When you move with kids to another country, you always need to think about where they’re going to study. In this blog post, we’ll explain the Portuguese education system as well as the different kinds of international schools in Lisbon.
The Portuguese School System
To start, the Portuguese school system, like that of most European countries, lasts from September to June. School vacations in Portugal generally span the summer months with additional breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Public School vs International School
Schooling in Portugal is divided into four phases. These are cycle 1 (6-10 years), cycle 2 (10-12 years), cycle 3 (12-15 years) and secondary (15-18 years). Additionally, education is divided between private and public schools, with private schools having a reputation for providing higher quality. Public schools are free, teach in Portuguese, and are open to citizens and foreigners. Private schools in Portugal, including international schools, teach in a range of languages and charge fees.
You’ll find several dozen international schools in Portugal, so finding a school for your child shouldn’t be too difficult. Because the educational system offers different education stages, a particular international school may accept students in particular cycles and not in others. So, be sure to do your research to figure out if your student is qualified to apply. Depending on the level of education available, international schools may be certified by different branches of the Ministry of Education and Science (in Portuguese).
International Schools in Lisbon area
There is a wide choice of international schools in Lisbon and its suburbs. But there are even more schools an easy commute away, particularly around Cascais and slightly further north towards Sintra. International schools outside of the capital will usually offer transport services.
Here are Some International Schools in Lisbon Area:
The British School Lisbon
Greene's Tutorial College
International Sharing School Taguspark
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
Oeiras International School
St. Dominic's International School
International Preparatory School
Redbridge School
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At Home Staging Portugal, we understand that relocating to a new country can be overwhelming. That's why we offer relocation services to expats, helping them navigate the complexities of moving to Portugal. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in your journey to Portugal.