Have you ever asked the question – what are the best schools in Portugal for my children? Education for your kids is crucial and must be considered as you plan your trip to Portugal. There are certain factors however that can influence your decision. The country you are relocating from, the age of your children, and the native language you’ll prefer for your children, are some of your deciding factors.
And as expected, Portugal has many different types of schools including public, private, and international. In this article, we’ll talk about the best schools in Portugal for your kids.
What You Need to Know about the Portuguese Educational System
The School system in Portugal offers an incredible mix of practical and theoretical classes. You should also note that Portugal is rated one of the best countries in the world to live in and raise kids. In 2023, Portugal was also ranked 7th on the Global Peace Index. So, you can expect a good quality of education. Nevertheless, most schools in Portugal teach Portuguese to the students. Consider this especially if you pick a public school over an international one for your kids.
The Best Schools in Portugal for My children
So, let’s break it down into different groups. This breakdown depends on the type of school you want your children to attend.
International Schools in Portugal
St James Primary School in Lisbon
They cover both British and Portuguese curricula teaching kids aged 6 to 10. Their yearly tuition fees run between €7,100-€7,200. They also teach in both Portuguese and English.
Oeiras International School
Oeiras International School accepts kids aged 6 to 18. Classes are handled in English. And they focus on the IB curriculum. Their yearly tuition fees also run from €11,150-€19,420.
British School of Lisbon
This school focuses on the British curriculum and teaches kids aged 6 to 13. Their yearly tuition is €12,255-€16,245.
Oporto British School
Oporto British School is a private school for kids aged 3 to 18. The younger students here follow the British curriculum while the senior pupils study the IB Diploma program. Their yearly tuition is €8,735-€14,585.
Read this article for more details about the best International Schools in Portugal.
Best Public Schools in Portugal
Escola Secundária Infanta D. Maria
Escola Secundária Infanta D. Maria tops the list of the best public schools in Portugal. It is situated at Coimbra. The average student score here is 13.12. You can call them at +351239701838 or email them at esidm.secretaria@gmail.com.
Escola Secundária Alves Martins
A Escola Secundária Alves Martins is located at Viseu. The average student score is 13.02. They can be contacted by call at +351232419820 or by mail at becreap.esam.viseu@gmail.com.
Escola Básica e Secundária Clara de
Escola Básica e Secundária Clara de is a great public school in Portugal for you to consider. It is in Porto and has an average student score of 12.86. You can contact them on +351226064689.
Escola Básica e Secundária Henrique Sommer.
Escola Básica e Secundária Henrique Sommer is also a good public school in Leiria, Portugal. It is known as Escola Básica e Secundária Henrique Sommer. The school has an average student score of 12.76. You can contact them by email at agrupamentoescolasmaceira@gmail.com or by mobile at +351244770120.
Escola Secundária José Falcão
Escola Secundária José Falcão é is another great public school in Coimbra to consider is Escola Secundária José Falcão. They have an average student score of 12.67. You contact them at +351239487170 or by mail at esjf@interacesso.pt.
Escola Basica e Secundaria D. Filipa de Lencastra
If you are relocating to Lisbon, then Escola Basica e Secundaria D. Filipa de Lencastra is an amazing public school you should consider. They have an average student score of 12.66. You can easily contact them at +351218437680 or by mail at esfilipalencastra@mail.telepac.pt.
Escola Básica e Secundária Dr. Serafim Leite
Escola Básica e Secundária Dr. Serafim Leite is one wonderful public school in Portugal to check out. It is situated at São João da Madeira. The average student score for this school is 12.64. They can be contacted by phone at +351239487170.
Escola Secundária do Restelo
Another impressive public school to look out for in Lisbon is Escola Secundária do Restelo. They have an average student score of 12.64. Contact them at +351213016528.
Escola Secundária João Gonçalves Zarco
In Matosinhos, you will find Escola Secundária João Gonçalves Zarco. They have a good average student score of 12.62. Reach them through email at geral@zarco.pt or through mobile at +351229396250.
Escola Secundária Garcia de Orta.
One other wonderful public school to find in Porto is Escola Secundária Garcia de Orta. Having an average student score of 12.55. Reach out to them at +351226198340 or through mail at geral@aegarciadeorta.pt.
Best Private Schools in Portugal
Colégio Nossa Senhora do Rosário
Colégio Nossa Senhora do Rosário. This school is located in Porto and has an average student score of 15.62. The tuition fee for this school is paid monthly and it ranges between 480 to 543 euros. For more information, you can contact them at +351226197590 or by mail at cnsr@colegiodorosario.pt.
Colégio Moderno
The city of Lisbon also houses a reputable school known as Colégio Moderno. Here they have an average student score of 14.95. Their monthly tuition fee is over 435 euros. You can easily contact them through their mobile number: +351217991840 or email them at secretaria@colegiomoderno.pt.
Colégio D.Diogo de Sousa
If you are relocating to Braga, Colégio D.Diogo de Sousa is one of the best private schools you should consider for your children. With a remarkable average student score of 14.94. However, you will be required to pay a monthly tuition fee of more than 180 euros. For more information, contact them at +351253201290 or through email at secretaria@cdds.pt.
Salesianos de Lisboa.
One great school to also check out in Lisbon is Salesianos de Lisboa. They have an amazing average student score of 14.83. To know more about the tuition fee and other information, contact them at +351210900500 or lisboa@salesianos.pt.
Colégio Luso-Frances.
Another outstanding private school to look out for in Porto is Colégio Luso-Frances. Their monthly tuition fee ranges between 290 to 435 euros. They have an average student score of 14.81. For more information, contact them at +351224830104.
Colégio do Sagrado Coração de Maria.
One amazing school situated in Lisbon is Colégio do Sagrado Coração de Maria. Their average student score is 14.74. With a tuition fee of between 474 to 500 euros monthly. Reach them through email at info@cscm-lx.pt or call them at +351218475342.
Colégio da Rainha Santa Isabel.
A reputable private school is located in Coimbra called, Colégio de Rainha Santa Isabel. They have an average student score of 14.62. To know about the monthly tuition fee and other information, call them at +351239793960 or email them at secretaria@crsi.pt.
Colégio St Peter’s School
Colégio St Peter’s School is an international school situated in Palmela, Portugal. They have an impressive average student score of 14.56. You can get more information about them on the inquiry form.
Colégio Manuel Bernardes.
Another decent private school in Lisbon you can consider is Colégio Manuel Bernardes. Their average student score is 14.52. Information about their monthly tuition fee will be obtained when you contact them. Contact them at +351217570501 or email them at colegio@cmb.pt.
Salesianos do Estoril – Escola.
If you are relocating to Cascais in Portugal, one famous school there you can consider is Salesianos do Estoril – Escola. Here the average student score is 14.50. You will need to contact them to know their monthly tuition fee and other details. They can be reached by mobile at +351214678970 or through email at estoril@salesianos.pt.
Overview of the Portuguese School Program
Portugal offers the following subjects to elementary children: Portuguese, science, drawing, mathematics, physical education, and music. However, depending on the school, your kids may have the option to study English when they get to 3rd grade. Also, some schools may offer free Portuguese lessons for children of foreigners.
In Portugal, there will be no need to purchase textbooks for your children if you pick a public school. Often the administration covers this by giving a QR code to any parents who get a textbook from the school library or a specialized store. Besides, there are free journals for children. Parents are only meant to pay for stationery and backpacks.
School Calendar and Schedule
In Portugal, school classes usually begin at 9 am and end by 5 pm. However, most parents are free to start bringing their children to class from 7:30 am. Some schools also provide opportunities for students to remain in school 2 hours after – school. That is, from 5 pm to 7 pm.
The Portuguese Ministry of Education is responsible for recommending when studies are to begin. School starts mainly in the middle of September, with no actual date. However, each school administration uses their discretion on when to particularly begin their first classes.
There is no particular date for schools to go on vacation. But, at the start of every academic year, the Ministry of Education in Portugal approves vacation.
There are certain periods when schools go on vacation in Portugal. During Christmas, there is a 2-week vacation. Besides, Easter vacation is 2 weeks too. Towards the end of February stretching into March, there is a one-week vacation, to mark the Mardi Gras carnival. July is when the longest holiday begins, it is often called the Summer holiday.
Various Phases of Education in Portugal
Without going to preschool, a child will have to attend school for 12 years in Portugal. After 9th grade, some children graduate from school. While others might continue their study in high school, in preparation for university.
1) Pre-school: In Portugal, training in pre-school is not compulsory. Since it is just a preparatory class that gets children ready for school proper. Enrollment into preschool begins from the ages 1 – 5 years.
It will take a child 9 years to finish primary school. Most parents enroll their children in primary school at that of 6. And the primary school education system has 3 categories. They are:
2) Ensino Básica,1 Ciclo, that is grades 1 – 4. It is common to see children commencing primary school from 6 years of age. So, for the first 4 years, the children learn Portuguese, mathematics, sciences, and arts. English is taught from 3rd grade. However, you can enroll your children in English classes, as an extracurricular activity.
3) Ensino Básica, 2 Ciclo, that is grades 5 – 6. Children in this grace are mainly between the ages of 10 – 12 years. They study English, Portuguese, visual education, music, mathematics, sciences, physical education, and information technologies.
4)Ensino Básica, 3 Ciclo, that is grades 7 – 9. Most children in these grades are between the ages of 13 – 15 years. They study English, Portuguese, mathematics, chemistry, physics, history, geography, and physical education.
Also, note that international schools have slightly different cycles for international students.
High School
It takes 3 years for students to study in high school. They study according to a general program. Thereafter, they will enter the university. However, the children that plan on working after high school, undergo a specialized program.
Final Exams
The final exam is written by students at the end of the 12th grade. The subjects written in the final exam are set based on what a student specializes in.
Public Schools in Portugal
Public schools are free for all Portuguese citizens and families with Portuguese residence permits. However, a family is required to pay between 70 – 90 euros for school and after-school lunches. As a parent, if you are not able to bring your children to school, that won’t be a problem. Because your kids can join the school bus, which will drop them off at school in the morning and bring them back after school.
For families that earn low, their children get financial support to buy notebooks and pens. Although, the money allocated to them for those items, is dependent on how much their parents earn.
Besides, laptops and free internet connections of about 2 GB monthly are given to children from low-income families. This package is not meant for only citizens, but also for foreigners. Overall, Public schools adhere to the Portuguese national curriculum. And instructions are primarily in Portuguese
International Schools
International schools offer a variety of curriculums, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British, American, and French programs. Besides, international schools cover much more subjects than public schools. They teach special subjects like chess, creative writing, theater, and dance.
One great advantage of international schools is that instruction is mostly in English, French, German, and other foreign languages. International schools are more expensive than public schools. They have monthly tuition fees ranging from hundreds – to thousands of euros.
Private Schools
- They follow the Portuguese national curriculum or a private curriculum.
- Just like public schools, private schools’ instruction is basically in Portuguese.
- Private schools are not as expensive as international schools.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Schools in Portugal for My children
What is the best public school in Portugal?
Finding the absolute best public school is subjective. It all depends on the curriculum, resources, and location. However, we’ve outlined some highly-rated public schools in this article such as Escola Secundária de Vila Nova de Paiva, Viseu.
Is School free for kids in Portugal?
Public schools in Portugal are free to attend for children between 6 and 18 years old. There are no tuition fees.
How much are kids’ school fees in Portugal?
Portugal’s school fees vary exponentially depending on the school you pick. Public schools are free. However, Private Schools have fees that are €400 and €500 per month on average. International Schools pay the highest fees ranging from a minimum of €400 to a maximum of €1800 per month. The average is around €800 per month.
Is Education Cheap in Portugal?
If you are choosing public education, then Portuguese education is cheap . However, private and international school educations are not cheap. These schools have tuition fees ranging from a minimum of €400 to a maximum of €1800 per month for international schools, with an average of around €800. Regular private schools might have slightly lower fees, averaging around €400-€500 monthly.
Are there free international schools in Portugal?
No, there are no free international schools in Portugal. However, parents can try sending their children to public schools which are free to attend for children between 6 and 18 years old.
