International Schools in Portugal: Complete Guide

International Schools in Portugal

Choosing to live in one of the safest countries in the world and enrolling children in an international school can be a challenge for parents. The school environment plays a crucial role in shaping children’s academic and social development, preparing them for a constantly evolving job market and for life as responsible individuals.

🌍 Popularity of International Schools

International schools in Portugal are highly popular, welcoming students from many different nationalities. Among the most recognized are British, American, French, and German institutions. Admission processes vary by school and may include entrance exams, academic records, and interviews.

🎓 Advantages of International Schools

• Smaller class sizes

• Wide range of extracurricular activities

• High educational standards

• Modern facilities

• Full-day study or boarding options in some schools

• Native-level acquisition of a second language

🏫 Leading International Schools in Portugal

Lisbon and Surrounding Areas

• Lycée Français Charles Lepierre – founded in 1952, a leading French school in Lisbon.

• St Peter’s International School – English curriculum, located in Palmela, with over 25 years of experience.

• The Cascais International School – American-style education, member of ACSI, founded in 1980.

• St Julian’s School – in Carcavelos, founded in 1932, with over 40 nationalities represented.

• Carlucci American International School of Lisbon – located between Sintra and Cascais, follows the American curriculum.

• International Preparatory School – primary school with more than 37 years of history.

Porto and Northern Portugal

• Colégio Luso-Francês – Catholic institution with over 80 years of excellence.

• The Oporto British School – founded in 1894, one of the oldest British schools in continental Europe, offers the IB.

• CLIP – Colégio Luso Internacional do Porto – founded in 1990, now with over 1,100 students from 50 countries.

• Lycée Français International de Porto – part of the AEFE network, located in the Serralves area.

• Colégio Alemão do Porto – founded in 1901, bilingual education in German and Portuguese.

Algarve

• Vilamoura International School – early language learning including English, French, Mandarin, Russian, and German.

• Nobel International School Algarve – in Lagoa and Almancil, combines British and Portuguese curricula.

• Aljezur International School – founded in 2010, follows the UK curriculum, with students from 26 nationalities.

📌 Final Note

International schools in Portugal are increasingly sought after by families settling in the country. They provide not only high-quality education but also a multicultural environment that prepares students for academic success and global opportunities.