly or full boarding options. 

 

The Top International Schools in Portugal

The British School of Lisbon (Lisbon): This private British international school in Lisbon offers schooling from nursery to year eleven. The British School teaches an English National Curriculum and emphasizes music, art, and sports. It boasts extracurricular activities such as public speaking, coding, and robotics. 

St. Julian’s School (Carcavelos): A well-established school offering an international program based on the English National Curriculum. On the Portuguese side, children access the Portuguese national curriculum.

The Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (Lisbon): The Carlucci American International School of Lisbon is located in Sintra and is the only US State Department school in Portugal. The oldest American school in the Iberian Peninsula, it’s a prestigious, fully accredited institution. It offers elementary school, which offers a basic education all the way to secondary school. 

International Christian School of Cascais (Cascais): The International Christian School of Cascais (ICSC) is an international school with a “family” environment that provides religious education alongside an American-style curriculum. Active learning is incorporated into classes alongside creative and critical thinking styles to ensure understanding of the subject. Fees are not public, as the school always tries to help families as much as possible. Students do not have to be of the Christian faith to attend the school.

St. Dominic’s International School (Cascais): Located in Cascais, in close proximity to Lisbon, St. Dominic’s International School was established in 1954 by the Irish Dominican Sisters, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking the advantages of religious education. The school provides three distinctive programs: the diploma program, the middle years program, and the primary years program.

Prime School International (Multiple Locations): With campuses situated in regions like Cascais, Estoril, Lisbon, and Sintra, this global educational institution caters to students aged 3 to 18. The school adopts the Cambridge Curriculum, which is exclusively taught in English. For native Portuguese speakers, the option to participate in classes conducted in both English and Portuguese is available.

Oporto British School (Porto): Established in 1894 within the city of Porto, this institution stands as the oldest British school in mainland Europe. It adheres to a British curriculum, guiding students until the culmination of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). Notably, it holds the distinction of being the sole International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) school in Northern Portugal.

St. Peter’s International School (Setubal): This is a distinguished private international school offering premium education. Renowned for its comprehensive approach, the school features both national and international programs, encompassing prestigious curricula such as the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.

International Preparatory School (Porto): IPS is an international school that caters to children aged three to eleven. With a diverse student and faculty body representing various nationalities, the school provides an ideal setting for expatriate children to flourish in an international environment.

 

The Portuguese Education System

The Portuguese education system is known for providing comprehensive and inclusive education. It ranked 24th position, according to the 2022 Best Countries for Education Report, led by US News and World Report, BAV Group, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

In recent years, Portugal has made efforts to modernize its educational infrastructure, incorporating innovative teaching methods and technology to enhance the learning experience. 

The education system in Portugal is divided into the following educational levels:

• Preschool education (Educação Pré-escolar): Ages 3 to 6
• Primary education (Ensino Básico): Ages 6 to 15
• Secondary education (Ensino Secundário): Ages 15 to 18
• Higher education (Ensino Superior): Ages 18 and above

International Schools versus Public Schools in Portugal

When considering where to send your child to school in Portugal, you may be weighing the pros and cons of public schools versus international or private schools. Public schools in Portugal are generally well-regarded, with a strong emphasis on public education and a curriculum that is aligned with national standards.

Additionally, public schools are more affordable than private options, as they are funded by the government and do not require tuition fees. This makes them an attractive option for families who are budget-conscious or who prioritize the accessibility of education.

However, international schools in Portugal offer unique benefits that may make them a more appealing option for certain families. For foreign residents or international students, attending school at an international or private school can help to ease the transition to a new country, as these schools often have a diverse student body and a curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of students from a range of backgrounds.

Additionally, international schools may offer a more rigorous academic program, with smaller class sizes and more individualized attention from teachers. While private school tuition fees may be higher than at public schools, many families feel that the benefits of an international or private education outweigh the costs.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to send your child to a public or private school in Portugal will depend on your individual priorities and circumstances.

 

International Schools in Portugal Fees

If you’re considering an international school for your children, expect higher tuition fees. Monthly costs typically hover around €800. The minimum monthly fee at an international school in Portugal is around €40, but these prices can reach as much as €1,800 depending on the school level. You should also factor in potential costs for uniforms, books, and other school supplies as you budget for education in Portugal.

What is the cheapest international school in Portugal?

All of the international schools in Portugal are private and charge tuition fees. Costs vary, but the Instituto Espanhol Giner de Los Rios and the International School of Madeira are two schools with lower-cost tuition fees. 

 

Other Useful Resources

If you’re planning on relocating to Portugal, you might find our following articles useful:

• Living in Portugal as an American
• Working in Portugal as an Expat
• Portugal Work Visa
• Digital Nomad Portugal
• Getting a NIF Number in Portugal
• How to Open a Bank Account in Portugal

Our partner, Global Citizen Solutions, has also created a detailed guide to International Schools in Portugal.

 

Summary

International schools in Portugal offer excellent opportunities for personal and professional development for students. These schools provide education from primary school to secondary education, with a strong focus on preparing students for basic education and beyond.

Private schools in Portugal offer world-class education, with experienced teachers and staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and a curriculum that emphasizes language learning and multilingual education.

Through a comprehensive program that includes foreign language instruction and a range of extracurricular activities, international schools in Portugal are committed to providing students with a well-rounded education that will equip them with the skills they need to succeed in the future. Whether you’re a parent looking for the best education for your child or a student seeking a transformative learning experience, international schools in Portugal are an excellent choice.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about International Schools in Portugal

Does Portugal have good international schools?

Yes, Portugal has good schools that provide quality education to international students. These schools follow international curricula and provide a diverse learning environment that helps students develop a global perspective. 

The international education system in Portugal is also considered to be of a high standard, making it an attractive destination for families looking to provide their children with a good education.

Are international schools free in Portugal?

No, international schools in Portugal are not free and are considered private schools. The fees for international schools vary depending on the school and the grade level. 

It is important to note that the fees for private international schools in Portugal are more expensive than the fees for local schools. Families should research and budget accordingly before deciding on an international school for their children.

How much do international schools cost in Portugal?

International school costs in Portugal vary depending on factors like location, curriculum, and grade level. Expect a range across different schools, with some reaching higher amounts. Be prepared for additional fees beyond tuition, such as application, enrollment, and materials.

Are there English-speaking schools in Portugal?

Yes, there are several English-speaking schools in Portugal providing education in English. 

These schools are either international schools or bilingual schools that offer a curriculum in both Portuguese and English. In addition to English, some schools may provide instruction in other languages, such as French, German, and Spanish.

Are there British International Schools in Portugal?

There are around 14 British International Schools in Portugal. There’s a slightly higher concentration of British schools in the Algarve region, where the largest British international school, Nobel Algarve British International School, is located.

How many international schools are in Portugal?

There are approximately 51 international schools in Portugal. These schools are located in different regions of the country, including Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and other areas.

What are the international schools in Lisbon?

Some of the best international schools in Lisbon include St. Julian’s School, Carlucci American International School of Lisbon, International Preparatory School, and Oeiras International School.

What are the international schools in Porto?

Some schools in Porto include CLIP – Colégio Luso Internacional do Porto, International College of Porto, and Oporto British School.

What are the international schools in the Algarve?

Some schools in the Algarve include the Nobel International School Algarve, the International School of the Algarve, and the Vale Verde International School.

How can I choose from the best international schools in Portugal?

To choose the best international school in Portugal, families should consider factors such as the school’s curriculum, teaching approach, facilities, location, and fees. 

They should also research the school’s reputation and talk to other families with children attending the school. Visiting the school and meeting with the staff can also provide valuable insight into the school’s culture and values.

Can American kids go to school in Portugal?

American children living in Portugal can attend both local public schools (free, immersive, with language support) or international schools (English-speaking, familiar curriculum, tuition fees). The ideal choice hinges on your family’s priorities, budget, and desired level of cultural integration.