Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, has become a popular destination for expatriates and families around the world. Families looking to move to Lisbon have to find the right school for their children. International schools are an excellent option for offering globally recognised curricula. Some of these curricula include the International Baccalaureate (IB, IBDP), IGCSE, American Diploma, and many more.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the international schools in Lisbon for all age groups. Whether you are looking for a British curriculum, an American education, or bilingual programs, Lisbon offers a variety of choices for your child’s future.
Key Takeaways:
Wide Range of International Schools in Lisbon
Lisbon offers diverse international schools catering to expatriates and locals alike. There are several options for British, American, IB, German, and French curricula.
Significant Cost Variations for International Schools in Lisbon
The fees for international schools in Lisbon range from €6,000 to €25,000 per year, depending on the school, grade level, and facilities offered.
High-Quality Facilities and Resources
International schools in Lisbon prioritize small class sizes, modern facilities, and experienced teachers. This would contribute to a premium education experience.
Preparation for the Future
Students in international schools benefit from extracurricular activities, university counselling, and great development opportunities for a well-rounded future.
Table of Contents
Why Choose an International School in Lisbon?
List of All the Top International Schools in Lisbon
• Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL)
• Astoria International School
• St. Peter’s International School
• Lycée Français Charles Lepierre (French School)
• Deutsche Schule Lissabon (German School of Lisbon)
• United Lisbon International School
• The British School of Lisbon
• International Preparatory School (IPS)
• International Sharing School - Taguspark
• TASIS Portugal (The American School in Portugal)
Why Choose an International School in Lisbon?
International schools are designed to meet the needs of expatriate families and often offer:
Globally recognised curricula like the IB, IGCSE, or Advanced Placement (AP).
English, bilingual, or multilingual instruction.
Strong university preparation.
Holistic development through extracurricular programs.
List of All the Top International Schools in Lisbon
Here’s a detailed list of international schools in Lisbon to help you make an informed decision. The 2025 - 2026 fees are not yet available, so they could be subject to change.
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL)
Curriculum: American Diploma, IB
Instruction Language: English
Age Range: Preschool to Grade 12
Location: Sintra, Greater Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €10,000–€22,500 per year
Curriculum: British National Curriculum, IGCSE, IB Diploma
Instruction Language: English
Age Range: 3 to 18 years
Location: Carcavelos, Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €10,800–€24,800 per year
Curriculum: Portuguese and International Curriculum
Instruction Language: English, Portuguese
Age Range: 3 to 18 years
Location: Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €6,300–€12,000 per year
St. Peter’s International School
Curriculum: British National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Level
Instruction Language: English
Age Range: 4 to 18 years
Location: Palmela, Greater Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €7,600–€19,000 per year
Lycée Français Charles Lepierre (French School)
Curriculum: French National Curriculum
Instruction Language: French
Age Range: 3 to 18 years
Location: Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €6,300 – €8,300 per year
Deutsche Schule Lissabon (German School of Lisbon)
Curriculum: German National Curriculum, Abitur
Instruction Language: German, Portuguese
Age Range: 3 to 18 years
Location: Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €5,800 – €11,800 per year
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Instruction Language: English
Age Range: 10 to 18 years
Location: Oeiras, Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €10,800 – €17,000 per year
United Lisbon International School
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Instruction Language: English
Age Range: 3 to 18 years
Location: Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €11,700–€18,500 per year
Curriculum: British National Curriculum
Instruction Language: English
Age Range: 3 to 14 years
Location: Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €10,200–€18,400 per year
International Preparatory School (IPS)
Curriculum: British National Curriculum
Instruction Language: English
Age Range: 3 to 11 years
Location: Cascais, Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €9,300–€12,800 per year
Curriculum: Cambridge, Portuguese National Curriculum
Instruction Language: English, Portuguese
Age Range: 1 to 18 years
Location: Multiple campuses in Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €7,300–€17,500 per year
International Sharing School - Taguspark
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Instruction Language: English
Age Range: 3 to 18 years
Location: Oeiras, Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €6,800–€16,000 per year
Curriculum: Cambridge International Curriculum
Instruction Language: English
Age Range: 3 to 18 years
Location: Lisbon and nearby regions
Fees (2024-2025): €6,300–€14,500 per year
TASIS Portugal (The American School in Portugal)
Curriculum: American Curriculum, AP
Instruction Language: English
Age Range: Preschool to Grade 12
Location: Sintra, Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €15,800–€24,500 per year
Curriculum: Bilingual (Portuguese and English)
Instruction Language: Portuguese, English
Age Range: 3 to 15 years
Location: Lisbon
Fees (2024-2025): €7,600–€13,200 per year
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why Are International Schools so Expensive?
They are expensive because of:
Highly qualified internationally recruited teachers.
Small class sizes for personalised attention.
Modern facilities like science labs, sports complexes, and art centres.
Extracurricular programs, university counselling, and additional language support.
What Are the Benefits of Enrolling My Child in an International School in Lisbon?
Some benefits include: globally recognised curricula, english or multilingual instruction, diverse extracurricular activities, and a multicultural environment.
How Do I Choose the Best International School for My Child?
Factors that you must consider:
Curriculum preference (IBDP, IGCSE, American Diploma, AP, etc.).
Location and commute time.
Fees and affordability.
Age range and facilities in the schools.
Extracurricular offerings and student-to-teacher ratio.
Are There Bilingual Schools in Lisbon?
Yes, several schools in Lisbon offer bilingual programs in Portuguese and English (or other languages such as German or French). Some of these schools include Redbridge School and Deutsch Schule Lissabon.
Are Scholarships Available?
Some schools (such as CAISL) offer eligible students limited scholarships or financial aid. You should check with each school for specific details.
Are Meals and Transportation Included in the Fees?
Most schools offer optional meal plans and transportation services at an additional cost. Parents should check with their school of choice regarding this.
Can Local Portuguese Students Enrol in International Schools?
Yes, international schools in Lisbon welcome both expatriates and local Portuguese families. Many local families opt for international schools to provide their children with globally recognised curricula.
Can International School Graduates in Lisbon Easily Apply to Universities Worldwide?
Absolutely! Graduates from these schools often attend prestigious universities globally.
Choosing the right international school in Lisbon is a critical step in ensuring your child’s academic growth. These schools offer top-tier education and an enriching environment. However, transitioning to a new curriculum or staying competitive in demanding programs can be challenging for many students. If your child is struggling with programs such as the IB, AP, IGCSE, or A-levels, LearnFire’s expert tutors can help them thrive academically. Whether it’s preparing for their maths exam, working on their extended essay, or seeking academic coaching, our experienced tutors offer personalised support to boost their confidence.