The 30 International Schools in Lisbon: A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods

International Schools in Lisbon

Finding the ideal school is crucial to furthering your child’s personal and professional development and setting them up for a rewarding and successful future. According to a study produced by the US News and World Report, BAV Group, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Portugal’s education system ranks 24th in the 2023 Best Countries for Education Report.

In Portugal, you will come across public and private Portuguese schools, and each will have its advantages and disadvantages; international schools are the way to go for many expat families relocating to Portugal.

You can check out our recent live session for expert advice on finding the perfect international school in the country.

As Nathalie Willis-Davies, Founder and Managing Director at Tendoria, stated in the live session on International Schools in Portugal, “international schools typically offer a wider range of extracurricular activities than local schools do. This allows children to explore their interests and develop their skills beyond the classroom.”

Willis Davis stresses that enrolling your child or children in an international school can make the move to Portugal much easier for them, “An international school is really a softer landing for families relocating to Portugal, especially for children aged 12 plus, who will need more time to learn Portuguese than their younger counterparts. And international schools offer an international setting, meaning that the students have come from different backgrounds, and that makes it sometimes makes it easier to integrate and make friends.”

Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, has many diverse neighborhoods and is easily connected to the Greater Lisbon Area, where you will find plenty of educational options, including public schools, private schools, and some of the best international schools in Portugal.

Our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions, has developed an international school guide for Portugal. This international school guide provides you with everything you’ll need to know about the education system in Portugal, including a complete list and details of all the international schools in the country.

Types of international schools in Lisbon

Expats living in Lisbon, Portugal, generally enroll their children in international schools in Portugal. These schools offer a multicultural environment that provides students with transferable skills and, through positive personal relations training, enables students to engage better with different cultures. Whether you are looking for a primary school, international preparatory school, or secondary education, you’ll find plenty of choices.

Foreign residents in Lisbon can choose from British, American, French, German, and other international schools. These options are ideal if you want your child or children to be tutored by native-speaking teachers or be familiar with a specific curriculum with options also including the Portuguese national curriculum, English national curriculum, or programs similar to the American high school diploma. For example, if you are a British national and may wish to return to the UK at some point in the future, these considerations are essential as if your child is already following the British or international curriculum that will help them transition easily into a new school in your home country.

Luckily, in Lisbon, international school fees are relatively affordable compared to other European countries. The typical monthly tuition fee for an international school in Portugal is around €800. However, these fees can vary significantly, ranging from as low as €400 to as high as €1,800 per month, depending on the individual school. Because the educational system in Portugal consists of different stages, you should consider this while searching for a school in the Portuguese capital for your child. Check carefully if the school you’re targeting is a good option for your children to continue their studies at advanced levels.

In this section, we’ll briefly overview each type of international school you can expect to find in and around Lisbon and decide on the schools you would like to visit, where you can get a feel for what they are about.

Schools with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a pre-university education curriculum preparing students for more significant challenges in higher education. Students can graduate from secondary school with the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which is internationally recognized. The curriculum is focused on children’s creativity, international mindedness, sense of community, and professional development. You can find the diverse range of educational institutions offering the IB diploma on the International Baccalaureate Organization website.

American international schools and Advanced Placement (AP)

The American education system consists of elementary, middle, and high school. During the different cycles of American education, your children will study social studies, math, English, science, and usually a foreign language.

Graduating from an American school, especially if the United States Department of State recognizes the school, can help students if they hope to attend university in the USA or Canada. Some American schools may offer Advanced Placement (AP) college-level courses, SAT preparation, or university application support.

A couple of good examples of schools that follow the American curriculum in Lisbon are the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon and the International Christian School of Cascais, located just outside of Lisbon. The Carlucci American International School is an excellent option if you are living in Portugal as an American and looking for an American international school in Portugal. As the name suggested, the International Christian School of Cascais is also religious.

British international schools

British schools in Lisbon are good options for expat parents considering a British education for their children, perhaps with the intention that they will be able to continue their studies in the UK in the future. Generally, students study science, math, history, English, and foreign languages. Of course, the language of instruction is English, and the focus is on problem-solving, confidence-building, and student growth.

One of the highlights and the biggest reasons why people consider a British school is that most offer International General Certificates of Secondary School (IGCSE), facilitating more accessible access to universities. The British School of Lisbon and St. Julian’s School, just outside Lisbon, are good examples of British schools in Lisbon.

Other national curricula

You’ll also find other national curricula in the Portuguese capital with different languages. For example, the German School of Lisbon (Deutsche Schule Lissabon) and the Lycée Français Charles Lepierre (Lisbon) offer German and French curriculums, respectively. And, of course, you will also come across the Portuguese curriculum.

Method schools

Your child will learn at a different pace and in a playful multilingual learning environment at method schools. You should be aware that some methods schools may only accept students within specific cycles. Additionally, some schools may teach in one language or offer multilingual education, so do your research. The Lisbon Montessori School is an excellent example of such a school in Lisbon.

International Schools Lisbon: Exploring the Best Neighborhoods

If you want to move to Lisbon with your family, the following neighborhoods should be on your radar if you would like to be close to a good school in the city or the surrounding area. Where you are going to live can certainly be influenced by the logistics of taking your child to school, so it is worth scouting which neighborhood is close to your school of choice.

Saldanha

Saldanha is in the heart of Lisbon and is considered the city’s central business district. However, you’ll also find many residential properties, modern apartments, and older abodes here. From Saldanha, getting around is straightforward, with excellent transport links to the whole city. You’ll find many excellent restaurants, green spaces, and amenities nearby. You’ll find the diverse neighborhood of Anjos close by, with its trendy bars, innovative restaurants, and street art. This could be ideal if you are looking for a convenient, central location. It is also near prestigious universities and Astoria International School which offers primary and secondary education.

Campo de Ourique

Campo de Ourique, situated in western Lisbon, is well known as one of the city’s quieter spots. Here, you have the large Amoreiras shopping center and many green spaces. Campo de Ourique is not as busy as many other parts of Lisbon, making it the ideal place for families looking for somewhere a little less active. You are also not far from Monsanto, the beautiful national park that borders Lisbon to the west, perfect for weekend picnics, walks, or bike trips. Redbridge School and Lycée Francais Charles LePierre Lisbonne are located close to Campo do Ourique, and the British School of Lisbon is not far away. Lapa and Estrela are both close to Campo de Ourique and are also top locations to consider, both providing easy access to large parks and where you are a little outside the hustle and bustle of typical city life. Another quiet spot, highly favored by locals, is Alvalade, which has a calm, community vibe, lovely parks, and some of the very best restaurants in the city.

Parque de Nacoes

In the east of Lisbon, Parque das Nações is a unique part of the city, providing modern properties, bustling restaurants, and top views of the River Tagus. The cable cars overhead add to its futuristic look, and the aquarium of Lisbon can also be found here, the perfect weekend escape for a rainy day. You are also very close to the airport and have good travel links to the city.

Some have said that Parque das Nações is slightly similar to Canary Wharf in London in terms of architecture. If you visit the area, you will likely be able to see for yourself the similarities. Regarding schools, the modern United Lisbon International School is close to Parque das Nações in Marvila.

Oeiras

If you follow the River Tagus west from the center of Lisbon on the way to Cascais, you’ll come across Oeiras. This is an excellent place to live for families, as you’ll find spacious properties, many of which have fantastic views of the river, and will also be close to sandy beaches, parks, green spaces, and international schools.

As this part of the city is a little further out, to the west of Belém, you’ll also find more affordable properties. The Oeiras International School and the International Sharing School Tagus Park are two excellent options to consider in Oeiras. The Oeiras International School is for children aged six to eighteen, while the international sharing school offers a unique experience based on learning by sharing.

Belém and Restelo

In the western part of Lisbon, Belém and Restelo are excellent options when considering Lisbon neighborhoods close to international schools. You’ll be near the river, not far from top beaches, either by car or train, and will find many parks, museums, and restaurants to enjoy. The original pastel de nata can also be traced back to Belém, at the Jerónimos Monastery in Santa Maria de Belem, a bonus of living in this area.

In the heart of Restelo, you’ll come across L’Ecole Trilingue, a small school where children discover the world in English, French, and Portuguese and receive individual attention.

Cascais

You’ll find an impressive 13 international schools in the Cascais/Estoril catchment area, such as PaRK International School. Cascais is a peaceful seaside town home to glorious beaches, water sports activities, and excellent seafood. You’ll find that the town gets much livelier in the summer months, as vacationing families and locals head to the seaside city to relax on the sandy beaches.

However, if you live a little outside the center or in neighboring Estoril, you’ll find stunning, spacious properties, many equipped with a swimming pool, private gym, and added security. You are just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon and close to the stunning Sintra-Cascais Natural Park by car.

Sintra

Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage town, and despite its rise in popularity, it retains its authenticity and local customs. The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is home to some of the most beautiful palaces in Europe, and it’s perfect for active families exploring the stunning scenery and pristine beaches.

You’ll find three top-quality international schools in Sintra: the Carlucci International School of Lisbon, Prime School, and TASIS Portugal. The Prime School follows the Cambridge international curriculum if this interests you. You are still under an hour’s drive from Sintra from Lisbon, so you can enjoy the capital’s delights while appreciating peace and quiet.

Setúbal

Setúbal, a historic coastal city, is located 50 km south of Lisbon and home to one of Portugal’s largest expat populations. The stunning Arrábida Natural Park, one of the most beautiful areas of Portugal, is close by, so it’s no surprise why many expats are taking notice and moving here. If you are looking for a quiet spot not far from the city’s bright lights, then Setúbal could be the perfect location. You’ll find two excellent international schools near Setúbal – St Peter’s International School and Seixal International School.

Greater Lisbon

While it can be a great idea to live in the capital of Lisbon itself, the Greater Lisbon Area has much to offer, including providing a wide range of top-quality international schools. Many top locations are from Sintra to Cascais and Setúbal to Oeiras. One commonality, however, is that you’ll be able to live a high quality of life and be close to incredible natural landforms, beaches, and natural parks, while there are also many fun activities on offer, such as surfing, snorkeling, rock climbing, and more. Another benefit of choosing properties outside central Lisbon is that properties are often more affordable, depending on where you buy.

 

Properties in Lisbon with Good Access to International Schools

Gonçalo Peixoto, the Head of Real Estate at Goldcrest, provided some tips in our recent live session about Lisbon neighborhoods and access to international schools in the Portuguese capital. He identified the areas Lapa, Estrela, and Campo do Ourique as top choices if you are seeking out an apartment where prices will stand at around €5,000 per square meter, with the neighborhood of Parque das Nações in the east of the city also being a good option.

For those looking for more spacious properties, he mentions that “Other areas that you might choose could be Monsanto, for example, or Alvalade, where you can find bigger properties than apartments, and will have more space as well as Sintra. You have a lot of choice in Sintra, and you’re actually quite close to Lisbon anyway, so Sintra might be something to look at, and you’re looking at a much cheaper price of €2,000-3,000 per square meter. […]. Cascais, if you’re looking for a place close to the sea as well. You can take your children to the beach after a school day or on weekends. It’s a very good place for its lifestyle attributes”.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.