Full List of International Schools in Portugal 2024

Are you moving to Portugal and searching for the perfect school with an international curriculum for your children? Look no further.

The Global Citizen Solutions team in Portugal has launched this International School Guide, providing you with a complete list of schools in the country.

We’ve created a user-friendly tool that allows you to search for international schools in Portugal by name, region, curriculum, and language. From private pre schools to prestigious institutions focused on higher education, our list is comprehensive and designed to help you make an informed decision quickly and efficiently.

Keep reading to find the best international school in Portugal.

How to Choose an International School in Portugal

Portugal has 51 international schools spread across seven distinct cities. The majority of these schools are concentrated in the Greater Lisbon area, Porto, and the Algarve region.

In Lisbon, you can find international schools in various neighborhoods, including Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, Oeiras, and Carcavelos. Meanwhile, the Algarve region offers international schools in Faro, Almancil, Lagoa, and Portimão. Additionally, other Portuguese regions like Braga, Madeira, and Leiria also have a handful of international schools, albeit in smaller numbers.

Choosing the right international school for your children can be made easier if you know where to start.  Below are some top tips to assist you in making the best decision:

• Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by recognized organizations like CIS, NEASC, or IBO, guaranteeing high standards in curriculum, teaching, and facilities.
• Curriculum: Consider the offered curriculum, whether it’s the IB diploma or whether the school offers a North American style education, based on your child’s needs and future aspirations.
• Location: Think about the school’s proximity to your home or workplace and access to public transportation for easy commuting.
• Extracurricular activities: Explore the range of extracurricular offerings, such as sports, music, and drama, to help your child make friends and develop new skills.
• Teacher qualifications: Verify the qualifications and experience of the teachers, as they play a vital role in your child’s learning experience. 

You might also want to consider longevity. Some international schools have an in-built elementary school (primary school) and secondary school and can educate children aged from four years old to school up to eighteen.

Additionally, consider the continuity of education offered, whether the school covers both primary education and secondary education levels, depending on your long-term plans for your child’s education.

Map of International Schools in Portugal

International Schools in Lisbon

International Schools in the Greater Lisbon Area

(Cascais/Estoril/Sintra/Oeiras/Carcavelos)

International Schools in the Algarve

International Schools in other regions

Types of International Schools in Portugal

Note that Portugal offers many different types of international schools, all teaching through different languages and using different curricula. You’ll find British international schools, German schools, French schools, and American international schools in Portugal.

For example, Deutsche Schule Lissabon is an established German school in Lisbon, and Deutsche Schule zu Porto is the second oldest German school in Portugal, located in Porto. Meanwhile, the largest British international school would be the Nobel Algarve British International School.

So, whether your child needs an English-based curriculum, a German-focused education, or any other international approach, rest assured that Portugal’s best international schools stand ready to provide a rich and fulfilling learning experience for students of all backgrounds and aspirations.

The best international schools in Portugal

Several private international schools are well-regarded in Portugal for their academic excellence, diverse curricula, and international perspectives. Some of the notable in the country include:

• 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.
• Carlucci American International School of Lisbon: Located just outside of Lisbon, this is the only school in Portugal recognized by the US Department of State International Christian School of Cascais.
• St. Dominic’s International School: Situated in Cascais, near Lisbon, St. Dominic’s International School was founded by Irish Dominican Sisters in 1954, and it’s ideal for parents looking for the benefits of religious education alongside a regular curriculum. This school offers three programs: diploma, middle years, and primary years.
• Prime School International: This international school has locations in areas such as Cascais, Estoril, Lisbon, and Sintra. From ages 3 to 18, students are immersed in the Cambridge Curriculum, taught exclusively in English. Native Portuguese speakers can opt for classes in both English and Portuguese.
• Oporto British School: Founded in 1894 in the city of Porto, this is the oldest British school in mainland Europe. It follows a British curriculum until the completion of the IGCSE, and it’s the only International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) school in Northern Portugal.
• St. Peter’s International School: A premium private international school in Setubal, Palmela. This school has both national and international programs, including the Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma.
• Greene’s College Oxford: With locations in Estoril and Lisbon, Greene’s College International offers online tuition for International A levels, A level Retakes, and Foundation Years through the personalized, Oxford-style tutorial method.
• International Preparatory School (IPS): Located in Porto, this international school is for children aged between three and eleven. Both the students and teachers are multinational, so this school offers expat children the opportunity to thrive in an international environment.

What can international schools in Portugal offer my child?

In Portugal, international schools offer an exceptional standard of education and typically hold accreditations from international organizations. These schools create a multicultural environment where students have the opportunity to interact with peers from various countries, fostering openness, empathy, and respect for diverse cultures. They also tend to focus on multilingual education, a holistic curriculum, and academic achievement.

Furthermore, the most respected international schools provide an extensive array of extracurricular activities and programs that support the development of children’s skills, talents, and interests.

Many of these schools follow globally recognized curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British curriculum. These curricula are designed to cultivate critical and independent thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, all essential for thriving in the 21st century.

Several of these schools provide globally renowned qualifications like the Cambridge International Examinations, offering your child a competitive edge when applying to universities worldwide.

Some families choose international schools because they focus on children becoming curious and collaborative individuals. Other international schools excel in STEM subjects or emphasize arts and music. You’ll find several English-speaking schools in Portugal with a wide range of curricula.

The Portuguese Education System

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

Portugal has made significant strides in recent years 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

The Portuguese Grading System

The Portuguese grading system may be a little different from what you are used to in your home country. Here, we’ll provide you with some insights on what to expect.

For middle school, a five-scale grading system is used:

1. The lowest grade, fail to pass
2. Unsatisfactory
3. Satisfactory
4. Good
5. Excellent

High schools are graded on a 20-point scale. You can see a comparison of the Portuguese and US grading systems below:

International schools versus public schools

Public schools in Portugal are generally well-regarded, emphasizing public education and following the national curriculum standards. They are also more budget-friendly as they receive government funding and do not require tuition fees. This makes them an attractive choice for families prioritizing education accessibility or those on a tight budget.

However, international schools offer distinct advantages that might appeal to specific families. For foreign residents or international students, attending an international or private educational school can facilitate the transition to a new country due to its diverse student body and tailored curriculum catering to various backgrounds.

International and private schools can also provide a more rigorous academic program with smaller class sizes, offering individualized attention from teachers. 

International schools in Portugal fees

Public schools up to a certain education level are tuition-free for citizens and foreign residents alike. However, the private school tuition ranges between €400 and €500 per month from primary to high school level.

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 international schools in Portugal are private institutions and charge tuition fees, but the costs can vary significantly. Among the options, Instituto Espanhol Giner de Los Rios and the International School of Madeira stand out as schools with lower-cost tuition fees.

To Wrap Things Up 

In summary, Portugal has a wide array of international schools catering to all backgrounds and preferences. From British schools that mirror the British curriculum to institutions that follow American or German teaching styles, the options are endless.

International schools present a high-quality education system with opportunities for students’ personal and professional growth.

This support for personal and professional development paves the way toward a bright future, offering students everything from basic education to foreign language assistance, a focus on critical thinking, extracurricular activities, certifications, and preparation for their foundational university education.

Whether you’re a parent seeking the best education for your child or a student aspiring for a transformative learning journey, international schools stand as an exceptional choice.

Frequently Asked Questions about International Schools in Portugal