Finding the right international school is one of the most important steps for families moving to Lisbon. Luckily, Portugal’s capital is home to some of the country’s most recognized and best international schools, which reflects the city’s growing expatriate community.
Catering to the needs of families worldwide from primary to secondary education, the right international curriculum prepares your child for future academic excellence and professional development, exposes them to a foreign language, fosters cultural awareness, shapes them into lifelong learners, and affords them academic global citizenship.
This guide explores the best international schools in Lisbon, comparing the options for educational quality, curriculum, and facilities.
Quick Summary About International Schools in Lisbon
- Lisbon is home to a wide variety of international schools offering programs aligned with the International Baccalaureate, British, and American education systems.
- These schools welcome students from all over the world and focus on strong academics, multicultural understanding, and preparing students for life in a global community.
- Families can choose from many international schools located throughout Lisbon and its suburbs, each offering different teaching styles and unique strengths.
- Most international schools in Lisbon offer small class sizes, a range of extracurricular activities, and strong English-language teaching, making for a well-rounded educational experience.
- Tuition fees and admission requirements differ from school to school, so it’s a good idea for families moving to Portugal to research and compare options early on.
Types of International Schools in Lisbon
Some of the best international schools in Portugal are situated in Lisbon. However, before deciding on a school, it’s important to understand the different international curricula available in Lisbon.
International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB program is known worldwide for its high academic standards and focus on critical thinking and global awareness.
American International Schools and Advanced Placement (AP): American international schools provide a curriculum rooted in the rich tradition of the American education system, encompassing Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
British Curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels): A British school focusing on the English national curriculum offers students a solid foundation and offers a supportive and challenging environment focused on academics.
German Curriculum (Abitur): Schools offering the German curriculum in Lisbon provide well-structured programming focused on critical thinking and problem-solving and a wide range of courses in sciences, humanities, and languages.
French Curriculum (Baccalauréat): The French curriculum follows the programming of the International Baccalaureate Organization. It is well-known for its well-rounded education system that promotes analytical and critical thinking skills.
Top 10 International Education Schools in Lisbon
Foreign residents and their children can make the most of their new life in Lisbon. The international mindedness of each primary and secondary school equips every child with the knowledge and skills required to prosper. Here’s our top 10 list of international schools in Lisbon:
St. Julian’s School
St. Julian’s School was established in 1932 and is located in Carcavelos. It is one of the most prestigious international schools in Lisbon. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes the IB Diploma, British (IGCSE and A-Levels), and Portuguese sections. St. Julian’s caters to a diverse global student body of over 50 nationalities.
- Curriculum: IB and British
- Key Features: State-of-the-art classrooms, innovative science labs, sports fields, and art studios
- Extra curricular Activities: Music, sports, and outdoor education with a focus on creating a sustainable and equitable world.
- Yearly fees: €11,900 to €28,000
- Ages: 3 to 18
United Lisbon International School
United Lisbon International School is a modern and innovative school providing education for kindergarten to grade 12 students. Located in the beautiful Parque das Nações, the school follows an American curriculum and provides the IB Diploma program, focusing on technology, global citizenship, entrepreneurial skills, sports, and performing arts. It’s a wonderful place for students to grow and thrive in a safe but ever-changing world.
- Curriculum: American and IB
- Key Features: State-of-the-art equipment, campus, and facilities
- Extracurricular activities: Sports, music, gymnastics, and entrepreneurial skills
- Yearly fees: €11,000 to €22,500
- Ages: 3 to 18
International Sharing School – Taguspark
International Sharing School – Taguspark, Lisbon, is a private international school located in the Taguspark technology and business hub in Oeiras, just outside Lisbon. The school has a multicultural learning environment, combining strong academic foundations with a focus on personal development, global awareness, and innovation. Additionally, the school emphasizes close collaboration between families and educators, fostering a community-oriented atmosphere that supports students academically and personally from foundations through secondary education.
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) in English, with Portuguese as a second language.
- Key features: Modern campus in the greater Lisbon area, with small class sizes and innovative teaching methods. It has a strong focus on global citizenship, technology, and personal development.
- Extracurricular activities: Sports, arts, music, technology clubs, language enrichment, and community projects.
- Yearly fees: Vary by grade level, provided upon request.
- Ages: 3 to 18 years
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
Carlucci is a premier international school just outside Lisbon, and also one of the best international schools in Cascais. The school offers an American-style education from Early Childhood through High School, with the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) in the final two years. CAISL is known for its rigorous academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and supportive learning environment for personal growth and self-expression.
- Curriculum: American
- Key Features: Online student portal, always providing secure log-in for security, lunch options, transport, and other third-party features.
- Extracurricular activities: Arts and athletics.
- Yearly fees: €10,000 to €21,600
- Ages: 3 to 1
Lycée Français Charles Lepierre
Lycée Français Charles Lepierre (LFCL) is one of Lisbon’s most esteemed schools. It offers a comprehensive French curriculum from kindergarten through to graduation. Established in 1952, LFCL is part of the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) network, which ensures adherence to high educational standards and the French national curriculum.
- Curriculum: Primarily in French, with additional language support in Portuguese and English.
- Key Features: Modern facilities, science labs, sports fields, and art studios.
- Extracurricular activities: Music, performing arts, sports, and clubs.
- Yearly fees: €5,000 to €6,500
- Ages: 3 to 18
Deutsche Schule Lissabon
Deutsche Schule Lissabon (DSL) is an esteemed German international school nestled in the beautiful city of Lisbon, Portugal. With a rich history dating back to 1848, DSL provides a complete educational experience from early learning all the way to the Abitur, the esteemed German university entrance qualification. The school’s curriculum reflects the renowned German education system, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and proficiency in multiple languages, setting students up for success in a globalized and sustainable world.
- Curriculum: German
- Key Features: State-of-the-art facilities, science labs, sports facilities, and other features for holistic development.
- Extracurricular activities: Sports, music, arts, and drama
- Yearly fees: €7,700 to €7,900
- Ages: 3 to 18
Aprendizes – Active Learning School
Aprendizes offers students a holistic educational experience that encourages critical thinking, individuality, and active citizenship. Its bilingual curriculum, delivered in English and Portuguese, integrates the Portuguese National Curriculum with the Cambridge International Curriculum, allowing students to pursue higher education in Portugal or abroad.
Activities like yoga, creative workshops, and Cambridge Global Perspectives complement core subjects such as mathematics, sciences, arts, and languages. This approach equips students with the knowledge, empathy, and skills to contribute actively to a more just and sustainable world.
- Curriculum: Portuguese and English.
- Key Features: International curriculum, behavioral care, IGCSE program preparation, outdoor facilities, and organic meals.
- Extracurricular activities: Dance, karate, tennis, toy-making workshop, music, surf, horse-riding, and French.
- Yearly fee: €11,000 to €17,000
- Ages: 3 to 18
St. Dominic’s International School
St. Dominic’s International School is a private, co-educational school following the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). This curriculum is internationally recognized for its focus on holistic education, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.
St. Dominic’s is well-regarded for its academic excellence and nurturing environment, making it a popular choice for expatriates and local families looking for an international education. It is equipped with modern facilities to support academic, arts, and sports programs, fostering a well-rounded education. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular programs, including arts, music, and sports, to complement academic learning and support personal development.
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Key features: Purpose-built campus in Cascais, modern science labs, technology integration, strong pastoral care system, multicultural student body
- Extracurricular activities: Sports, music, drama, Model United Nations (MUN), community service, clubs
- Yearly fees: Approximately €11,000 to €20,000 (depending on grade level)
- Ages: 3 to 18
PaRK International School
PaRK International School is an excellent choice for families seeking a bilingual, globally-oriented education in Portugal. PaRK International offers a bilingual curriculum combining Portuguese and English, particularly in the early years. For older students, the school integrates the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE). The school focuses on academic excellence, creativity, and unique thinking, preparing students for university and global opportunities.
The school caters to students from pre-school (starting at six months) through secondary education and promotes bilingualism, with significant emphasis on English proficiency. As students progress, they also have opportunities to study other languages like French or Spanish.
- Curriculum: International (Cambridge International and Portuguese National Curriculum options)
- Key features: Multiple campuses (Lisbon, Cascais, Alfragide), innovative learning approach, bilingual education, modern facilities, focus on global citizenship
- Extracurricular activities: Sports, robotics, arts, coding, language clubs, music
- Yearly fees: Approximately €6,000 to €19,000 (depending on campus and grade level)
- Ages: 1 to 18
British School of Lisbon (BSL)
The British School of Lisbon (BSL) is a prestigious private international school in the Campo de Ourique region. It follows the British National Curriculum, starting from Early Years through Key Stage 2 (primary education) and progressively expanding to Key Stage 3 and beyond. As the school grows, it aims to prepare students for globally recognized qualifications such as IGCSEs and A-Levels.
BSL currently caters to students aged 3 to 13 years, with plans to expand its offerings for older students as they progress through the school. The primary language of instruction is English, with Portuguese taught as a second language to ensure students are well-integrated into the local culture. Additional languages, such as Spanish or French, may be offered as part of the curriculum to empower students and embrace challenges through good education in an ever-changing world.
- Curriculum: British Curriculum (leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels)
- Key features: Small class sizes, modern campus in central Lisbon, strong academic focus, English-language instruction, emphasis on critical thinking
- Extracurricular activities: Sports, performing arts, coding, clubs, enrichment programs
- Yearly Fees: Approximately €10,000 to €18,000 (depending on grade level)
- Ages: 3 to 16
Redbridge School
Redbridge School is a progressive, international school, known for its emphasis on bilingual education and holistic learning. It offers a bilingual curriculum in English and Portuguese, starting from early childhood education. The school follows a child-centered approach, integrating elements from international educational philosophies like Montessori and Reggio Emilia. The International Baccalaureate (IB) framework is incorporated into its teaching, particularly for older students.
The school caters to children from 3 years old (nursery) through lower secondary school, with plans to expand into upper secondary education. Instruction is bilingual in English and Portuguese, fostering fluency in both languages. French is also introduced as a third language option, ensuring multilingual competence.
- Curriculum: International
- Key Features: Bilingual education (English and Portuguese), project-based learning, modern facilities in Cascais, focus on innovation and creativity
- Extracurricular activities: Sports, arts, technology clubs, music, leadership programs
- Yearly Fees: Approximately €6,500 to €15,000 (depending on grade level)
- Ages: 4 months to 18 years
How much does an international school cost in Lisbon?
Tuition fees for international schools in Lisbon typically range from €10,470 to €26,760 per year. Some schools may offer monthly payment options. Additionally, there might be application and enrollment fees, as well as costs for books, uniforms, and other materials.
The cost tends to increase the higher the school level. According to our Global Intelligence Unit’s Global Education Report, Portugal scored a total of 70.2, ranking 25th overall and coming in 8th place in terms of higher education cost.
Overall, parents can expect to pay between €9,000 and €27,000 per academic year. In addition to tuition fees for some of the best international schools, other extra fees are as follows:
- €30-70 for applying (the cost is non-refundable)
- €200-500 as an annual enrolment fee
- Books, school materials, and uniforms, if applicable.
Tips for Choosing International Schools in Portugal
Research the school’s curriculum, language of instruction, and extracurricular activities to ensure they align with your child’s needs and future goals. Here are the key elements to consider:
Curriculum and academic programs
If your child has a preferred university they want to attend, the curricula in which they complete their schooling are crucial. Also, look into the faculty, community surrounding the school, and the institution’s reputation amongst other expatriates.
Class sizes
International schools are private schools with smaller class sizes than public schools. Therefore, class size is very important if your child thrives in a smaller learning environment, requires specialized attention, or simply gets overwhelmed in larger group settings.
Language of instruction and language support
Learning in your home language with the option to improve on the local Portuguese dialect is an important factor. Many schools offer multilingual education that allows your child to feel comfortable in school in a new country and learn Portuguese to make the transition easier.
Extracurricular activities and facilities
Children of foreign residents need to integrate with kids their age and create their communities. This is where extra activities play an important role. Activities like sports, music, or drama are treasured talents that should be nurtured alongside like-minded children.
Location
The nearest school to your home doesn’t need to be the only school on your list. Lisbon has an excellent and safe public transport system for older children. Some primary and secondary schools also offer transport for learners. Alternatively, e-hailing is widely available throughout the city.
Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal
If you’re considering making the move to Portugal, it’s essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Portugal D7 Visa is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long-stay options with the Digital Nomad Visa (D8).
For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) – Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent.
However, moving to a new country isn’t just about visas. If you’re thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can’t forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Identification Number), a crucial step in any relocation process.
