Last Updated on November 15, 2023 by Maryam Siddiqui
When deciding to move to Portugal with your family, one of the first things to consider is where to enroll your children. For a better adaptation, consider choosing one of the many quality international schools in Portugal to enroll them.
As your own family is not Portuguese, the national education might differ from what your children are used to. But how to start looking for an excellent international education in Portugal?
To help expatriate families like ours, we’ve done extensive research. Find here in this complete article all the best international schools in Portugal. Compare, visit the institutions’ websites and get closer to a good decision. Your children will thank you!
The best international schools in Portugal
There are many great international schools in Portugal, but some have caught the attention of expat parents. Here are the 5 best international schools:
- Luso-French school of Porto
- St. Peter’s School
- Park International School
- British School Porto
- Nobel International School of Algarve
As Portugal attracts foreigners to all its different regions, there are international schools all over the country.
International schools in Lisbon
Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and the biggest city in the country. Living in Lisbon, you’ll find the largest concentration of international schools in Portugal.
The British School of Lisbon
Founded in 2019, the British School of Lisbon is among the newest in the network of a British non-profit organization. It is one of Portugal’s best international schools with the greatest excellence in teaching children.
- Location: Central Lisbon
- Ages: 3 to 10
- Curriculum: English
- Languages of instruction: National Curriculum of England
- Annual Fees: from €11,300 to €14,535
Park International School
One of the most known and comprehensive international education groups in Lisbon is the Park International School. With locations all over the Lisbon district and a curriculum that evolves with the student throughout life, it is one of the main teaching options in the city.
- Locations: Alfragide, Cascais, Praça de Espanha, Restelo
- Ages: 1 to 18
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) IGCSE Program
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: from €6,276 to €15,951
German School of Lisbon
The German School of Lisbon is known for its quality and tradition. Founded in 1848, it’s the second-oldest German school abroad, teaching in German and in Portuguese.
- Location: Central Lisbon and Estoril
- Ages: 1 to 18
- Curriculum: German
- Languages of instruction: German and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €6,900 to €7,090
Lycée Français Charles Lepierre
Also known as the French High School Charles Lepierre, this is one of the best francophone schools in Portugal.
- Location: Central Lisbon
- Age: 1 to 18
- Curriculum: The French National Curriculum
- Languages of instruction: French and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €4,700 to €6,510
International Sharing School Taguspark
The International Sharing School in Lisbon is located in Portugal’s first and most innovative science and technology park, Taguspark.
- Location: Central Lisbon
- Ages: 1 to 18
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP);
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: N/A
International Preparatory School
Another renowned early childhood school in Lisbon is the International Preparatory School (IPS). Besides primary education of quality, the British institution also holds a nursery.
- Location: Alcabideche
- Ages: 1 to 11
- Curriculum: National Curriculum of England
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: €9,000 to €12,855
Saint Dominic’s International School
Saint Dominic’s International School is one of the most traditional private schools in the Lisbon area. What started as an Irish school for girls in 1954 became one of the city’s most prestigious educational institutions in Portugal.
- Location: Cascais
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP)
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: €10,500 to €19,200
Oeiras International School
Located in a suburb of Lisbon, Oeiras International School is an excellent school choice for expat families in Portugal. It stands out from other schools for its big land with its own farm, encouraging students to have contact with nature.
- Location: Oeiras
- Ages: 6 to 18
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP)
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: €10,550 to €14,210
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
If you are looking for American education in Portugal, this is a top choice. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon offers quality international education for children of all ages in Sintra, only a few minutes away from Cascais and Lisbon.
- Location: Sintra
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: American Curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: €9,145 to €18,900
International Christian School of Cascais
Located near Sintra and Oeiras, the International Christian School of Cascais is an international school dedicated to teaching spiritual values in its curriculum. It offers a North American Curriculum to students of 25 different nationalities.
- Location: Cascais
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: American Curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: N/A
St Julian’s School
St. Julian’s School is one of Lisbon’s most famous and traditional schools. The British educational institution is located in an old Portuguese estate near Carcavelos, offering high-quality education since 1932.
- Location: Carcavelos
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB), National Curriculum of England and Portuguese National Curriculum
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €10,750 to €23,010
Prime School International
One of the few educational institutions in Portugal with a Cambridge Curriculum is Prime School International. With a campus in Sintra and another in Estoril, the school is a favorite for British expats in the country.
- Location: Sintra and Estoril
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: Cambridge Curriculum
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €7,990 to €16,500
Read Also: International Schools In Lisbon: Where To Enroll Your Expat Children.
International schools in Setúbal
The region of Setúbal, located south bank of the Tagus river, is just 30 minutes away from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. It benefits from a good location, good climate, and lower cost of living.
St. Peter’s International School
Founded in 1993, St. Peter’s International School is one of Portugal’s most distinguished private schools. It is located near Setúbal and offers high-quality education with lessons in English and Portuguese for all ages.
- Location: Palmela
- Ages: 1 to 18
- Curriculum: Portuguese National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €9,800 to €18,328
International School of Palmela
The International School of Palmela is another great choice of school in Portugal. It stands out from others for being the only educational institution that also offers an Islamic Curriculum, besides the Cambridge Curriculum.
- Location: Palmela
- Ages: 5 to 18
- Curriculum: Cambridge Curriculum and Islamic Curriculum
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: N/A
Seixal International School
If you’re looking for a Bilingual school in Setúbal with expertise in young learners, Seixal International School is the right choice. The school is small and welcoming, encouraging communication between students of all nationalities.
- Location: Seixal
- Ages: 3 to 10
- Curriculum: Portuguese National Curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: N/A
International schools in Porto
Porto is a Portuguese city located in the country’s north, known for its beauty and diverse business atmosphere. As the second-biggest urban center of Portugal, living in Porto is also a top choice for expats.
Lycée Français International Porto
One of the most renowned schools in Portugal is also a favorite of the French expats. The Lycée Français International Porto is a French school located near Foz in Porto, it offers quality education to children and teenagers.
- Location: Porto
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: The French National Curriculum
- Languages of instruction: French
- Annual Fees: €4,700 to €5,460
The Oporto British School
The Oporto British School is one of the most traditional international schools in Portugal. Founded in 1894, it is also a teaching reference in the country.
- Location: Porto
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: National Curriculum of England and International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: €8,125 to €13,540
Let’s Move to Europe
With Viv Europe your plans for Europe will come to a reality
CLIP Oporto International School
Also known as the Colégio Luso Internacional do Porto (CLIP), the Oporto International School is another great option to enroll your expat children. The private international school offers many extracurricular activities and has a strong student community.
- Location: Porto
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: National Curriculum of England
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: €7,900 to €11,900
German School of Oporto
The German School of Oporto or Deutsche Schule zu Porto offers education according to the German Curriculum in both Portuguese and German. Despite being a school with over 120 years of operation, it has modern and up-to-date education in Porto.
- Location: Porto
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: German Curriculum
- Languages of instruction: German and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €€4,645 to €5,290
We have a complete guide on the best International Schools in Porto for your ease!
International schools in the Algarve
The Algarve region, located in the extreme south of Portugal, is home to the biggest expatriate community in the country. More than 20% of the population living in the Algarve is made by foreigners, attracted by the great weather, quality of life, and stunning settings. Besides Portuguese, English is widely spoken in the Algarve, as well as German and French.
Nobel International School Algarve
The Nobel International School is one of the most famous schools in the Algarve. Besides the school campus in Lagoa and Almancil, the institution also holds a Boarding House nearby. Students get to live in a stunning location, facing the ocean on top of a cliff.
- Location: Lagoa and Almancil
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: National Curriculum of England and Portuguese National Curriculum
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €5,149 to €16,985
Vilamoura International School
Another interesting choice of educational institution in the Algarve is the Vilamoura International School, located near the city of Loulé. Founded in 1984, the private school has been recognized for its quality all over Portugal.
- Location: Vilamoura
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: International Cambridge Curriculum and Portuguese National Curriculum
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €5,885 to €11,245
Aljezur International School and Barlavento International Primary School
Located in the western Algarve region, the Aljezur International School and the Barlavento International Primary School are part of the same group. The schools hold a positive approach to behavior, encouraging independence.
Also, the schools emphasize the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility in their curriculum. A great way to enjoy the surroundings of Aljezur.
- Location: Aljezur
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: Early years foundation stage (EYFS), National Curriculum of England
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: €6,000 to €6,600
Colégio Santiago Internacional
Providing quality English education in the Eastern Algarve is the Colégio Santiago Internacional. The school was founded in 2012 and built in an XV century building in the center of Tavira. It is one of the Algarve’s most renowned international schools.
- Location: Tavira
- Ages: 5 to 18
- Curriculum: National Curriculum of England
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €4,740 to €7,237
Eupheus International School
The Eupheus International School of Algarve is one of the first international Pre-Schools and Primary Schools in the Algarve. It offers excellence in education to young children and is also a favorite for the many British expatriates in the region.
- Location: Loulé
- Ages: 3 to 14
- Curriculum: Early years foundation stage (EYFS), Cambridge Assessment International Education and National Curriculum of England
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: €6,450 to €13,500
Vale Verde International School
Located in the Western Algarve, near the city of Lagos, is Vale Verde International School. Besides being an international educational institution, the school is bilingual and promotes innovative teaching methods.
- Location: Burgau
- Ages: 5 to 18
- Curriculum: National Curriculum of England
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €6,246 to €10,950
Eden Montessori International School
The Eden Montessori International School is the only international school offering a Montessori curriculum to young children in the Algarve region. The staff is composed of Portuguese and English, and the location is central, near the famous city of Albufeira.
- Location: Albufeira
- Ages: 3 to 9
- Curriculum: Montessori
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €5,810 to €6,910
Check out our complete article on the best International Schools In The Algarve!
International schools in central Portugal
The central region of Portugal corresponds to the coastal area between Lisbon and Porto. Although less known to foreigners, it’s also a very well-developed region with a high-quality education.
Colégio S. José
With unique educational curricula in the country, Colégio S. José is a bilingual international school located in the historical city of Coimbra. It is also a Catholic school that focuses on enabling young children to develop their personalities actively.
- Location: Coimbra
- Ages: 3 to 12
- Curriculum: Clonlara School Philosophy and VOAR Portuguese Program
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €4,498 to €5,048
St. Paul’s School
With a cosmopolitan and diverse vision, the St. Paul’s School in Coimbra is one of the most distinguished international schools in Portugal. Not only offers high-quality education, but also stimulates the learning of languages in its curriculum. Students in St. Paul’s study English, Portuguese and Latin, while they can still choose to do French and German.
- Location: Coimbra
- Ages: 3 to 13
- Curriculum: International Cambridge Curriculum
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: N/A
CLIC – Center for Luso-International College
The Center for Luso-International College is the only international school in Leiria, a city located near Fátima in central Portugal. Also known as CLIC, the school embraces students of all ages, from preschool to upper school, in both English and Portuguese.
- Location: Leiria
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Curriculum: IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and Portuguese National Curriculum
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €4,460 to €7,065
International schools in the Madeira Island
One of Portugal’s most beautiful islands is also home to thousands of expatriates. Thankfully, there are also good options for international schools in the area to serve both the locals and the foreigners living in Madeira.
International School of Madeira
The International School of Madeira is the first of its kind on the Portuguese island, providing children with a quality education in English and Portuguese in an environment that promotes diversity.
- Location: Funchal
- Ages: 3 to 10
- Curriculum: National Curriculum of England and Portuguese National Curriculum
- Languages of instruction: English and Portuguese
- Annual Fees: €2,500 to €3,300
International Sharing School of Madeira
With the same quality as the group’s other school in Lisbon, the International Sharing School of Madeira is a modern institution with an innovative atmosphere. Learning languages is an important part of the school’s culture, and students finish their studies by speaking at least five of the seven languages offered.
- Location: Funchal
- Ages: 3 to 16
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
- Languages of instruction: English
- Annual Fees: N/A
When does the school year start in Portugal?
Like most countries in the Northern Hemisphere, the school year for schools in Portugal starts in September and ends in June.
The biggest vacation period is in the summer months, especially in July and August. There are also Easter and Christmas holidays, besides the various holidays throughout the year, many related to Christianity.
Why choose these schools over public education in Portugal?
Although public education in Portugal is considered of quality according to European standards, it does not offer education in a language other than Portuguese. Which is completely understandable.
However, if your children do not speak Portuguese, enrolling them in a Portuguese school could impair their performance in their studies. Not to mention the need, especially for younger people, to make new friends and adapt better to the new country.
So choosing to enroll your expat children in one of the many international schools in Portugal gives them a better chance to have a more satisfactory experience. Read our article How are public schools in Portugal? Expat tips and guide to know more.
What about higher education?
If you’re interested in investing in college education in Portugal, know that there are great options for universities in the country.
Here is a list of the 10 best universities in Portugal according to different International Rankings as shown by MastersPortugal:
- The Catholic University of Portugal
- University Nova de Lisboa
- University of Porto
- University of Lisbon
- ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
- University of Aveiro
- University of Beira Interior
- University of Coimbra
- University of Algarve
- University of Minho
The academic years in Portugal start in September and, in most cases, undergraduate courses last for 3 years. Tuition fees for international students vary by university and course, ranging from €2,000 to €10,000 per year.
Do you need any help bringing your family to Portugal?
We have come to the end of our long list of International Schools in Portugal. Hundreds of students relocate every year to receive some of the very best education in Europe. Your children can be the next ones!
Get in touch with our expat community on the Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats and ask questions about the system here. The platform gives you an opportunity to connect with satisfied expats and ask them about their relocation experiences.
If you need help enrolling your child in a school in Portugal, our experts at Viv Europe are here to ease your way through. Contact us today and help your child grow exponentially!
