With Portugal's rich history, sunshine 300+ days of the year, gracious and friendly people, great healthcare, excellent quality of life – it’s no wonder that families are drawn to Portugal and in particular to Lisbon / Porto or the Algarve.
If you have young children, then their education and well-being is obviously paramount, although it’s worth remembering that children are very adaptable, pick up foreign languages quickly and generally adjust to new experiences faster than adults.
Education in Portugal starts with pre-school or kindergarten (Jardim de Infância) and is not compulsory, however, children between the ages of 3 and 6 may be accepted in kindergartens.
Socialising at a young age brings huge benefits as well as learning skills that prepare them for school. In addition, there are many creches and child-minders offering compatible care for working parents.
Schooling is compulsory up to the age of 15 and free in state schools from 6 to 18. Many children thrive at the local primary school and integrate easily. Naturally, the curriculum and language are Portuguese, with second and third languages being mandatory at different stages.
There are also a number of International and British schools in Portugal offering the International Baccalaureate and in some instances, British qualifications. These schools are private, some provide boarding facilities and most offer a range of academic programmes from ages 3 to 18. Depending on where you decide to settle, there are a number of great schools to consider:
Lisbon:
Porto:
Algarve:
What are the best international schools in Portugal???...
Below, see my list of some of the most renowned international schools in Portugal:
Lisbon:
➡️British School of Lisbon
Based in Cais do Sodré, the British School of Lisbon is a preparatory school for children between three and eight years old. Its curriculum is considered one of the best in the world.
➡️Cascais International School
Christian school founded in 1980, offers American-style classes and is a member of the Association of Christian International Schools.
➡️St. Julian’s School
Located in the Carcavelos region, it offers three different education systems: the IB system, the local curriculum and the one based on the English educational system.
➡️Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
With headquarters located between Sintra and Cascais, it is just 20 minutes from the center of Lisbon.
➡️International Preparatory School
Focused on students between 3 and 11 years old, it is renowned for its individual attention to the needs of each student.
➡️Park International School
Recognized by the Cambridge Schools Network, it is part of a network of schools that encourages empathy and teamwork to transform the world into a better place.
➡️St. Peter’s School
School offering the International Baccalaureate, preparing the student to enter Higher Education.
Porto:
➡️Oporto British School
One of the oldest and most renowned schools in Europe, OBS is the only one with the IB program in northern Portugal.
➡️CLIP – Luso- International College of Porto
Founded in 1990, it has a vast area and a great curriculum often praised by the parents of the students.
➡️Luso-French College
Catholic teaching institution of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, it has as its headquarters a palace from the beginning of the 20th century.
➡️Lycée Français International de Porto
Located in Parque de Serralves, it offers grades from pre-school to senior year.
Algarve:
➡️Nobel International School Algarve
One of the oldest international schools in the South of Portugal, it offers a variety of academic programs for children between 3 and 18 years old.
➡️Vale Verde International School
Founded in 2002, it offers courses for students between 3 and 18 years old, focusing on the British school curriculum.
➡️Colegio Santiago Internacional
Located in quiet Tavira, it focuses on the British teaching model and teaches children both in Portuguese and in English.
➡️Aljezur International School
Although it is a small institution when compared to the others, it offers an ideal environment to stimulate learning.
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