International Schools in Cascais: The Expat Guide for 2026

Updated: February 12, 2026

A child studying at an international school in Cascais If you are planning to move to the beautiful town of Cascais and need to research the education options for your child, you will find multiple international schools in Cascais that accommodate different needs.

Expat families often choose schools offering the American, International Baccalaureate, or British Curriculum. Others prefer bilingual schools that combine Portuguese with English, French, or German. They provide large expat communities and various extracurricular activities.

In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of international schools in Cascais. It also includes the enrolment requirements, timeline, and required documentation.

Key Takeaways about International Schools in Cascais, Portugal

Popular choices for expat families in Cascais include: British, International Baccalaureate (IB), American high school diploma, and bilingual programs.
Tuition in Cascais can vary from €8,000 to €20,000+ per year, depending on age, curriculum, and facilities. Additional costs, such as registration, uniforms, meals, transport, and extracurriculars, can add €1,000 to €5,000+ per year.
The best school is not always the most expensive one. Look at the class sizes, extracurricular opportunities, proximity, and transportation options.
To enroll in a new school, students often need a valid ID or passport, recent school reports, health records, and proof of language proficiency.

Top International Schools in Cascais

Living in Cascais, Portugal, is a popular choice for expat families due to the variety of English-speaking schools that prepare students for academic excellence and offer a range of extracurricular activities.

Here is an analysis of the best international schools in Cascais based on parent reviews, curriculum, facilities, and tuition fees. The information below is taken from the official International School Database.

School	Age group	Curriculum	Annual tuition fees	Class size
St. Dominic’s International School	3–8	IB (International Baccalaureate)	€11,500 – €22,000	15–18
St. George’s School	10–18	British (Cambridge), Portuguese	€7,900 – €9,250	n/a
International Christian School of Cascais (ICSC)	3–18	American, Christian	n/a	12–14
St. Julian’s School	3–18	IB, British, Portuguese	€12,384 – €29,097	19
IPS Cascais British International School	3–15	British	€11,548 – €17,755	19–22
Brave Generation Academy	12–18	American, British, Portuguese	€7,140	Up to 45
Aprendizes	3–18	Portuguese, British (Cambridge)	€11,568 – €18,312	18–22
Prime School International	3–18	British, American	€11,885 – €22,760	12–15
King’s College School Cascais	1–16	Portuguese, English (Cambridge)	€11,754 – €21,750	18–25

St. Dominic’s International School

This institution is in São Domingos de Rana, in the Cascais region near Lisbon, Portugal. All programs are in English, based on the International Baccalaureate (IB). It can be an excellent choice for expat families who prefer holistic education that boosts real-world learning and critical thinking. This international school also offers extracurricular activities such as design, writing, robotics, and philosophy.

Age group: 3-8
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Tutin fees per year: €11,500 – €22,000
Class size: 15-18

St George’s School

St. George’s is an international Cambridge school that offers a bilingual curriculum in English and Portuguese. It is located on Rua dos Depósitos de Água in Cascais. The studies follow the Cambridge curriculum, which prepares students for IGCSE and A-Levels. These programs are widely accepted in top universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries.

Age group: 10-18
Curriculum: Portuguese, British
Tutin fees per year: €7,900 – €9,250
Class size: n/a

International Christian School of Cascais (ICSC)

This Christian school in Cascais is on the street of Avenida de Sintra in the Alcabideche area. It offers a North American (US) curriculum based on Christian principles. Classes are small and in English, making it a great choice for English-speaking families. The school prepares students for the Advanced Placement (AP) and the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). Students learn core subjects like math, science, languages, and social studies.

Age group: 3-18
Curriculum: American, Christian
Tutin fees per year: n/a
Class size: 12-14

St. Julian’s School

St Julian’s School is an independent co-educational school established in 1932. It is renowned for its strong academic performance and wide range of extracurricular programs. The school has three sections with their own principal: primary school, secondary school, and the Portuguese section.

Age group: 3-18
Curriculum: IB, British, Portuguese
Tuition fees per year: €12,384 – €29,097
Class size: 19

IPS Cascais British International School

IPS Cascais is in Bicesse, just north of Cascais. The school provides the British National Curriculum and prepares students for GCSE and A-Level exams. Expat families often choose this international school in Cascais as it teaches classes in English. There are also small classes and a supportive environment that emphasizes critical thinking skills.

Age group: 3-15
Curriculum: British
Tutin fees per year: €11,548 – €17,755
Class size: 19 – 22

Brave Generation Academy

Brave Generation Academy has multiple international schools in Lisbon, including in Cascais. It uses a hybrid education model, preparing students for IGCSE, A-Levels, and a US Diploma. It is a popular choice for native English speakers and Portuguese students who want to achieve international qualifications.

Age group: 12-18
Curriculum: American, British, Portuguese
Tutin fees per year: €7,140
Class size: 45 (max)

Aprendizes

Aprendizes is one of the private schools in Cascais, Portugal. The school uses a bilingual, international model based on the Cambridge International Curriculum and the Portuguese Curriculum. Students study subjects such as math, science, social studies, and the arts, which boost critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional skills.

Age group: 3-18
Curriculum: Portuguese, British
Tutin fees per year: €11,568 – €18,312
Class size: 18-22

Prime School International

Prime School has three campuses in Lisbon, Sintra, and Estoril. It offers a multicultural environment with students from over 60 different countries. Smaller class sizes, paired with a well-rounded education, provide a secure, home-like environment.

Age group: 3-18
Curriculum: British, American
Tuition fees per year: €11,885 – €22,760
Class size: 12-15

King’s College School Cascais

King’s College School is an international school in Cascais, Portugal. It is part of the Inspired Education Group, which is a global network of premium schools with more than 120 campuses worldwide. The school follows the Cambridge International Curriculum and offers many extracurricular activities, such as dancing, music lessons, and math clubs.

Age group: 1-16
Curriculum: Portuguese, English
Tutin fees per year: €11,754 – €21,750
Class size: 18-25

Types of International Schools in Cascais

There are various types of international schools in Cascais, each with a distinct curriculum, class sizes, and philosophies. Here is a list of some of the more popular options.

British school

The British system grades students based on the English National Curriculum. For students at the age of 16, it leads to IGCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), or A-Levels at 18. The studies focus on specific subjects and provide structured guidelines.

This system works well for families planning to return to the UK or to apply to British universities, where A-Levels are widely recognized. It’s also familiar to children who have studied in the UK system.

However, since students specialize early, it can feel a little limiting if a child changes their interests later. Some parents also believe that the English National Curriculum covers fewer subjects than other curricula.

American schools

The American system is quite flexible and allows students to study a wide range of subjects rather than specialize early. Assessment requires regular homework, exams, participation, and project-based learning. High-achieving students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses to prepare for university.

The American curriculum can be an excellent choice for expat families moving to Portugal from the USA. It can also be very beneficial for children returning to the US or applying to American universities. However, the American system is less recognized in some European universities.

Bilingual international schools

Bilingual international schools in Portugal teach in two languages, such as English, French, German, or Portuguese. Students benefit from the combination of the Portuguese National Curriculum with international programs like the Cambridge or the International Baccalaureate diploma.

The primary objective is to provide a well-rounded education for academic achievement and personal development. However, studies can feel overwhelming if students are not well-acquainted with both languages.

International Baccalaureate (IB) schools

The IB Diploma Program (ages 16–18) is an international qualification. Students study six subjects, three at higher level and three at standard level. They also write essays and perform various activities to meet service (CAS) requirements.

The program is academically demanding. It builds critical thinking, research skills, and global awareness. Top universities around the world recognize and value the IB Diploma, which can suit expat families who relocate often. However, the workload is intense, and not all schools offer the full IB program.

Montessori method

The Montessori approach focuses on child-led learning and hands-on activities. Students benefit from mixed-age classrooms and move at their own pace. Instead of strict schedules, students learn to build independence, confidence, and practical life skills.

Montessori can be a great choice for self-motivated children who prefer a nurturing environment. However, they may find it difficult to adjust to a traditional school if they change their environment.

How to choose the best international school in Cascais?

These tips can help you select the best international school in Cascais:

Visit the school in person to get a sense of the environment, atmosphere, and teaching style.
Understand your child’s preferences, interests, strengths, and weaknesses.
Get feedback from other parents on expat forums or reviews.
Consider how your child will get to school and whether the school has dedicated buses.
Look into the school’s inspection ratings and academic standards.
Check if the school offers transition support, which can help international students feel comfortable.

How does the admission process work for international schools in Cascais?

In Portugal, the school year often starts in September. However, applications usually open between October and January for the following academic year.

Many international schools in Cascais check the student’s academic level and language proficiency. Some schools may schedule written tests and a student interview. For younger children, schools often offer informal classroom observations.

To meet the basic enrollment requirements, international students often need to provide the following documents:

Valid ID or passport
Previous school reports (such as report cards, school transcripts, or academic records)
Recommendation letter (often required in top-ranking institutions)
Health records (such as vaccinations and health reports)
Proof of language proficiency
Clean criminal record (sometimes required for older students)

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How much do international schools in Cascais cost?

International schools in Cascais charge about €8,000 to over €20,000 per year based on the grade level, curriculum, and facilities. Overall, international education is more affordable in Portugal compared to much of Western Europe and the United States.

However, the annual Cascais international school fees are just one part of the total cost. Parents should also account for additional expenses, such as registration and application fees, school meals, uniforms, supplies, and extracurricular activities. These additional costs can add about €1,000 to €5,000 to your budget.

Where are there other international schools in Portugal?

The Portuguese education system provides a multicultural environment with various international schools for primary and secondary education. Here are some of the top choices outside the Cascais municipality that are popular among expat families:

Park International School: This international education institution uses a mix of British, IB, and Portuguese curricula. It is designed for early childhood to secondary school for students between 1 and 18 years. The annual fees vary from €9,380 to €20,850.
Carlucci American International School: This school provides a student-centered approach with a strong emphasis on the IB and American curricula. It prepares students between 3 and 18 years old with yearly fees of €11,716 and €22,736.
United Lisbon International School: This is an innovative, modern school for academic rigor. It is designed for student athletes, entrepreneurs, and students in technology and the arts. The school follows the IB curricula for ages between 3 and 18. The yearly fees vary from €11,800 to €24,000.
Redbridge International School: This is a multilingual school with studies in French, English, and Portuguese. It focuses on creativity, inquiry-based methods, and critical thinking skills. The school offers studies to students between 3 and 16 years with yearly fees of €8,600 and €17,900.
International Sharing School: This English-speaking school in Lisbon provides a strong sense of community. It teaches students between 1 and 18 years with yearly rates from €11,400 to €26,760.

If you are targeting a different region, like the Algarve, check out the article on international schools in Algarve.

How can Goldcrest help you?

Choosing the right school when moving to a foreign country is just one step of the journey. But picking the best place to live can make all the difference. Buying property in Cascais can give your family long-term stability and shorten daily school commutes.

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent in Portugal with years of experience in the Portuguese property market. Whether you are interested in purchasing a house, villa, or apartment, we can guide you through the entire process.

What do we offer?

Our team of buyer’s agents offers a wide range of services, especially if you are interested in Cascais real estate investments.

We provide:

Property search
Market research
Negotiation
Property management for long-term rentals

We can connect you with local experts, including real estate lawyers, tax advisors, and contractors. Contact us today to research Portugal real estate and gain access to off-market properties.

Frequently Asked Questions about International Schools in Cascais, Portugal?

What are the top international schools in Cascais?

According to the International School Database, the top-rated schools for expats in Cascais are St. Dominic’s International School, St George’s School, International Christian School of Cascais, and IPS Cascais British International School.

How much do international schools cost in Cascais?

International schools in Cascais charge between €8,000 and €20,000 per year, depending on grade level, curriculum, and facilities. But you should also set aside from €1,000 to €5,000 for additional expenses.

Can students join international schools in Cascais mid-year?

Yes, many foreign schools in Cascais allow students to enroll mid-year if there is available space. This can be highly beneficial for expat families relocating to Portugal. However, you should contact the school directly and ask them about their enrolment requirements.