The 11 Best International Schools in Lisbon in 2026

Finding the right international school is one of the most important steps for families moving to Lisbon. Luckily, Portugal’s capital is home to a growing number of international schools, which reflects the city’s expanding 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.

It also exposes them to a foreign language, fosters cultural awareness, and shapes them into lifelong learners.  

This article is a shortlist of 11 international schools in and around Lisbon, not an official ranking, and compares them by curriculum, language of instruction, age range, and fees. 

International Schools in Lisbon: Key Takeaways

Lisbon is home to a wide variety of international schools offering programs aligned with the International Baccalaureate, British, American, French, and German 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.

Published annual tuition at the schools in this article ranges from about €6,100 to €29,100 for 2026/27, before registration fees and extras.

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.

However, before deciding on an international school in Portugal, it’s important to understand the different international curricula available. 

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 a supportive, 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 French national curriculum set by the French Ministry of Education and leads to the French Baccalauréat. It is well-known for its well-rounded education system that promotes analytical and critical thinking skills. 

Take a look at our guide to the Portuguese Education System

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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 are 11 international schools in and around Lisbon: 

St. Julian’s School 

St. Julian’s School was established in 1932 and is located in Carcavelos. The school offers a curriculum that includes the English National Curriculum with IGCSEs, the IB Diploma and IB Career-related Programme, and a bilingual Portuguese-English section. St. Julian’s caters to a diverse global student body of over 50 nationalities. 

• Curriculum: English National Curriculum, IB, and bilingual Portuguese-English 
• Key Features: State-of-the-art classrooms, innovative science labs, sports fields, and art studios 
• Extracurricular Activities: Music, sports, and outdoor education with a focus on creating a sustainable and equitable world 
• Yearly fees: €12,693 to €29,970 
• 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 next to Parque das Nações in eastern Lisbon, the school follows the International Early Years, Primary, and Middle Years Curricula and provides the IB Diploma Programme in the final two years, focusing on technology, global citizenship, entrepreneurial skills, sports, and performing arts. 

• Curriculum: International (IEYC, IPC, and IMYC) and IB 
• Key Features: State-of-the-art equipment, campus, and facilities 
• Extracurricular activities: Sports, music, gymnastics, and entrepreneurial skills 
• Yearly fees: €12,390 to €25,200 
• 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 Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes) 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: €11,790 to €26,760 
• Ages: 1 to 18 years 

Carlucci American International School of Lisbon 

Carlucci is an international school just outside Lisbon, in Linhó, Sintra. The school offers an AP 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: Advanced Placement and IB Diploma 
• Key Features: Online student portal with secure log-in, lunch options, school transport, and other third-party services 
• Extracurricular activities: Arts and athletics 
• Yearly fees: €12,128 to €23,532 
• Ages: 3 to 18 

Lycée Français Charles Lepierre 

Lycée Français Charles Lepierre (LFCL) is Lisbon’s French international school. It offers a comprehensive French curriculum from kindergarten through to graduation, and is in central Lisbon.  

Founded in 1907, and on its current campus since 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: €6,098 to €8,286 (higher for non-EU nationals) 
• Ages: 3 to 18 

Deutsche Schule Lissabon 

Deutsche Schule Lissabon (DSL) is a German international school in Lisbon. With a history dating back to 1848, DSL provides a complete educational experience from early learning all the way to the Abitur, the German university entrance qualification.  

The school’s curriculum reflects the 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: €8,385 to €8,615 
• 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 National Curriculum and Cambridge International (IGCSE and A Levels) 
• Key Features: International curriculum, behavioral care, IGCSE program preparation, outdoor facilities, and organic meals 
• Extracurricular activities: Dance, karate, tennis, toy-making workshop, music, surfing, horse-riding, and French 
• Yearly fees: €10,923 to €17,589 
• 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. 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 €11,778 to €23,166 (depending on grade level) 
• Ages: 3 to 18 

PaRK International School 

PaRK International School offers 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 one year) 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: Bilingual Portuguese and English in the early years, then Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels or the IB Diploma 
• Key features: Three campuses (Restelo, Praça de Espanha, and Alfragide), innovative learning approach, bilingual education, modern facilities, focus on global citizenship 
• Extracurricular activities: Sports, robotics, arts, coding, language clubs, music 
• Yearly fees: Approximately €9,830 to €22,200 (depending on campus and grade level) 
• Ages: 1 to 18 

British School of Lisbon (BSL) 

The British School of Lisbon (BSL) is a private international school with a primary campus in Cais do Sodré and a secondary campus in Restelo.  

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 16. 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.

• Curriculum: British Curriculum (leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels) 
• Key features: Small class sizes, campuses in Cais do Sodré and Restelo, strong academic focus, English-language instruction, emphasis on critical thinking 
• Extracurricular activities: Sports, performing arts, coding, clubs, enrichment programs 
• Yearly Fees: Approximately €13,633 to €22,230 (depending on grade level) 
• Ages: 3 to 16 

Redbridge School 

Redbridge School is a progressive, international school, known for its emphasis on English and Portuguese education and holistic learning. French is also introduced as a third language option, ensuring multilingual competence. 

It offers a bilingual curriculum, starting from early childhood education. The school caters to children from 3 years old (nursery) through high school, while the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework is incorporated into its teaching for older students. 

• Curriculum: IB, French, Portuguese, and Cambridge International
• Key Features: Bilingual education (English and Portuguese), project-based learning, two modern campuses in Lisbon 
• Extracurricular activities: Sports, arts, technology clubs, music, leadership programs 
• Yearly Fees: Approximately €8,900 to €18,000 (depending on grade level) 
• Ages: 3 to 18 years 

Among the schools in this article, published tuition for 2026/27 ranges from about €6,100 a year to about €29,100 a 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. 

In addition to tuition fees, other extra fees are as follows: 

• An application fee, usually around €250 and non-refundable 
• A one-off registration, enrollment, or capital fee, which ranges from about €1,000 to €6,000 at the schools in this article 
• Books, school materials, uniforms, meals, and school transport, if applicable 

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 curriculum 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 learn Portuguese 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 like sports, music, or drama play an important role.  

Location 

The nearest school to your home doesn’t need to be the only school on your list. Lisbon has a safe public transport system for older children. Some primary and secondary schools also offer transport for learners. Alternatively, ridesharing services such as Uber and Bolt are widely available throughout the city.