Portugal's education system, comprising both public and private institutions, spans three primary levels: basic education, secondary education, and higher education. Beyond imparting academic knowledge, it aims to cultivate personal development and critical thinking skills to prepare students for an ever-evolving world.
The academic calendar aligns with that of many European countries, beginning in September and ending in June, with breaks for Christmas and Easter. School hours typically run from approximately 8:30 am to 4 pm, although specific schedules may vary.
Traditionally, enrollment applications open towards the end of each academic year for prospective students starting the following September. However, many international schools now accept applications throughout the year due to increased demand.
Portugal's educational journey commences with basic education, which is divided into three cycles:
1st Cycle (Grades 1-4): Establishes literacy, numeracy, and social skills
2nd Cycle (Grades 5-6): Builds upon foundational knowledge and introduces specialized subjects
3rd Cycle (Grades 7-9): Consolidates learning and prepares students for secondary education
Secondary education, spanning grades 10-12, offers specialized pathways, including general, technological, and vocational courses, to prepare students for future endeavors.
This blog post serves as a guide to Portugal's education system and top primary and secondary international schools. Providing insights into diverse educational opportunities, it aims to assist readers in navigating Portugal's educational landscape.
Listed below are top primary and secondary international schools in Portugal, organized by location rather than ranking. Each school offers a distinctive educational experience tailored to its specific locale, providing students with a global perspective.
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
Carlucci AISL is an American international school offering education from preschool to high school, adhering to the American curriculum with a notable emphasis on holistic development, particularly in the arts and sciences. Annual fees at Carlucci begin at around €16,000.
Address: R. António dos Reis 95, 2710-301 Sintra, Portugal
Contact Number: +351 219 239 800
Website https://www.caislisbon.org/
Colégio do Sagrado Coração de Maria, Lisbon
Colégio do Sagrado Coração de Maria, located in Lisbon, boasts a rich history and is renowned for its dedication to academic excellence and values-centered education. It provides educational programs from pre-school through secondary levels.
Address: Av. Manuel da Maia 2, 1000-201 Lisboa, Portugal
Contact Number: 351 218 475 342
Website: https://www.cscm-lx.pt/en/home-english/
St. Dominic's International School, Lisbon
St. Dominic's is the only school in Portugal authorized to offer all three programmes of the International Baccalaureate Organisation It offers education from pre-school to secondary levels and is recognized for its multicultural environment. The school's fees start at around €12,000 per year.
Address: R. Maria Brown 311A, 2785-816 São Domingos de Rana, Portugal
Contact Number: +351 214 480 550
Website: https://www.dominics-int.org/
St. Julian's School, Lisbon
St. Julian's School is a well-regarded international school in Lisbon, offering education from pre-school to secondary levels. It follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and is known for its diverse and inclusive community. St Julian's fees start at approximately €14,000 per year.
Address: Quinta Nova, Av. Jorge V 374, 2775-588 Carcavelos, Portugal
Contact Number: +351 214 585 300
Website: https://www.stjulians.com/
The British School of Lisbon
The British School of Lisbon, located in Alfragide, adheres to the British National Curriculum, incorporating iGCSE and A-Level examinations. Annual fees at the school begin around €13,000.
Address: Rua Sao Paulo 89, 1200-427 Lisboa, Portugal
Contact Number: +351 211 511 942
Website: https://www.britishschool.pt/
Oeiras International School
Located near Lisbon, Oeiras International School offers education from kindergarten through secondary levels. It implements the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, prioritizing global perspectives and critical thinking skills. Annual fees start at approximately €11,000.
Address: R. Antero de Quental 7, 2730-013 Oeiras, Portugal
Contact Number: +351 211 935 330
Website: https://ois.pt/
CJD International School
In Porto, CJD caters to international students, who undergo Cambridge exams, globally acknowledged certifications emphasizing academic and personal growth support. The average annual fees at CJD amount to €7,000.
Address: R. do Porto Feliz, 4350-016 Porto, Portugal
Contact Number: +351 220 109 083
Website: https://www.cjd-internationalschool.com/
CLIP - Oporto International School
Located in Matosinhos, Porto, CLIP follows the IB curriculum and provides the Diploma Programme, which it claims offers a personalized learning experience. Annual fees at the school begin at approximately €10,000.
Address: Rua de Vila Nova 1071, 4100-506 Porto, Portugal
Contact Number: +351 226 199 160
Website https://www.clip.pt/
Nobel Algarve British International School
Located in Lagoa, Nobel International School Algarve offers the Cambridge International Curriculum, encompassing iGCSE and A-Level exams, with a focus on personalized education. Annual fees at the school begin at around €8,000.
Address: Barros Brancos, EN125, 8401-901 Lagoa, Portugal
Contact Number: +351 282 342 547
Website https://www.nobelalgarve.com/
The International School of Madeira
The International School of Madeira in Funchal provides a bilingual curriculum and is recognized for its inclusive and diverse community. It strives to offer personalized attention and a supportive atmosphere. Fees at the school begin at approximately €3,000 annually.
Address: Calçada do Pico 5, 9000-206 Funchal, Portugal
Contact Number: +351 291 129 900
Website: https://ismadeira.com/
CLIB - The Braga International School
Located on the outskirts of the city, CLIB - The Braga International School provides international students with a curriculum leading to iGCSEs and A-Levels. The average annual fees at CLIB are not disclosed publicly.
Address: R. da Igreja Velha - Gualtar, 4710-069 Braga, Portugal
Contact Number: +351 253 679 860
Website: https://clib.pt/
CLIC - Colégio Luso-Internacional de Centro
Located in Leira, CLIC provides students with the opportunity to attain iGCSEs and the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma, a globally acknowledged credential. The yearly fees amount to approximately €5,000.
Address: : R. Q.ta das Nespereiras LB1, 2430-290 M.nha Grande, Portugal
Contact Number: +351 244 503 710
Website: https://www.clic.edu.pt/home_en