Considering relocating to Portugal might just be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. A city full of diversity, tranquility, safety, and cultural beauty. A near to perfect place for your children to grow up with a high quality of life. Here’s a guide to finding International Schools in Portugal for your child’s education.
Relocating to a new country with your family is a big step. We understand you might be concerned about the cultural differences and language barriers your child may face. However, we assure you, we’ve got you covered. Thanks to Lisbon’s economic revival, one-fourth of its residents are foreigners, just like you!
To help you narrow down schooling options, we’ve compiled a list of the best International Schools in Portugal. Keep reading to know which school best fits your expat children.
The education system in Portugal is excellent and has been ranked in 24th position, according to the Best Countries for Education Report, conducted by US News and World Report, BAV Group, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
How to choose an International school in Portugal
Portugal boasts 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 regions like Braga, Madeira and Leiria also have a handful of international schools, albeit in smaller numbers.
The journey of choosing your child’s school can be stressful and exhausting but we’re here to help you! Let’s do it!
Top tips for choosing the best international school for your child:
Reputation and Accreditation
Research the school’s reputation and accreditation. Look for reviews from other parents and students, and check if the school is accredited by reputable organizations such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) or the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Cost
Consider the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with attending the school. Make sure you understand what is included in the cost, such as meals, transportation, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Some schools may also offer financial aid or scholarships, which can help offset the cost.
Location
Think about the school’s proximity to your home or workplace and access to public transportation.
Extra Curriculum Activities
Look for schools that offer a wide range of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, drama, and art. These activities can help your child develop their talents, build social skills, and make new friends.
Teacher qualifications
Verify the qualifications and experience of teachers, as they play a vital role in your child’s learning experience.
Curriculum
Choose a school that offers a curriculum that aligns with your child’s needs and future goals. Some popular curricula include the International Baccalaureate (IB), the British National Curriculum, and the American Curriculum.
You should also consider if the school offers bilingual or multilingual programs and if they have a strong focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects.
Longevity
You might also want to consider longevity. Some international schools have an in-built elementary school and secondary school and can educate children aged from four years old right school up to eighteen.
How is organized the education in Portugal
Education in Portugal is divided into several stages and in this article, we will take a closer look at each of these stages and what they entail.
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- Preschool education (Educação Pré-escolar): ages 3 to 6
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- Primary education (Ensino Básico): ages 6 to 15
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- Secondary education (Ensino Secundário): ages 15 to 18
- Higher education (Ensino Superior): ages 18 and above.
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Pre-school education (Educação Pré-escolar)
Pre-school education in Portugal emphasizes play-based learning and the development of social skills, creativity, and independence.
Children are exposed to a variety of activities and experiences that help them develop their cognitive, emotional, and physical abilities.
Primary education (Ensino Básico)
During this stage, children receive a general education that covers subjects such as Portuguese, mathematics, science, history, geography, and physical education.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in secondary education and beyond.
Secondary education (Ensino Secundário)
During this stage, students can choose to pursue either a general or technical education track.
The general education track prepares students for higher education and focuses on subjects such as Portuguese, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and history.
The technical education track prepares students for the workforce and focuses on practical skills and hands-on learning.
Higher education (Ensino Superior)
Higher education in Portugal is available to students who have completed secondary education and is divided into two main categories: academic and professional.
Higher education in Portugal is provided by universities, polytechnic institutes, and other higher education institutions.
Best international schools in Lisbon
The British School Lisbon
The British School Lisbon is an international school located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal. It offers an English-language education to students from ages 3 to 18, and follows the British National Curriculum.
The school is accredited by the Council of British International Schools and is a member of the European Council of International Schools.
The British School Lisbon provides a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community service. It also prepares students for IGCSEs and A-levels, which are internationally recognized qualifications that can help students gain entry to top universities around the world.
Lycée Francais Charles Lepiérre Lisbonne
Lycée Francais Charles Lepiérre Lisbonne is a French international school located in Lisbon, Portugal. It offers a French-language education to students from ages 3 to 18, and follows the French curriculum.
The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is a member of the Agency for French Education Abroad. Lycée Francais Charles Lepiérre Lisbonne provides a range of academic and extracurricular activities, including sports, music, art, and theater.
It also prepares students for the French Baccalauréat, an internationally recognized qualification that can help students gain entry to top universities around the world.
Redbridge School
Redbridge School is an international school located in Lisbon, Portugal that offers an English-language education to students from ages 3 to 18.
The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is a rigorous, globally recognized program that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and intercultural understanding.
Redbridge School is accredited by the Council of International Schools and is a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization. The school offers a range of academic and extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community service.
Deutsche Schule Lissabon
Deutsche Schule Lissabon is a German international school located in Lisbon, Portugal. It offers a German-language education to students from ages 3 to 18, and follows the German curriculum.
The school is accredited by the German government and is a member of the Association of German International Schools. Deutsche Schule Lissabon provides a range of academic and extracurricular activities, including sports, music, art, and theater.
It also prepares students for the German Abitur, an internationally recognized qualification that can help students gain entry to top universities around the world.
United Lisbon International School
The United Lisbon International School is a relatively new international school that opened its doors in September 2020. It offers education to students from preschool to grade 12 and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.
The school is located in central Lisbon and boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a science lab, art studios, a music room, and a gymnasium.
The school places great emphasis on personalized learning, with a low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure that each student receives individual attention.
Park International School
The Park International School is a private international school located in Lisbon, Portugal. The school provides an education for students aged 3 to 18 and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and has students from over 40 different nationalities.
The Park International School is committed to providing a holistic education, focusing on academic excellence, personal development, and global citizenship. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community service.
The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
International Schools in the greater Lisbon area
International Schools in the Algarve
International Schools in other regions of Portugal
Frequently asked questions about International Schools in Portugal
What are international schools in Portugal?
International schools in Portugal are schools that provide an education that follows an international curriculum and is taught in English or another foreign language.
These schools are often attended by expatriate families who are living in Portugal.
What are some of the benefits of attending an international school in Portugal?
Exposure to different cultures, languages, and educational systems, access to high-quality facilities and resources, and the opportunity to earn international qualifications that are recognized by universities around the world.
How can I find an international school in Portugal?
Searching online, getting recommendations from friends or colleagues, or working with a reputable educational consultant who specializes in international schools.
What kind of curriculum do international schools in Portugal follow?
International schools in Portugal typically follow an international curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, the Cambridge International Curriculum, or the American curriculum.
These curriculums are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
What kind of language instruction do international schools in Portugal offer?
International schools in Portugal typically offer language instruction in English or another foreign language such as French, Spanish, or German.
Many schools also offer language immersion programs that allow students to become proficient in a second language.
What kind of extracurricular activities do international schools in Portugal offer?
International schools in Portugal offer a wide range of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, drama, art, and community service. These activities are designed to help students develop social skills, leadership abilities, and a sense of community.
What are the admission requirements for international schools in Portugal?
Depends on the school. Generally, students will need to submit an application form, transcripts from previous schools, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation.
Some schools may also require an entrance exam or interview.
How much do international schools in Portugal cost?
The cost depends on the school and the level of education. Generally, tuition fees for international schools in Portugal range from €10,000 to €25,000 per year.
Additional costs such as uniforms, textbooks, and extracurricular activities may also apply.
What kind of support do international schools in Portugal provide for students with special needs?
International schools in Portugal are required to provide support for students with special needs.
This support may include accommodations such as additional time for exams or specialized instruction. Parents should contact the school directly to discuss the specific needs of their child.
If you’re thinking of moving to Portugal, we can help you! Contact us by e-mail: geral@livingroup.com.pt
