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A Guide to International Schools in Lisbon
While embracing life in a new city can be a thrilling journey filled with new experiences and opportunities, it also comes with its fair share of challenges! For families, one of the trickiest decisions revolves around education.
Fortunately, Lisbon is home to 27 international schools, all of which offer various curricula and rich educational experiences – whether you are looking for a school that follows the British, American, or International Baccalaureate curriculum, you’re bound to find a school that fits your needs. What’s more, these schools not only provide an excellent academic foundation but also nurture core skills for those navigating a rapidly changing world, namely cultural awareness, independence, and a global mindset.
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With this guide, we want to ease your transition by providing a comprehensive overview of the best international schools in Lisbon. We’ve done the research, gathered the details, and outlined the unique features of each school to help you make an informed decision.
What is an international school?
International schools primarily cater to students who are not nationals of the host country, for example, the children of those who are over here for international business, diplomatic missions, or permanent relocation. By virtue of them being international, these schools typically follow an international curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), the American curriculum, or the British curriculum. Usually, instruction is in English, but sometimes children are taught in multiple languages at once.
Why Choose an International School?
International schools are hubs for people from all over the world and a great way for your child to gain a global perspective in a diverse community. The class sizes are usually smaller, meaning more support from teachers, who can also provide a smooth transition for those moving between countries.
Key Things to Consider When Choosing an International School
Choosing a school that is right for you and your child is a matter of personal preference. But, keep an eye on some key pieces of information:
- Curriculum
- Class sizes
- Extracurricular activities
- Language of instruction
- Support services
- Location
- Tuition fees
Top 10 International Schools in Lisbon
Navigating Lisbon’s rich educational landscape can be daunting, especially when these are some of the best international schools in Portugal. So, we’ve narrowed the city’s 27 noteworthies down to the top 10, based on their exceptional educational standards and commitment to fostering international understanding.
1. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
This student-centred community prioritizes the holistic development of its students in that it offers a dual curriculum: the globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) and the American curriculum. The school fosters a diverse environment that focuses on real-world situations and adapting to the ever-changing world.
Ages: 3 to 18 / Yearly fees: Ranging from €9,144 to €19,372
2. Oeiras International School
Oeiras International is known for being particularly committed to developing respectful, independent, and passionate lifelong learners. It provides a variety of learning experiences within a supportive and challenging environment and offers a rigorous IB curriculum.
Ages: 6 to 18 / Yearly fees: Ranging from €10,550 to €18,060
3. St. Dominic’s International School
Praised for its reputation and excellence, St. Dominic’s is the only school in Portugal authorised to offer all three programmes of the International Baccalaureate Organisation, which is a huge draw for international families. It is a hub for intellectual and cultural diversity that fosters an enriching learning environment for students.
Ages: 3 to 18 / Yearly fees: €10,500 to €19,200
4. IPS Cascais British International School
IPS Cascais prides itself on its friendly, professional environment with a strong international community. The school emphasizes the importance of happy, relaxed children, believing this to be the key to academic and personal success. It also follows a British curriculum and cultivates a unique, supportive atmosphere.
Ages: 3 to 13 / Yearly fees: €10,564 and €14,929
5. Redbridge School
Home to a blend of British, Portuguese, and French curricula, Redbridge places creativity, learning, and international-mindedness above all. Thanks to a multilingual environment, this school often produces some of the most flexible and capable students who take life in the real world in their stride.
Ages: 3 to 16 / Yearly fees: €7,620 and €16,850
6. St. James’s Primary School
Thanks to its particularly small classes, St. James prioritizes paying individual attention to each of its students for a balanced, bilingual education in English and Portuguese.
Ages: 6 to 10 / Yearly fees: €6,460 and €6,560
7. International Christian School of Cascais
Teaching students in “love and discipline”, this school respects each student’s individuality, growing together as a ‘family unit’ that is tolerant of each other’s differences. Education here follows the American and Christian curriculum.
Ages: 3 to 18 / Yearly fees: Personalized quotes
8. The British School of Lisbon
Known as one of the top English schools in Lisbon, this establishment stands out from the crowd because of its tight-knit community and close collaboration among staff, parents, and students. As the name suggests, this school follows the British curriculum up to UK secondary school age.
Ages: 3 to 12 / Yearly fees: €11,300 to €14,535
9. United Lisbon International School
With a passion for families and the younger generation, United Lisbon implements several rigorous academic programs according to the IB and American curricula. The staff here praise the school for consciously focusing on the skills and values children will need to succeed in the modern world.
Ages: 3 to 18 / Yearly fees: €10,643 to €21,745
10. International Sharing School
Adhering to the IB and International curricula, this school nurtures young learners from babyhood to adulthood in an environment dedicated to diversity, open-mindedness, and languages.
Ages: 1 to 18 / Yearly fees: Personalized quotes
Pearls of Portugal Is Here to Help
Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision, especially when upping sticks to a completely new country. If all this has inspired you to explore and learn more about Lisbon, check out additional useful education information on our Moving to Portugal page.
We at Pearls of Portugal are here to support you in any way we can with a deep understanding of the local market and expert guidance. Please feel free to contact us so we can assist you in making the right education decision for you and making your dream of living in Portugal a reality.
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