Best International Schools in Portugal

In recent years, Portugal has emerged as the centre of attention for international students and families from other parts of the world who have started migrating. Its rich heritage culture, breathtaking landscapes, and combination of vibrant and pastel cities have attracted many people. 

Meanwhile, after the pandemic, Portugal’s government has worked immensely on its education system, making it affordable yet competitive for students to get high-end jobs on merit. Sincerely speaking, from world-class universities to new and functional programs, Portugal has already made its place in the educational world. 

Furthermore, I believe that choosing a school for your child is not less challenging than any other task that needs to be done with proper consideration. Several factors play a key role in making a wise or a bad decision in your and your child’s life. So, let’s make this decision together while considering numerous factors. We will also be talking about the best schools in Portugal. This blog post will answer several unanswered questions. So, let’s begin right away! 

Portuguese Education System

The basic education system of any country is the most important when you are considering moving. The Portuguese educational system is just like the Western educational system. These Western countries include the United Kingdom and the United States, aged 6 to 18. The education year starts from September through June, and so far as holidays are concerned, they usually take place in the summer and on Christmas and Easter. 

The school system is divided into four main stages/phases. These cycles include the following: 

Cycle 1: 6-10 years old, which is preschool education 

Cycle 2: 10-12 years old, which is primary education 

Cycle 3: 12-15 years old, which is secondary education 

Cycle 4: 15-18 years old, which is higher education 

Furthermore, private and public schools offer education, with the former being thought to be of a higher caliber. Fortunately, according to the top international schools in Portugal, citizens and foreigners can attend free public schools that offer instruction in Portuguese.

However, foreign schools, as well as other private schools in Portugal, charge fees and offer instruction in various languages. The second most significant factor in the educational system is the grading system. Meanwhile, I think that if the grading system is rigid, it can be both helpful and stressful at the same time.

When talking about the Portuguese grading system, I must say that it is slightly different from other countries. Primarily, there is a four-stage grading system for primary school, as it is the most crucial stage in your child’s education. This grading system excludes numbers or grades like A, B, C, etc.

Moreover, The grading system works as unsatisfactory, satisfactory, good, and excellent to motivate and promote better education among students in their early life. On the other hand, for high school, the grading is on a scale of 20 points and may also vary from school to school. 

Types of International Schools in Portugal 

Like in other countries, Portugal has numerous types of international schools. Let’s read about them and see which one best suits you! 

International Baccalaureate

Programs for the International Baccalaureate (IB) are organized and genuinely worldwide, with locations throughout numerous nations. Speaking about the classes, students can enroll in courses like literary genres, science, maths, and the arts. So far, in discussing the courses, the main components of the IB include an emphasis on essay writing and projects that explore creativity, activity, and compassion.

American International Schools

American foreign schools follow the US educational system, typically divided into the primary, middle, and high school levels. Regarding the curriculum, students usually enroll in maths, science, social studies, English, and foreign languages. Also, I believe that it can be more challenging to locate American-curriculum schools in Portugal than those offering British-curriculum.

British International Schools

I know you must be aware of this school hunting process. You can easily find British international schools worldwide, making it easy to move around the globe during your child’s academic year. Students who plan to study in the UK or other Commonwealth countries may consider these schools. Students in this school system generally study science, maths, history, English, and foreign languages. Lastly, the language being learned is English. 

International General Certificate of Secondary Schools

It is primarily a diploma program that matches the curriculum of Great Britain. Typically, students sit for the Cambridge International Examinations Board’s IGCSE during their first two years of secondary school. Coursework includes science, maths, English, and a foreign language. 

Religious schools in Portugal

Portugal has worked greatly in recent years to meet the needs of students from every religion and race. There are many Catholic-oriented schools in this historically Catholic nation. Thus, if your family is devout and you feel that your child must learn about the religion, you can consider enrolling your child in a Catholic school.

How do you choose the best international school in Portugal?

Numerous considerations must be considered when selecting an international school in Portugal. First, you must start your search online by looking up reviews and rankings of schools. Arranging visits to the schools you are considering is also a brilliant idea to check out the facilities and get to know the staff and students. 

Since your child will be attending school, remember to pay attention to their requirements and preferences. Here are some important factors that you must consider when selecting schools for international students in Portugal. 

The Curriculum of the Schools

First and foremost, you need to see the school’s curriculum, which indicates the courses, the language, and the time limit. This is the most crucial element as, in all likelihood, your child will carry this weight. There are different curriculums that  I have mentioned above, from British international schools to American international schools and many more. 

Accreditation of Schools

Since there are hundreds of schools in every city of Portugal, you might encounter schools that are not associated with any recognized organization. For the betterment of your child, you must seek out an international school with accreditation from a reputable body, such as the International Baccalaureate Organization, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, or the Council of International Schools.

Extracurricular Activities

It is common practice to oversee your child’s extracurricular activities, but they can help shape your child’s future, so you must always focus on them in school or at home. As a responsible parent, you must examine the extracurricular activities offered by the institution. Do they provide activities your child is interested in, such as theatre, performing arts, athletics, or other interests?

List of Top International Schools in Portugal 

According to the top ranking list in 2024, the following are considered the most affordable and best international schools in Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve, respectively! 

Best 27 International Schools in Lisbon, Portugal

1. St. James’ Primary School

2. Oeiras International School

3. British School of Lisbon

4. St. Dominic’s International School

5. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL)

6. International Preparatory School (IPS)

7. Deutsche Schule Lissabon (DSL)

8. Lycée Français Charles Lepierre

9. United Lisbon School

Best International Schools in the Algarve, Portugal 

1. Montalvo International School

2. Vale Verde International School

3. Vilamoura International School

4. Aspire International School

5. Eden Montessori International School

Best International Schools in Porto, Portugal

1. Oporto British School

2. CJD International School

3. CLIP Oporto International School

4. Lycée Français International School

5. Deutsche Schule zu Porto

International schools in Portugal – Move out with us! 

Moving onto the documentation process, International citizens must have NIF and NISS numbers. Now, international citizens can apply online for a Social Security Identification Number (NISS) if they do not already have one. The NIF is required for medical and educational costs for children and young adults.

Furthermore, your employer can seek your NISS from Social Security if you start employment. Individuals are granted a unique 11-digit identification number, or NISS, for social security purposes. 

Choosing a top-ranked agency, like nifporugal.net, gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on your priorities while the experts take care of your procedure. NIF Portugal is the name of a smoother and hassle-free documentation agency!