International Schools in Portugal: Complete List for 2024

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

The Global Citizen Solutions team curated this comprehensive guide on International Schools in Portugal Guide, featuring a complete list of international schools nationwide.

This user-friendly tool allows you to search for international schools in Portugal by name, region, curriculum, and language. From private pre-schools and schools offering well-ranked secondary education to prestigious institutions focused on higher education, our comprehensive list is designed to help you make an informed decision effectively.

Keep reading for more on the best international schools in Portugal.

How to Choose an International School in Portugal

There are 51 international schools in Portugal, spread across seven distinct cities. Most are concentrated in the Greater Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region, which can make choosing a school and a home location challenging. According to Goldcrest’s Head of Real Estate, Goncalo Peixoto, families must weigh different factors like the child’s age, commute times, school admissions processes, curriculum, and the relationship between property prices, school areas, and lifestyle in their decision.

“It really depends on the family. For example, the child age and grade of younger children, the proximity to the school may be a higher priority. Older children might be able to handle longer commutes. You can also look at the school availability and the admission charge criteria. Some schools have limited spots or specific enrollment requirements. So ensuring a place for your kid before settling on a property can avoid disappointment on this side,” he explains in our Global Intelligence Unit‘s upcoming international schools report.

You can find international schools in Lisbon in various neighborhoods, including Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, Oeiras, and Carcavelos. Meanwhile, the Algarve region offers international schools in Faro, Almancil, Lagoa, and Portimão. 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 easier if you know where to start. Here 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: Based on your child’s needs and aspirations, consider the offered curriculum, whether the IB diploma or the North American style education.
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 teachers’ qualifications and experience, as they are vital to your child’s learning experience.

Peixoto further explains: “People tend to choose to buy a house near schools for their children, where they can drive up to twenty minutes to pick up and drop off their kids. In wider Lisbon, the distance for commuting isn’t that big so it’s feasible. We’ve also been seeing a lot of new schools opening in the Algarve and Sintra. So, not all the great schools are centrally located, which is interesting. Parents have a lot of choice when deciding on the school.”

Types of International Schools in Portugal

A school curriculum is a structured plan that outlines what students should learn at each grade level or within a specific educational program. The Portuguese education system curriculum differs from international curricula, such as the British curriculum.

Additionally, some universities require specific curriculum qualifications for admission, so students need to attend schools that align with their future academic goals.

Portugal boasts international schools that offer a variety of internationally recognized curricula, each offering different languages and curricula. These are:

British Curriculum

British international schools typically follow the UK National Curriculum, which includes Key Stages 1 to 4 and prepares students for GCSEs and A-levels. Notable example: Nobel Algarve British International School is the largest British international school in Portugal, offering a comprehensive English-based curriculum with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and extracurricular activities.

German curriculum

German international schools in Portugal, such as Deutsche Schule Lissabon and Deutsche Schule zu Porto, offer a comprehensive German curriculum. Deutsche Schule Lissabon is known for its well-rounded educational approach. At the same time, Deutsche Schule zu Porto, the second oldest German school in Portugal, provides a traditional German education with a strong emphasis on academic rigor and cultural enrichment.

American curriculum

American schools in Portugal, such as Oporto International School, follow the U.S. curriculum. They provide a broad liberal arts education, standardized testing (like SATs), and Advanced Placement (AP) courses to prepare students for college and university in the United States.

French curriculum

French international schools adhere to the French national curriculum, which includes the French Baccalauréat. This curriculum focuses on a rigorous academic program emphasising humanities, sciences, and languages. Notable example: The Lycée Français Charles Lepierre in Lisbon offers a comprehensive French curriculum, including French language instruction and preparation for the French Baccalauréat.

So, whether you prefer an English-based curriculum, a German-focused education, or any other international approach, rest assured that international schools in Portugal provide rich and fulfilling learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations.

What can international schools in Portugal offer my child?

In Portugal, international schools offer an exceptional standard of education and are typically accredited by international organizations. They create a multicultural environment, allowing students to interact with peers from various countries and fostering openness and respect for diverse cultures. These schools focus on multilingual education, a holistic curriculum, and academic achievement.

They also provide various extracurricular activities to support children’s skills, talents, and interests. Many schools follow globally recognized curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British curriculum, designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Several schools offer renowned qualifications like Cambridge International Examinations, giving students a competitive edge for global university applications. Some schools emphasize curiosity and collaboration, with others excelling in STEM subjects or the arts. You’ll find numerous English-speaking international schools in Portugal with various curricula.

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International Schools vs Public Schools in Portugal

Public schools in Portugal are well-regarded, emphasize national curriculum standards, and are budget-friendly due to government funding. They are a good choice for families seeking education accessibility or on a tight budget.

According to Natalie Willis-Davies, education consultant at Tendoria, parents have a wide variety of schooling options. “Besides the international schools, we have one big category, which is the public and private Portuguese schools. These schools are fully taught in Portuguese, except, of course, with foreign language subjects that they offer, such as English, French, or German,” say explains.

International schools offer benefits to foreign residents or international students, including a diverse student body and tailored curricula. They often provide rigorous academic programs with smaller class sizes and individualized attention from teachers.

Willis-Davies explains one of the biggest differences: “International schools typically offer a more comprehensive range of extracurricular activities than local schools do. This allows children to explore their interests and develop their skills beyond the classroom. An international school is really a softer landing for families relocating to Portugal, especially for children aged 12 plus, who will need more time to learn Portuguese than their younger counterparts. International schools also offer an international setting, meaning that the students have come from different backgrounds, and that makes it sometimes makes it easier to integrate and make friends.

School fees in Portugal

Public schools in Portugal are tuition-free for citizens and foreign residents up to a certain level of education. Private school tuition ranges from €400 to €500 per month for primary through high school.

International schools typically have higher tuition fees, with monthly costs of around €800. Minimum fees start at about €40 per month but can go up to €1,800 depending on the school level. When budgeting for international or private schools, consider additional costs for uniforms, books, and other supplies.

The Portuguese Education System

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

Portugal has modernized its educational infrastructure, incorporating innovative teaching methods and technology. The system is divided into:

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

Middle school uses a five-scale grading system: Fail, Unsatisfactory, Satisfactory, Good, Excellent.
High schools use a 20-point scale.

Best International Schools in Portugal

Several private international schools in Portugal are renowned for their academic excellence and diverse curricula. Notable examples include:

St. Julian’s School (Carcavelos): This well-established school offers an international program based on the English National Curriculum, with access to the Portuguese national curriculum on the Portuguese side.
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon: Located just outside 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, founded by Irish Dominican Sisters in 1954, offers religious education with a regular curriculum, including diploma, middle, and primary programs.
Prime School International: This international school has locations in Cascais, Estoril, Lisbon, and Sintra. It offers the Cambridge Curriculum in English for ages 3 to 18, with options for native Portuguese speakers to take classes in both languages.
Oporto British School: Founded in 1894 in Porto, this is the oldest British school in mainland Europe. It follows a British curriculum through IGCSE and is the only International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) school in Northern Portugal.
St. Peter’s International School is a premium private international school in Setúbal, Palmela. It offers national and international programs, including Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma.
Greene’s College Oxford: With locations in Estoril and Lisbon, it offers online tuition for International A Levels, A Level Retakes, and Foundation Years using an Oxford-style tutorial method.
International Preparatory School (IPS): Located in Porto, IPS serves children ages three to eleven, providing an international environment with a multinational student and teacher body.

Map of International Schools in Portugal

International Schools in Lisbon

List of international schools in Lisbon

The British School of Lisbon – Misericórdia
Lycée Français Charles Lepierre Lisbonne – Campolide
PaRK International – Benfica
United Lisbon – Marvilla
Redbridge School – Campo de Ourique
L’Ecole Trillingue – Belem
The Lisboan – Alcantara
Deutsche School – Lumiar

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International Schools in the Greater Lisbon Area

List of international schools in Cascais and Estoril

St George’s
Brave Generation Academy
IPS Cascais
International Christian School of Cascais
St Dominic’s
St James Primary School
Aprendizes
Kairos Montessori
St John’s School
Kings College
Santo Antonio International School
Greene’s College Oxford
Lisbon Montessori School

List of schools in Sintra and Oeiras

Oeiras International School – Oeiras
International Sharing School Tagus Park – Oeiras
Carlucci International School of Lisbon – Sintra
Prime School – Sintra
TASIS Portugal – Sintra

List of schools in Carcavelos

St Julian’s
Svenska Skolan

International Schools in the Algarve

List of international schools in the Algarve

Lagos:

Barlavento International Primary School
Vale Verde International School
Nobel Algarve British International School

Silves:

Nederlands Onderwijs Algarve Portugal

Olhão:

Colégio Bernardette Romeira

Loulé:

Educan, Algarve
CIV – Vilamoura International School
Eupheus International School Loulé – Algarve
Algarve International School

Tavira

Colégio Santiago Internacional

Aljezur

Aljezur International School

Albufeira

Eden Montessori International School

International Schools in Other Regions

List of international schools in other regions of Portugal

Setúbal Region Palmela

St Peter’s International School Seixal:
Seixal International School

Central Portugal: Marinha Grande

CLIC – Colégio Luso-Internacional de Centro

North Portugal, Porto

CLIP Oporto International School
Oporto British School
Lycée Français International de Porto – LFIP
Deutsche Schule zu Porto Braga:
CLIB – The Braga International School

Key Takeaways

Portugal offers various international schools for various backgrounds and preferences. Options include British schools with the British curriculum and institutions following American or German teaching styles.

These schools provide a high-quality education with opportunities for personal and professional growth, including basic education, foreign language support, critical thinking, extracurricular activities, certifications, and university preparation. Whether you’re a parent seeking excellent education for your child or a student looking for a transformative learning experience, international schools in Portugal are exceptional choices.

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Frequently Asked Questions about International Schools 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.

What are the international schools in Lisbon?

There are 28 international schools in the Greater Lisbon region alone, including the British School of Lisbon, Lycée Francais Charles Le Pierre de Lisbonne, and The Lisboan.

What are the international schools in Porto?

There are four international schools in Porto: CLIP – Oporto International School, Oporto British School, Lycée Français International de Porto – LFIP, and CJD International School.

What are the international schools in the Algarve?

There are 12 international schools in the Algarve, including the Nobel Algarve British International School (sometimes known as Nobel International School Algarve), Vale Verde International School, Colegio Santiago Internacional, CIV – Vilamoura International School, and Aljezur International School.

What are the best international schools in Portugal?

Some of the top international schools in Portugal include St. Julian’s School in Carcavelos, Carlucci American International School of Lisbon, St. Dominic’s International School in Cascais, Prime School International with several locations, Oporto British School in Porto, St. Peter’s International School in Setúbal, Greene’s College Oxford in Estoril and Lisbon, and St. James’ Primary School in Cascais.

Are international schools free in Portugal?

No, international schools are not free in Portugal. However, you will find fees for international schools here much more affordable than in other European countries.

Are there English-speaking schools in Portugal?

In Portugal, essential English-speaking schools are in Lisbon, the Algarve, and Porto. Notable examples include the Nobel International School, PaRK International School, Oeiras International School, Carlucci American International School, St. Dominic’s International, and the British International School of Lisbon.

These schools offer British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.

Which is the cheapest international school in Portugal?

International school fees vary. Affordable options include Instituto Espanhol Giner de Los Rios and the International School of Madeira. For detailed fees, refer to our International School Guide linked at the beginning of this article. Boarding schools tend to be more expensive.

How many international schools are in Portugal?

Portugal has 51 international schools, mainly in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, covering primary to secondary education. Curricula include the British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB).

American international schools are particularly useful if you might relocate to the U.S., as they familiarize students with the American curriculum.

How do international schools in Portugal differ from local Portuguese schools?

International schools in Portugal differ from local schools by offering diverse curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, or German systems.

Unlike local schools, which use Portuguese and follow the national curriculum, international schools provide bilingual or multilingual education and have a more diverse, multicultural student body.

Can my child transition easily from an international school in Portugal to a school in another country?

Yes, students who attend an international school in Portugal can generally transition smoothly to schools in other countries. International schools follow globally recognized curricula, making it easier for students to adapt to different educational systems.

Do international schools in Portugal provide support for non-English speaking students?

Yes, international schools often support non-English speaking students with language programs. Many offer English as a Second Language (ESL) or specialized language classes to help these students improve their English proficiency and integrate into the English-based curriculum.

What extracurricular activities are available in international schools in Portugal?

Portugal’s international schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities such as sports as well as music, drama, arts, debate clubs, and various academic or interest-based clubs. Some international schools may organize field trips, community service projects, and cultural events.

Does Portugal have good international schools?

Yes, Portugal is home to several reputable international schools that offer high-quality education and a range of curricula. These schools cater to expatriate communities and local families seeking an international education for their children.

How much do international schools cost in Portugal?

If you are thinking of enrolling your kids at an international school, be prepared to pay plenty in tuition fees. Monthly fees are usually around 800 EUR (880 USD). The minimum you would pay at an international school in Portugal is 400 EUR (440 USD), but prices can go as high as 1,800 EUR (2,000 USD) a month

Can American kids go to school in Portugal?

Yes, American children can attend school in Portugal. There are international schools that offer curricula such as the American curriculum or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Are international schools in Portugal open to both expatriate and local students?

Yes, international schools in Portugal are open to both expatriate and local students. While these schools are commonly associated with serving the expatriate community, they are also open to local students who wish to benefit from an international education and the opportunities it offers.

Is English taught in schools in Portugal?

The English language is widely taught in Portugal’s education system, with many private and public schools offering it as a mandatory subject. Attending school in Portugal often includes English language instruction, particularly in private schools where bilingual programs may be available alongside the standard curriculum.

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