Get to Know the International Schools in Portugal: Expats' Guide
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Portugal has become a favored destination for expats, offering not only a rich cultural heritage but also excellent educational opportunities for families.
International schools in Portugal cater to the needs of diverse communities, providing globally recognized curricula, multilingual environments, and high-quality education.
This article dives into everything you need to know about international schools in Portugal, including enrollment requirements, costs, languages taught, homeschooling options, and availability for early childhood education.
How are the International Schools in Portugal?
As of November 2024, Portugal boasts 51 international schools spread across major expat hubs like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, with additional options in regions like Braga, Madeira, and Leiria.
These schools offer a variety of curricula, including British, American, German, French, and the International Baccalaureate (IB), catering to students from preschool to secondary education.
Top Locations:
- Lisbon and Greater Lisbon: Cascais, Sintra, Oeiras, Carcavelos
- Porto: Central Porto and surrounding areas
- **Algarve:** Faro, Almancil, Lagos, Lagoa
- Other Regions: Braga, Madeira, Setúbal
How is the curriculum and what languages are available in International Schools in Portugal?
International schools in Portugal deliver education in multiple languages, often with bilingual or multilingual programs. The predominant languages of instruction include:
- English: British and American curricula dominate, with English as the primary medium.
- French: Offered at Lycée Français schools in Lisbon and Porto.
- German: Deutsche Schule in Lisbon and Porto.
- Portuguese: Some schools integrate Portuguese language classes or follow a bilingual approach.
Popular Curricula:
- British National Curriculum (Key Stages, IGCSE, and A-Levels)
- American Curriculum (K-12, Advanced Placement)
- International Baccalaureate (IB) (Primary, Middle Years, Diploma Program)
- French National Curriculum (French Baccalauréat)
- German Curriculum (Abitur)
How is the enrollment process and what documents are required for International Schools in Portugal?
The enrollment process varies depending on the school but generally involves the following requirements:
- Completed application form
- Child's passport or ID
- Parent's ID or proof of residency
- Vaccination records
- School transcripts or academic reports from previous years
- Proof of payment for application/enrollment fees
- Interviews or entrance assessments may be necessary in certain situations.
Parents are encouraged to apply early, as many schools have limited spaces and high demand.
What are the costs and additional fees?
International schools in Portugal are private institutions and charge tuition fees, which vary by region, curriculum, and grade level. On average:
- Monthly Tuition: €800–€1,800
- Application Fee: €50–€100 (non-refundable)
- Annual Enrollment Fee: €200–€500
- Books, uniforms, and supplies: €300–€500 annually
How is the early childhood education (0–5 Years) within International Schools in Portugal?
Early childhood education in Portugal is available through nurseries (ages 0–3) and preschools (ages 3–6).
Schools like International Sharing School Taguspark accept children as young as 4 months and follow curricula that prepare them for global education paths.
How is homeschooling in Portugal?
Homeschooling is legal in Portugal and regulated under specific guidelines. Parents must:
- Register with a public or private school in Portugal.
- Submit a teaching plan that adheres to the national curriculum.
- Participate in annual assessments.
While homeschooling is growing in popularity, especially among expats, it remains less common than formal schooling.
List of International Schools in Portugal
Portugal offers a diverse array of international schools, catering to various educational curricula and languages.
While full lists may vary, it's important to note that the number of international schools in the country exceeds 50. For instance, the International Schools Database identifies 55 international schools across eight cities in Portugal.
These schools are distributed as follows:
- Lisbon: 28 schools
- Algarve: 14 schools
- Porto: 5 schools
- Palmela: 3 schools
- Madeira: 2 schools
- Torres Vedras: 1 school
- Leiria: 1 school
- Braga: 1 school
Below is an updated list of active international schools, grouped by region:
Lisbon and Surrounding Areas:
- The British School of Lisbon: Offers the British curriculum for students aged 3 to 14.
- Greene's College Oxford, Lisbon, and Estoril: Provides a British curriculum for students aged 14 to 18.
- Prime School: Follows both American and British curricula for students aged 3 to 18.
- United Lisbon International School: Offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) and international curricula for students aged 3 to 18.
- International Sharing School Taguspark: Provides the IB curriculum for students aged 1 to 18.
- TASIS Portugal: Offers American and British curricula for students aged 3 to 16.
- Jill's Place: Focuses on early childhood education.
- St. Dominic's International School: Offers the IB curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- Oeiras International School: Provides the IB curriculum for students aged 6 to 18.
- St. Julian's School: Offers the British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- Deutsche Schule Lissabon: German curriculum for students aged 1 to 18.
- Lycée Français Charles Lepierre: French curriculum for students aged 1 to 18.
- International Preparatory School: British curriculum for students aged 1 to 11.
- PaRK International School: Offers the IB and British curricula for students aged 1 to 18.
- Redbridge School: Bilingual curriculum for students aged 3 to 15.
- Carlucci American International School of Lisbon: American curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- King's College School, Cascais: British curriculum for students aged 1 to 18.
- International Christian School of Cascais: American curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- St. Peter's International School: Offers the IB, British, and Portuguese curricula for students aged 1 to 18.
- International School of Palmela: British and Islamic curricula for students aged 5 to 18.
- Seixal International School: British and Portuguese curricula for students aged 3 to 10.
Porto and Northern Portugal:
- Oporto British School: Offers the IB and British curricula for students aged 3 to 18.
- CLIP Oporto International School: British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- Deutsche Schule zu Porto: German curriculum for students aged 1 to 18.
- Lycée Français International de Porto: French curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- CLIB - The Braga International School: British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- Colégio Luso-Internacional do Porto (CLIP): British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Algarve Region:
- Nobel Algarve British International School: British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- Vilamoura International School: British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- Vale Verde International School: British curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.
- Aljezur International School: British curriculum for students aged 11 to 18.
- International School São Lourenço: British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- Eupheus International School: British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- Educan, Algarve: British curriculum for students aged 5 to 16.
- Barlavento International Primary School: British curriculum for students aged 5 to 11.
- Bright International School: British curriculum for students aged 3 to 14.
Madeira Island:
- International Sharing School Madeira: IB curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
- The International School of Madeira: International and Portuguese curricula for students aged 3 to 10.
Other Regions:
- International School Torres Vedras: British and Portuguese curricula for students aged 1 to 18.
- Leiria International School: British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
There are a few other international schools, but we were unable to find reliable information to account for them.
What's the difference between Public vs. International Schools in Portugal?
Public schools in Portugal are well-regarded and offer free education, but they primarily teach in Portuguese. International schools are ideal for expats who seek:
- Education in their native language.
- Curricula recognized globally.
- Smaller class sizes and personalized learning.
How to choose the right schools as an expat in Portugal?
When selecting an international school, consider:
- Curriculum Alignment: Future academic goals and university preferences.
- Location: Proximity to home or work.
- Extracurriculars: Sports, arts, and community programs.
- Accreditation: Verify accreditations like IB, CIS, or NEASC.
- Budget: Total costs, including tuition and additional fees.
- Seek help: Some consultancy services, such as Alesco, specialize in helping expat families find the right school placement in Portugal. If you are finding the process challenging, consider looking for consultancy services.
Palavras finais
International schools in Portugal offer a wide range of options for families seeking high-quality, globally recognized education. From early childhood programs to secondary education, these schools provide a supportive and multicultural environment.
By understanding the requirements, costs, and curricula, parents can confidently choose the best educational path for their children in Portugal.
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