Best International Schools in Lisbon
Lisbon is celebrated for its array of exceptional international schools, providing expatriate families with a world-class education in a city rich with history, culture, and a vibrant lifestyle.
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Offering a blend of academic excellence and dynamic extracurricular programs, these schools cater to students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. They frequently integrate an English-medium education with opportunities to explore Portuguese language and traditions, creating a truly global learning experience.
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Lisbon’s international schools deliver high-quality education through renowned global curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), and American education frameworks. These schools emphasize academic excellence while fostering holistic development, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
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This guide showcases some of Lisbon’s most reputable international schools, known for their commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering intercultural competence, equipping students to thrive in an interconnected world.
The British School of Lisbon
The British School of Lisbon (BSL) is firmly rooted in British traditions, ensuring a strong foundation for academic success. Alongside fostering personal growth, the school promotes social development as part of its holistic approach to learning. The school combines the English National Curriculum with international elements, emphasizing literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking while celebrating cultural diversity and creativity.
With world-class educators, state-of-the-art facilities, and small class sizes, BSL ensures personalized attention and a nurturing learning environment. The school’s comprehensive curriculum spans Early Years through Senior School, preparing students for IGCSEs, A-Levels, and entry into top global universities. Beyond academics, BSL offers an enriched education through music, drama, arts, and sports, encouraging students to explore their talents and develop leadership skills.
Located in Lisbon's vibrant heart, the historic yet modern campus serves as a hub for discovery and collaboration. The school also emphasizes character development, instilling resilience, kindness, and integrity to shape responsible global citizens equipped to succeed in any endeavor.
St. Julian's School
Since its founding in 1932, St. Julian’s School has been recognized as one of Portugal’s premier international institutions. With over 90 years of history, the school balances its rich heritage with forward-thinking approaches to education. St. Julian’s mission emphasizes fostering well-rounded individuals prepared to excel academically, thrive personally, and contribute meaningfully to society.
St. Julian’s serves a vibrant community of over 60 nationalities, offering students aged 3 to 18 diverse academic pathways. These include the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSEs, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, and a bilingual Portuguese curriculum. Joint classes in arts, sports, and cultural activities create a collaborative environment between the school’s British and Portuguese sections.
With an emphasis on core values like respect, independence, and honesty, the school nurtures global citizens. Its exceptional staff, innovative curriculum, and world-class facilities equip students with the skills to achieve excellence and embrace leadership opportunities in a dynamic world.
United Lisbon International School
United Lisbon International School, located in central Lisbon near Parque das Nações, serves students aged 3 to 18. The school offers a comprehensive English-language curriculum, culminating in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. This rigorous academic pathway is enriched by a strong emphasis on holistic development, nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
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The state-of-the-art campus is equipped with cutting-edge facilities designed to inspire learning and creativity. These include advanced science labs, innovative maker spaces, and modern performing arts centers. Together, they create an environment where students can fully explore their interests and achieve excellence. Emphasizing technology and entrepreneurship, the school prepares graduates to adapt to future challenges while promoting personal growth, resilience, and collaboration.
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United Lisbon places significant emphasis on Portuguese language learning, ensuring students are well-equipped to connect with the local culture and community while preparing for an international future.
Prime School International
Prime School International, established in Sintra in 2008, holds the distinction of being Portugal’s first ISO 9001-certified private international school. Over the years, it has expanded into a prominent institution, offering globally recognized education through its campuses in Lisbon, Estoril, and Sintra. Catering to students aged 3 to 18, the school follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship as key pillars of its academic foundation.
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At the secondary level, Prime School International offers tailored pathways, including IGCSEs, A-Levels, and technical courses in areas such as sports, business, and the arts. The school’s focus on personalized education empowers students to align their learning experiences with individual career aspirations.
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State-of-the-art facilities support both academic and practical endeavors, creating a dynamic and engaging environment. Interdisciplinary projects foster innovation by integrating knowledge across subjects. Prime School International offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, enabling students to develop a variety of skills and explore their personal interests, all while benefiting from a holistic educational experience.
Astoria International School
Astoria International School, located in Lisbon, offers exceptional private education rooted in a multilingual framework and cutting-edge teaching methods. Serving students from Nursery through the 3rd Cycle, the school begins with a bilingual English-Portuguese curriculum. As students advance, they transition to trilingual instruction with the addition of German, ultimately expanding to a multilingual program that incorporates French.
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The school emphasizes holistic development, combining academics with socio-emotional growth. Inspired by Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory, its pedagogy fosters critical thinking, creativity, and autonomy through languages, sciences, arts, and sports. With a motto of “Innovate, Create, Grow,” Astoria prioritizes resilience, competence, and responsibility.
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Astoria’s spacious facilities, thoughtfully designed for learning and recreation, support a variety of academic and extracurricular activities. The school’s psychology services ensure emotional well-being and career guidance, enhancing student potential. Recognized for academic excellence and advanced teaching methods, Astoria International School prepares students for global opportunities and future challenges, solidifying its reputation as a top Lisbon institution.
Lisbon Montessori School
Lisbon Montessori School provides a distinctive education grounded in the Montessori philosophy, prioritizing child-centered learning and multilingual development. The school’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed to align with each child’s unique interests and developmental needs, fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for learning.
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Spanning programs from Casa (ages 3–6) to Elementary (ages 6–12), Lisbon Montessori School offers bilingual English-Portuguese instruction, gradually incorporating German and French to support linguistic and cultural growth. The classrooms are mixed-age, fostering peer collaboration where older students mentor younger ones, reinforcing their own knowledge while building leadership skills.
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Lisbon Montessori School promotes self-directed exploration using carefully prepared materials tailored to individual developmental needs. With no traditional grading, teachers guide students through personalized learning plans, cultivating critical thinking and creativity. Licensed by Portugal’s Direção-Geral da Educação and accredited by the Middle States Association, Lisbon Montessori School offers an exceptional, holistic education preparing children for both academic success and global citizenship.
St. Dominic's International School
St. Dominic’s International School in Portugal offers a globally recognized education rooted in the Dominican tradition of truth-seeking and the Swiss International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy. Established in 1963 by Irish Dominican Sisters, St. Dominic’s International School blends its rich heritage with modern, inquiry-driven learning.
As an authorized IB school since 1997, St. Dominic’s provides a continuum of the IB Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes for students aged 3–19. The school’s holistic approach nurtures intellectual, emotional, and social growth while fostering international-mindedness. Through a curriculum that integrates academic rigor, arts, sports, and service, students develop as confident, ethical global citizens.
With bilingual instruction, inclusive values, and personalized support, the school celebrates cultural diversity and individuality. The school’s partnerships with institutions like Nova University expand learning opportunities. St. Dominic’s commitment to innovation and excellence ensures students are prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Redbridge International School
Redbridge International School fosters a creative, inclusive, and internationally minded educational environment. The school emphasizes holistic growth, nurturing students emotionally, socially, intellectually, physically, and creatively. It promotes inquiry-based learning and multilingual immersion to help students achieve academic success while developing lifelong skills.
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Redbridge supports students in mastering foundational academic knowledge and transversal skills, encouraging critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Students are guided to recognize their potential, build self-confidence, and celebrate individuality. Through shared learning experiences, they cultivate empathy, develop social connections, and embrace diversity.
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With a purpose-built campus designed to reflect environmental values, Redbridge combines innovation with a nurturing atmosphere. The teaching team, passionate about progressive pedagogies, integrates reading into daily routines to inspire curiosity and independent learning. This approach builds autonomy and equips students to thrive as global citizens who positively impact the world while fostering a deep appreciation for cultures and lifelong learning.
St. James's Primary School Cascais
St. James’ School was established to extend the success and principles of St. George’s School, which has been a cornerstone of education in Cascais since 1960. Designed for children aged 6 to 10, St. James’ prepares students for seamless progression to St. George’s, where they continue their education within the Portuguese and English/International systems through Year 10.
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Small class sizes and bilingual instruction by qualified educators ensure a personalized learning experience, fostering academic excellence and fluency in English and Portuguese. The school curriculum prioritizes creativity, critical thinking, and individuality, combining classical education with innovative teaching methods. St. James’ encourages students to delve into the arts and sciences, fostering a balanced exploration of both disciplines. Collaborative activities are integral, promoting teamwork and the sharing of ideas. The school fosters intellectual growth and moral values, shaping well-rounded learners.
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Inaugurated in 2007 by Cascais Deputy Mayor Carlos Carreiras and the British Council’s Jonathan Gaytner, St. James’ continues to nurture well-rounded, independent learners equipped for global citizenship.
Oeiras International School
Oeiras International School (OIS), founded in 2010, champions the philosophy of Sapere Aude—dare to learn. The school encouraging students to think critically and embrace new ideas. Uniquely established and managed by parents through the nonprofit Oeiras International School Associação SFL, the school reinvests all profits, creating a family-oriented and collaborative community.
Oeiras International School educates students across various age groups, supported by a dedicated team of educators in a nurturing and innovative environment. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across all levels, fostering self-directed learning, resilience, and problem-solving. Students cultivate skills in digital design, fostering creativity and innovation. They also build strong teamwork abilities, learning to collaborate effectively. Together, these competencies prepare them to tackle real-world challenges with confidence and ingenuity.
OIS graduates attend prestigious universities such as Cambridge, Stanford, and Delft University of Technology. Set in a picturesque campus featuring a 17th-century palace and expansive green spaces, OIS blends academic rigor with a commitment to environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and global citizenship.
IPS Cascais British International School
IPS Cascais British International School, situated just north of Cascais near Lisbon, has flourished over 40 years into a vibrant and inclusive community. Starting with a small group of students, the school has grown into a diverse community, educating children from numerous nationalities and providing the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage to Year 11. The Secondary School launched in 2022 with Year 7, and Years 8-13 are being introduced progressively on a purpose-built campus.
At IPS Cascais, students thrive in a warm, family-like atmosphere that emphasizes happiness, collaboration, and academic success. The school fosters a love of learning through small class sizes, a diverse curriculum, and dedicated teaching staff. Specialized programs support English learners and provide individualized learning opportunities.
Modern facilities include science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor spaces. IPS Cascais combines academic excellence, cultural diversity, and personal growth, shaping students into confident, responsible global citizens ready to make a positive impact.
King's College School, Cascais
King’s College School, Cascais, combines a prestigious heritage with a forward-thinking approach to global education. Drawing from over 50 years of academic excellence in the King’s College network and supported by Inspired Education’s global expertise, the school offers an enriching blend of tradition and innovation. Located near Lisbon, the school provides the renowned Cambridge International curriculum up to Year 10 and plans to introduce the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for senior students.
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Incorporating bilingual education in English and Portuguese for younger learners, King’s College School emphasizes language development alongside a well-rounded curriculum. State-of-the-art facilities on a spacious campus ensure an optimal learning environment.
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Through a holistic focus on academics, sports, and the arts, King’s College School inspires creativity, critical thinking, and resilience. The school’s global connections and commitment to excellence equip students with the skills to thrive, preparing them for top universities and successful futures in an ever-changing world.
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
The Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL) is a dynamic, student-focused community located between Sintra and Cascais, Portugal. Guided by its mission, CAISL emphasizes academic achievement, personal growth, and meaningful contributions to an ever-changing global society. CAISL is recognized as the only U.S. State Department-supported school in Portugal. It operates under a permanent license to provide an American curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Additionally, the school offers a well-rounded education that integrates academics, arts, and athletics.
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The school fosters lifelong learning, critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship through a comprehensive educational experience. CAISL’s dedicated faculty provides a caring and inclusive environment, tailored to diverse learning needs. CAISL’s state-of-the-art campus supports innovative programs like STEAM and IT, alongside extracurricular activities that inspire curiosity and collaboration.
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Accredited by the Middle States Association, CAISL prepares students for top universities worldwide, ensuring they are confident, principled, and equipped to lead in a complex world.
Santo Antonio International School
Santo António International School (SAIS) is an independent Catholic school located in Estoril, offering a comprehensive K-12 education based on the Cambridge International curricula, including IGCSE and A-Level/AICE Diplomas. Known for its emphasis on academic, cultural, and sporting excellence, SAIS fosters a caring and inclusive environment where students thrive both personally and academically.
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SAIS places a strong focus on personal responsibility, moral values, and social awareness, instilling a sense of solidarity within the school community and beyond. From primary years through Key Stage 3, students are encouraged to engage in active learning and explore various opportunities to excel. At the IGCSE level, they develop independence in managing studies, while their final diploma years are tailored to meet university requirements and career aspirations, supported by small class sizes and dedicated staff.
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In addition to academics, SAIS students participate in community service and partnerships with local organizations, gaining practical skills and global perspectives. A dynamic Parent Teacher Association fosters a strong sense of community, ensuring families feel welcomed and supported. With a commitment to diversity, SAIS prepares its students to become responsible global citizens, equipped for success in an ever-changing world.
PaRK International School
PaRK International School in Lisbon offers a premium education for students aged 1 to 18 across three state-of-the-art campuses. With a tailored curriculum combining bilingual education, Cambridge International qualifications, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the school fosters academic excellence and holistic development. From the early years, students benefit from an innovative, project-based approach emphasizing technology, critical thinking, and collaboration.
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The school’s rigorous preparation consistently leads to outstanding results in International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) exams, enabling graduates to secure admission to top universities in Portugal and globally. Beyond academics, students engage in a wide range of co-curricular activities, from arts and sports to personal development programs, nurturing their talents and fostering well-rounded growth.
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As part of the Inspired Education Group, PaRK IS connects students to a global network of opportunities, including exchanges and summer camps. This dynamic environment prepares learners to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Education Fees Planning
For British expats, planning education fees is a crucial part of relocating abroad, particularly when enrolling children in British international schools. These schools, while offering a high-quality education aligned with the British school system, often come with significant tuition fees. It's essential to account for costs such as registration, yearly tuition, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, expats should explore employer subsidies, scholarships, and financial aid options.
Early planning, budgeting, and consulting with financial advisors can help families manage these expenses effectively, ensuring a smooth educational journey for their children.
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