Portugal has long been known as a hub for international and world-class education, offering exceptional opportunities to students of diverse nationalities and backgrounds. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, cultural diversity, and global awareness, international schools in Portugal provide students with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing and interconnected world. Whether you’re a family relocating to Portugal or a local parent seeking the best possible education for your child, there are many compelling reasons why an international school may be the right choice.
Why International Schools Offer Unique Opportunities for Your Child
Exposure to Diverse Cultures and Perspectives
International schools often have a diverse student population from different countries and backgrounds. Exposure to varied cultures and perspectives can help students develop empathy, understanding, and respect for others.
High-Quality Education
International schools often have a strong academic curriculum and highly qualified teachers trained to teach students from diverse backgrounds. This can lead to a higher quality of education and better educational outcomes for students.
Language Acquisition
Many international schools offer bilingual or multilingual education, which can help students become fluent in multiple languages. This is a highly valuable skill in today’s globalized world, which can open up more opportunities for future education and employment.
Global Citizenship
International schools often focus on global citizenship and promote tolerance, respect, and social responsibility. This can help students develop a sense of worldwide awareness and a desire to make a positive difference.
Preparation for Higher Education
International schools often have a strong track record of preparing students for admission to top universities worldwide. It can be especially beneficial for students who aspire to attend university abroad.
From North to South: The Finest International Schools in Portugal
Porto
Oporto British School
Established in 1894, this is the oldest British school in Continental Europe. It is a private day school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. In addition, it is the only school with the International Baccalaureate (IB) in the north of Portugal. As evidenced by outstanding IB results, the high-quality education received by the pupils has led to the school achieving full dual accredited status by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Each class has a maximum of 20 students. The criteria to apply are British citizenship or English as a first language. In addition, the previous school must provide evidence of learning and behavior, and the test must be taken according to the school year.
Location: Rua da Cerca 338, 4150-201 Porto
Website: www.obs.edu.pt
CLIP Oporto International School
Currently, the school has approximately 1,150 students aged between 3 and 18 and is one of Portugal’s largest and most renowned international schools. CLIP, accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) since 2013, has students from over 50 countries, representing 40% of students. It offers an international curriculum based on the National Curriculum for England, with certain modifications to suit both the school’s philosophical and pedagogical objectives and the local context of CLIP as an international school in Porto. CLIP’s curriculum standards are considered global excellence and provide equivalency in many countries, including Portugal. One of the eligibility requirements is English as a first language since the subjects are taught in English.
Location: Rua de Vila Nova 1071, 4100-506 Porto
Website: www.clip.pt
Lycée Français International de Porto
This French international school is located on exceptionally expansive woodland grounds adjacent to Parque de Serralves in Porto. It has been growing since 1963 and welcomes more than a thousand students from preschool to 12th grade. Classes are taught in French, but the school also offers other language classes, such as Portuguese, English, German, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Location: Rua Gil Eanes 27, 4150-348 Porto
Website: www.lfip.pt
Deutsche Schule zu Porto
This German school was founded in 1901 to meet the needs of Germans who had moved to the city. The school focuses on developing both German and Portuguese together, in order to serve both national and international students. The school caters to students from kindergarten to high school, equivalent to secondary school.
Location: Rua de Guerra Junqueiro 162, Porto
Website: www.dsporto.de
Lisbon
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
Located between Sintra and Cascais (about 20 minutes from Lisbon), this school is among Portugal’s most renowned international schools. This co-educational school offers an American-style education to students from pre-kindergarten through to grade 12. The curriculum is based on the American education system, and is designed to prepare students for higher education in the United States. It is home to over 39 nationalities, and 60% of the student body is international. Besides English, the school offers additional language classes such as Portuguese, French, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Location: Rua António dos Reis 95, 2710-144 Sintra
Website: www.caislisbon.org
St. Julian’s School
This co-educational school offers an international education to students from pre-kindergarten through to grade 12. It is located in Carcavelos, a beautiful beach area just a short drive west of Lisbon. It boasts strong academic achievement and extracurricular activity record, and welcomes over 40 nationalities. The curriculum is based on the British education system, and is designed to prepare students for higher education in the UK. St. Julian’s is divided into three sections, each headed by its own principal: the Primary School, the Portuguese Section, and the Secondary School. It is an inclusive school, meaning it supports students with various needs and adapts learning methods to each student. The programs offered are designed to foster independence, commitment, responsibility, honesty, and respect alongside excellent academic achievement.
Location: Quinta Nova, Av. Jorge V 374, 2775-588 Carcavelos
Website: www.stjulians.com
Oeiras International School
Established in 2010, this English-speaking school offers the International Baccalaureate program throughout all year groups and is located in Oeiras, west of Lisbon. It provides a high-quality international education with a special focus on developing the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is committed to offering a variety of learning experiences within a supportive and challenging environment of rigorous academic programs.
Location: Rua Antero de Quental 7, 2730-013 Oeiras
Website: www.ois.pt
King’s College School, Cascais
This prestigious school is part of the Inspired group, which has over 50 years experience in providing excellent education on an international level with proven results. Students benefit from the Inspired group’s unique approach to Early years teaching, which carries over into the Cambridge International Curriculum for Primary and Secondary students, and culminates with the IB Diploma Programme, which has proven track record of getting students into the world’s best universities. The school draws on local Portuguese culture, values, and heritage to enhance the academic offer through the British curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma program. It also offers an amazing Elite Sports Programme, which helps student-athletes combine an outstanding education with a personalized training schedule.
Location: Rua Cesário Verde 395, 2750-657 Cascais
Website: www.cascais.kingscollegeschool.pt
Tasis, The American School in Portugal
TASIS Portugal is an international school located in the beautiful city of Cascais, Portugal. The school offers a unique educational experience for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school’s curriculum is based on the American education system and emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and experiential learning. TASIS Portugal is committed to developing well-rounded global citizens who can thrive in a rapidly changing world. The school boasts a highly qualified faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a diverse student body representing over 30 different nationalities.
Location: Estrada Nacional No 9 Quinta da Beloura II, 2710-697 Sintra
Website: www.tasisportugal.org
IPS Cascais British International School
IPS is an international school located in Lisbon, Portugal. The school provides an exceptional education for students from kindergarten to grade 12. IPS offers a challenging and comprehensive curriculum that is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. The school has a strong commitment to developing students who are globally minded, compassionate, and responsible. IPS offers a range of extracurricular activities that cater to students’ interests, including sports, music, drama, and community service. The school’s faculty is highly qualified, experienced, and passionate about their work, and the facilities are modern and well-equipped.
Location: Rua Lagoa 171, 2645-344 Alcabideche
Website: www.ipsschool.org
International Christian School of Cascais
Founded in 1980 and located in the town of Cascais on the Portuguese Riviera, this school provides a comprehensive, American-style curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten through to grade 12. It is accredited by the National Association of Private Schools, and is member of the Association of Christian Schools International. Teaching is based on Christian principles and morals, with a primary objective of enabling the students to contribute positively to the world’s society by applying knowledge grounded in fundamentals in various fields such as sciences, mathematics, social sciences, languages, and more. As well as English and Portuguese classes, the school also offers administrative Chinese and Afrikaans. The average class counts a maximum of 12 students, allowing teachers to provide individual attention and accommodate each student’s learning style and pace.
Location: Av. de Sintra 1154 A, 2755-322 Alcabideche
Website: www.icsc.pt
St. Dominic’s International School
Highly respected and well-known, this international school is the only one in Portugal authorized to offer all three programs of the International Baccalaureate Organisation. This school offers a Catholic education based on the British education system, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the European Council of International Schools. Its mission is to nurture students and cultivate international mindedness and a sense of global citizenship by offering a high-quality international education that develops each person’s unique intellectual, social, physical, emotional, moral, and spiritual characteristics.The school offers a wide choice of extracurricular activities and clubs, such as yoga and mindfulness, storytelling and writing, Lego club, board games, surf, arts and jewelry, photography, radio club, eco club, pottery and painting, robotics, philosophy, sewing, design, Arabic, fitness, and touch rugby, among many others.
Location: Rua Maria Brown 311A, 2785-816 São Domingos de Rana
Website: www.dominics-int.org
Lycée Français Charles Lepierre
Teaching at this international school is carried out in French, and is based on the French education system from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Around 63% of the students are French or French-Portuguese. The school belongs to the international system of schools managed by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The school follows the official instructions of the French Ministry of National Education.
Location: Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco 32, 1070-112 Lisboa
Website: www.lfcl-lisbonne.eu
Algarve
Vilamoura International School
The most prestigious educational institute (preschool, Primary School and Secondary School) in the South of Portugal, this school focuses on the early learning of languages, including English, French, Mandarin, Russian, and German, as well as Portuguese. The school was formed on the basis of humanistic and democratic values. It teaches two curricula: the Portuguese National Curriculum in Portuguese Studies and the British National Curriculum/Cambridge International Curriculum in English Studies.
Location: Sitio das Quintinhas, 8125-911 Loulé
Website: www.civ.pt
Nobel Algarve British International School
The oldest and largest private school in southern Portugal, it offers a co-educational day school for students aged 3 to 18. With two campuses, one in Lagoa and the other in Almancil, the school offers the British curriculum at Lagoa and Almancil and the Portuguese national curriculum at the Lagoa campus. The Early Years program at both Lagoa and Almancil provides a truly bilingual learning experience for children aged three to four. The school also offers additional language classes in French, Spanish, and German.
Location: Barros Brancos, EN125, 8401-901 Lagoa
Website: www.nobelalgarve.com
Aljezur International School
Founded in 2010 and based in an idyllic, large farmhouse on seven acres of protected land near Aljezur, the school follows the UK curriculum and teaches children aged between 10 and 18. Classes are limited to 13 students, allowing teachers to give more attention to each student and their individual educational needs.
Location: Sítio de Ezenha, 8670-116 Aljezur
Website: www.aljezur-international.org
Find the Right Fit for Your Child and We will Take Care of the Rest
These are just a few examples of the many international schools available in Portugal. Each school has its unique approach to education, so it’s important to research and compare them to find the best fit for your child’s needs. Narrowing your international school choices can be a simple process. First, consider what languages you’d like your child to learn. Then, decide on the location to meet your needs. Once you have your shortlist, consider what kind of education system would suit your child, depending on the home country and whether and where they would like to attend university.
Once you have made your decision, finding the perfect home near your child’s school can be a breeze with the help of our expert team at Bonte Filipidis™. Let us take the hassle out of your search and help you find your dream home in Portugal. Contact us today to start your journey to finding the perfect home near the best possible school for your family.
