Education plays a vital role in the process of relocating and finding a new home abroad. For families considering a move to Portugal, ensuring access to quality education for their children is a top priority. Portugal’s school system is widely recognized for its excellence. It offers a wide array of international schools providing diverse curricula and making it an attractive choice for expat families seeking high-quality education for their children. In this article we present you a complete and comprehensive guide icluding the best international and local schools in Portugal with valuable insights so you can make an informed decision.
Understanding The Education System In Portugal
Education system in Portugal operates from September to June, following a similar structure to other European countries. Throughout the academic year, students have holidays during the summer months, as well as additional breaks for Christmas and Easter.
The education system in Portugal is divided into four phases: Cycle 1 (ages 6-10), Cycle 2 (ages 10-12), Cycle 3 (ages 12-15), and the Secondary Cycle (ages 15-18). It offers both public and private schools, with private institutions known for their higher quality. Public schools are free and provide education in Portuguese, catering to both Portuguese citizens and foreign residents. Private schools, including international schools, offer education in various languages and charge tuition fees.
Local Vs International: How to Choose The Best School For Your Child In Portugal
The choice between local and international schools depends on various factors, such as the length of stay in Portugal, language preferences, cultural integration goals, and specific educational needs.
Local schools, which are typically attended by Portuguese students, offer a deep immersion into the local culture, language, and education system. This can be a valuable opportunity for expat children to integrate into the local community and develop proficiency in the Portuguese language. Local schools also provide a chance for students to experience the authentic Portuguese curriculum and teaching methods.
On the other hand, international schools in Portugal cater to a more diverse student body, with students from different countries and cultural backgrounds. These schools often follow internationally recognized curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British, American, or French educational systems. International schools provide a familiar educational environment for expat children, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in their education. They offer a broader range of language options, including English-based instruction, which can be beneficial for non-Portuguese-speaking students.
Pros and cons of local schools:
- Pros: Deep cultural immersion, language development, integration into the local community, exposure to the Portuguese curriculum.
- Cons: Language barrier for non-Portuguese-speaking students, potential challenges in adapting to a different educational system, limited language options.
Pros and cons of international schools:
- Pros: Familiar educational environment, continuity in education, diverse student body, internationally recognized curricula, broader language options.
- Cons: Less immersion in the local culture and language, higher tuition fees, limited availability in certain regions.
Ultimately, expat families should carefully evaluate their priorities and objectives to make an informed decision about the type of school that best aligns with their needs and aspirations for their children’s education.
Best International Schools in Portugal
Portugal is home to several prestigious international schools that provide high-quality education to students from various backgrounds. Here are some of the best international schools in Portugal:
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL)
CAISL follows an American curriculum and offers education from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school focuses on providing a rigorous academic program and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Visit the website
St. Julian’s School
Located in Carcavelos, St. Julian’s School is an international school that follows the British curriculum. It offers education from Nursery to Sixth Form, preparing students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Visit the website
International Preparatory School (IPS)
IPS is an international school in Porto that follows the British curriculum. It provides education from Nursery to Year 13, leading to the Cambridge International Examinations and the IB Diploma Programme. Visit the website
Oeiras International School (OIS)
Situated in Oeiras, OIS offers education from Nursery to Grade 12, following the IB curriculum. The school focuses on developing students’ academic, social, and emotional skills in a multicultural environment. Visit the website
Deutsche Schule Lissabon (DSL)
DSL is a German international school in Lisbon that provides education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. It follows the German curriculum and offers the German International Abitur. Visit the website
St. Dominic’s International School
St. Dominic’s International School is aligned with the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) teaching method. Since 1997, the shool has been registered with the IB Diploma, Middle Years, and Primary Years programmes, demonstrating their commitment to delivering a world-class education. Learn more visiting the website
How To Find The Perfect School In Portugal For Your Child
I would like to share my personal experience of choosing the best school for my children when I made the decision to live in Portugal. As an expat residing in Portugal (you can learn more about my background), I faced the task of finding the right school for my 6 and 7-year-old children. Our preference was to live in Cascais or its surrounding areas. During our search, we discovered Quinta da Beloura, a charming location near Sintra, known for its excellent international schools and welcoming environment for expats. Once we narrowed down the area, we began exploring the nearby schools and came across Colégio da Beloura, also known as Belourinha. Quinta da Beloura’s proximity to Cascais and Sintra provides easy access to a variety of reputable international schools in the region. Now, let’s delve into the main factors to consider when choosing a good school in Portugal!
When choosing a school for your child in a different country, there are several main factors to consider:
- Language: Determine the language of instruction at the school and assess if it aligns with your child’s language abilities and educational goals.
- Proximity: Consider the school’s location in relation to your home. Choosing a school that is conveniently located can reduce travel time and provide easier access for both you and your child.
- Curriculum: Evaluate the school’s curriculum and ensure it meets your educational preferences and aspirations. Look for programs that offer a well-rounded education and align with your child’s future academic plans.
- Price: Consider the cost of tuition and any additional fees associated with the school. Determine if the school’s pricing fits within your budget and if there are any available financial aid or scholarship options.
- Extracurricular Activities: Assess the range of extracurricular activities offered by the school. These activities can provide your child with opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and social interaction outside of the regular academic curriculum.
By considering these main factors, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a school for your child in a different country.
Finding The Best Place To Live In Portugal
If you are still contemplating where to establish your new home in Portugal, we have created a guide highlighting the best places in Portugal to call home. Portugal offers a diverse range of locations, some of which are particularly well-suited for expat living due to various factors such as favorable amenities, cultural diversity, and welcoming communities. Allow us to be your trusted guide in identifying the perfect place to buy and settle down, ensuring a seamless transition into your new life in Portugal. Feel free to get in touch and have a chat with me via WhatsApp. Click here to start the conversation now via WhatsApp (My name is Bruna Barros).