Moving to Lisbon with kids? One of the biggest decisions for expat families is choosing the right school. Lisbon offers a range of international schools catering to different curricula, languages, and educational approaches. Whether you’re looking for a British, American, or IB program, this guide will help you navigate the options and find the best fit for your child.

Like you, this was one of my biggest worries when moving here!  We are the “let’s tackle when there” kind of family after traveling full-time for nearly three years.  We knew enough to know we would figure it out.  However, I was still stressed!

We knew we would be sticking our kids into Portuguese school at first so they could learn the language, but we also knew we wanted them to move to the English curriculum eventually.  Now, our two oldest are in international school, with our third transitioning next year!  We’ve still got two in Portuguese school (that’s right, five kids!), so we are navigating it all.

Overview of the Portuguese Education System

Before considering international schools, it’s important to understand the local education system. Portugal offers free public education, and schooling is compulsory for children aged 6 to 18. Homeschooling is technically illegal (due to the overall amount of kids that would probably be left to their own devices here, as parents have to work crazy long hours and usually have multiple jobs), although I have seen expats getting around this somehow.  Since we wanted the language, I knew we were going to school.

The system is divided into three main stages:

• Ensino Básico (Basic Education): This covers primary education from ages 6 to 15, divided into three cycles.
  
  
• Ensino Secundário (Secondary Education): This covers ages 15 to 18 and prepares students for higher education or vocational training.  After 9th or 10th grade, students can go into vocational training if they wish.
  
  
• Higher Education: Includes universities and polytechnic institutes, with degrees following the Bologna Process.

While Portuguese public schools provide a solid education, many expats opt for international schools due to language barriers or curriculum differences.

Types of International Schools in Lisbon

Lisbon is home to several types of international schools, each with its own strengths:

• British Schools: Follow the UK curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels.
  • Examples include King’s College School and St. Julian’s.
    
    
• American Schools: Offer a US-style education, often including AP courses.
  • The Carlucci American International School is a top choice.
    
    
• IB (International Baccalaureate) Schools: Globally recognized, IB schools emphasize critical thinking and international-mindedness. Some schools offer IB at different levels (PYP, MYP, DP). The IB program has been available in Portugal since 1986, with 12 schools offering the IB Diploma.
  • Examples include Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL), International Sharing School, and Oeiras International School, all of which provide a strong IB curriculum with multilingual support.
    
    
• French, German, and Other Language-Based Schools: These schools follow national curricula and are ideal for students continuing education in their home country’s system.
  • Examples include the Lycée Français Charles Lepierre for the French curriculum and Deutsche Schule Lissabon for the German curriculum.
    
    
• Bilingual and Alternative Schools: Some schools, like PaRK International School, blend different curricula with bilingual education.
  
  
• Alternative options—like the one we picked—can be a great fit! We’re with Brave Generation Academy and absolutely love it. The flexibility has been incredible, especially for us as a traveling family. The learning coaches are engaged, and our child is thriving in the self-paced environment while still feeling connected to peers. Tuition varies but is generally lower than traditional international schools. Pros include the flexible schedule, personalized learning paths, and strong community support. The less traditional structure may not suit every learner, and younger kids may need more parent involvement, but overall, it’s been a fantastic fit for us.

Quick Comparison of School Types

Highly Regarded International Schools in Portugal

Portugal has over 50 international schools, concentrated in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Here are some top choices, including a brief look at their strengths and potential drawbacks as noted by the expat community:

1. St. Julian’s School (Carcavelos)
   • Curriculum: IB
   • Tuition: Approx. €14,000/year
   • Pros: Long-established, strong academic reputation, excellent arts and extracurriculars, diverse student body.
   • Cons: Lengthy waitlists; some families note the large campus can feel impersonal.
     
     
2. Nobel Algarve British International School (Lagoa)
   • Curriculum: Cambridge (iGCSEs and A-Levels)
   • Tuition: Approx. €8,000/year
   • Pros: Personalized approach, friendly community, great student-teacher ratio.
   • Cons: Some expats in forums mentioned limited upper secondary options compared to Lisbon schools.
     
     
3. CLIP – Oporto International School (Porto)
   • Curriculum: IB Diploma Programme
   • Tuition: Approx. €10,000/year
   • Pros: Modern facilities, academic rigor, innovative teaching methods.
   • Cons: Reports of heavy workloads and academic pressure at IB level.
     
     
4. St. Dominic’s International School (Cascais)
   • Curriculum: British National Curriculum
   • Tuition: Approx. €11,000/year
   • Pros: Supportive environment, smaller class sizes, welcoming to newcomers.
   • Cons: Facilities not as modern as some competitors; location may be a longer commute for some families.
     
     
5. The International School of Madeira (Funchal)
   • Curriculum: Bilingual (Portuguese-English)
   • Tuition: Approx. €3,000/year
   • Pros: Affordable, inclusive ethos, individual attention.
   • Cons: Limited to younger grades; fewer extracurricular offerings.
     
     
6. The British School of Lisbon (Lisbon)
   • Curriculum: British
   • Tuition: Approx. €14,000/year
   • Pros: Central location, strong academics, modern campus.
   • Cons: Some families feel it’s still growing into its potential; limited grade levels for now.
     
     
7. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL) (Linhó)
   • Curriculum: American + IB Diploma
   • Tuition: Approx. €16,000/year
   • Pros: Emphasis on arts and STEM, inclusive community, robust SEN support.
   • Cons: Distance from Lisbon city center; expensive.
     
     
8. CJD International School (Porto)
   • Curriculum: Cambridge
   • Tuition: Approx. €7,000/year
   • Pros: Holistic approach, good student support.
   • Cons: Less well-known among expats; facilities are functional but not state-of-the-art.
     
     
9. CLIB – The Braga International School (Braga)
   • Curriculum: iGCSEs & A-Levels
   • Tuition: Not publicly disclosed
   • Pros: Strong academic reputation in northern Portugal.
   • Cons: Larger class sizes (25+), less expat feedback available.
     
     
10. CLIC – Colégio Luso-Internacional de Centro (Leiria)
    • Curriculum: iGCSEs & AICE Diploma
    • Tuition: Approx. €5,000/year
    • Pros: Affordable option, small class sizes, close-knit community.
    • Cons: Fewer extracurricular activities compared to larger international schools.

Should You Send Your Child to an International School in Portugal?

Deciding between a local school and an international school depends on your family’s needs. Here are some key considerations:

Pros of International Schools:

• English or multilingual instruction, making transitions easier for expat children.
  • Transitioning to Portuguese was TOUGH.  We had tears every night for months.  But it was worth it as they are all now fluent!
• Internationally recognized diplomas such as IB, A-Levels, or AP ease university admissions worldwide.
• Culturally diverse environments with students from various backgrounds.
• Strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and holistic development.

Cons of International Schools:

• High tuition fees compared to free public education.
• Less integration into Portuguese culture and language.
  • Some are half and half, but you’ll find the social circles are still dominated by one language or the other.
• Competitive admissions with long waiting lists.
  • I’ve heard of one with over 1000 students on the waiting list!  This is crazy to me.

If you plan to stay in Portugal long-term and want your child to integrate fully, local schools with bilingual programs may also be an option to consider.

Tuition and Financial Aid

International school fees in Portugal are relatively affordable compared to other countries, starting at around €5,000 per year. However, some top-tier schools may charge upwards of €15,000–€20,000 annually. Some schools offer:

• Sibling discounts
• Scholarships for academic or athletic excellence
• Flexible payment plans
• Corporate sponsorships for expat families

It’s best to check with each school about their tuition policies and financial aid options.

How To Choose an International School in Portugal

When choosing an international school in Lisbon, consider the following:

• Curriculum and Accreditation: Does the school offer an internationally recognized diploma? Is it accredited by an official body?
  
  
• Language of Instruction: Some schools are fully English-speaking, while others offer bilingual programs.
  
  
• Extracurricular Activities: Sports, arts, clubs, and additional programs can enrich your child’s experience.
  
  
• Class Sizes and Facilities: Smaller class sizes often mean more individualized attention.
  
  
• Parental Involvement: Some schools encourage strong community engagement, which can help expat families integrate.
  
  
• Location and Commute: Lisbon traffic can be unpredictable—consider how the school location fits with your daily routine.
  
  
• Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support: SEN provisions vary significantly. Some international schools offer dedicated support staff, individualized learning plans, and inclusive classroom environments. If this is a priority, research each school’s approach carefully.
  

Admissions Process and Deadlines

Most international schools in Lisbon have competitive admissions, so it’s best to apply early. The typical process includes:

1. Application Form. Submitted online with documents like transcripts and recommendation letters.
   
   
2. Assessment or Entrance Exam. Some schools require testing or interviews.
   
   
3. Waiting List. Popular schools often have long waitlists, so securing a spot early is crucial. Consider backup options, such as enrolling in a bilingual local school while waiting.
   
   
4. Enrollment and Fees. Deposits are required to confirm a place.
   

School Year and Holidays

International schools in Lisbon generally follow one of two academic calendars:

• British and IB Schools: They typically run from September to June, with holidays in December, Easter, and summer.
  
  
• American Schools: Follow a US-style calendar, usually starting in late August and ending in June.

Our Experience With Our International School: BGA

We found BGA through a friend at a time when I was really in a pickle about where to go for my oldest.  She was getting bullied at school (private Portuguese) and was not happy.  We then put her into public, and she went the other direction and was failing. We knew it was time for a change, but where?

The fees for some of the school we looked at were so crazy high we couldn’t afford them.  With five kids, I could not plop down 2K a month or more for one kid on top of the fees for all the other kids.

Hearing about BGA came at just the right time.  BGA offers the Cambridge curriculum (British) with a very flexible schedule.  Students are essentially taught how to handle school like they will in college.  They choose when they go and work at their pace, with oversight from learning coaches and mentors.  

As Portugal is so safe, we have our teens take the train near our house to school, and we are pretty hands-off!  This allows them to pursue other things, like music or sports, and we let them work in our business.  I love this kind of flexibility for them!  It’s a learning curve, but a good one.  Since we work from home, we can spend a lot more time with them, and it makes travel so much easier!

I’d encourage you to check it out if this sounds appealing to you too!

Tips for Expat Parents Choosing an International School

• Consider the Long-Term Plan: If you plan to stay in Portugal for the long haul, think about whether transitioning into a local school later might be an option. Some international schools offer Portuguese language immersion programs to help with future integration.
  
  
• Ask About University Pathways: If your child plans to attend university in a specific country, check whether the school’s curriculum aligns with that country’s entry requirements.
  
  
• Visit Schools in Person: A school’s reputation is important, but visiting in person allows you to see the campus, meet teachers, and get a feel for the environment.
  
  
• Understand the School Community: Some schools have a tight-knit expat community, which can be helpful for networking and adjusting to life in Portugal.
  
  
• Check Waiting Lists Early: Popular international schools fill up quickly, so starting the application process at least a year in advance can increase your chances of securing a spot.
  
  
• Assign Your Kids to Extracurricular Activities. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is a great way for expat children to integrate into their new environment. Many international schools offer:
  • Sports teams (football, basketball, swimming, etc.)
  • Music, drama, and arts programs
  • STEM clubs and competitions
  • Community service projects
  • Language exchange programs
    

Participating in these activities not only helps children build friendships but also exposes them to Portuguese culture and language in a more relaxed setting. Additionally, parents can connect with other families through school-organized events, fostering a stronger sense of community.

Are you an expat parent in Lisbon? Share your experiences in the comments!