For families relocating to Lisbon, schooling is often the single most decisive question in choosing where to buy. Lisbon has a strong network of international and bilingual schools and some well-regarded state schools, but they cluster in particular areas — and the best have real waiting lists.
This guide covers the main options at a glance, where they are, and how to approach admissions.
International schools (English curriculum)
The big English-curriculum international schools in the Lisbon area include:
- St Julian’s School — British curriculum (IGCSE / IB), based in Carcavelos (Cascais line). The largest and longest-established British school in Portugal. Main campus is outside Lisbon proper but a Lisbon satellite exists.
- Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL) — American curriculum + IB. Based in Sintra.
- TASIS Portugal — American, IB. Sintra.
- Oeiras International School / Park International School — British curriculum, smaller and more personal.
- Aga Khan School (Lisbon) — international curriculum, in Telheiras.
- PaRK International School — multiple campuses including Parque das Nações.
Fees range from around €10,000–€22,000 per child per year depending on age and school, often with significant registration and facility fees on top.
Bilingual and foreign-curriculum schools
- Lycée Français Charles Lepierre — French national curriculum (from maternelle to terminale). One of Europe’s largest French schools, in the heart of Lisbon.
- Deutsche Schule Lissabon — German curriculum, Abitur. Established, well-respected.
- Redbridge / International Preparatory School — bilingual English-Portuguese options.
- Oficina Escola and other bilingual Montessori-style primaries.
Portuguese state schools
The Portuguese state school system (ensino público) is free and generally considered to be of reasonable quality, with significant variation between individual schools. For families who plan to stay long-term and want their children to integrate linguistically and socially, state schools are an option worth taking seriously.
Key things to know:
- Children are assigned to schools by catchment area (agrupamento)
- The school year runs September–June, broadly in line with the rest of Europe
- Portuguese is the language of instruction throughout
- Younger children (under 8) typically adapt within 6–12 months; older children take longer and benefit from some Portuguese preparation before starting
Strong state schools exist in many central neighbourhoods — Campo de Ourique, Estrela, Alvalade and Avenidas Novas are areas we hear good reports about consistently.
Crèches and nurseries (ages 0–3)
Most Lisbon crèches (creches) are private or state-subsidised IPSS (social-solidarity institutions). Fees in the private sector typically run €500–€1,200/month. Waiting lists exist but turnover is high enough that most families find a place within 1–3 months of looking.
How admissions work
For international and bilingual schools:
- Apply as early as possible — some year groups have waiting lists of 12+ months
- Most schools ask for previous school reports (translated into English or Portuguese)
- Entrance assessments or informal interviews are common from around Year 2 upwards
- Registration fees are non-refundable and often substantial (€500–€3,000)
For state schools:
- Apply through the central Direção-Geral dos Estabelecimentos Escolares portal, typically between April and June for a September start
- You will need proof of residence at the address within the catchment, NIF for the child, and vaccination record
- Acceptance is near-automatic if you are in-catchment with documents in order
Choosing a school — and a neighbourhood
Three things worth thinking through carefully:
- Commute. A 20-minute school run in Lisbon traffic is very different from a 45-minute one. If you are buying specifically for a school, staying near it matters.
- Continuity. Many international schools take children through from age 3 to 18. Some don’t. Think about whether the school you pick now also works in five years.
- Language mix. If you want your child to integrate locally while keeping their home-country curriculum, a bilingual school or a Portuguese state school with good international support may be a better fit than a pure international school.
If you are relocating with school-age children and narrowing down neighbourhoods based on schooling, book a free call. We can talk you through which areas best match the schools on your shortlist — and where other families in similar situations have actually ended up.