Look, if you're moving to Portugal with kids, I'm going to be honest with you—the school decision is going to feel just as overwhelming as figuring out where to actually live.
Here's what I can tell you after working with dozens of families going through this exact process: Portugal's school landscape in 2026 still works pretty much the way it has for the past few years, which is actually good news because it means you can plan ahead with some confidence.
The basics haven't changed:
- School is compulsory from ages 6–18, or until your kid finishes Year 12
- There's a solid public system, plus tons of private Portuguese schools
- International schools keep popping up in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, and the Algarve
- International school fees? Budget anywhere from about €6,000 to well over €25,000 per year, depending on which grade your kid's in, where you live, and what kind of facilities the school has
But here's where it gets tricky (and where most families I work with get stuck):
Will your kids actually manage in a Portuguese-language public school, or will it be too much?
Which international schools are genuinely good for your child's age and the languages they speak?
What's this really going to cost once you add in all those "extras" they mention in tiny print?
When do you need to start applying? (Hint: earlier than you think for popular schools)
And the big one: how do you choose a school without accidentally locking yourself into the wrong neighborhood or an insane commute?
This guide is meant to be practical and current, especially if you're an English-speaking family trying to figure all of this out from scratch.
1. How the School System in Portugal Actually Works
Portugal's education system is pretty straightforward once you understand the stages:
Pre-school (Educação Pré-Escolar): ages 3–6
This part's optional, but most families use it. Since your kid turns 4, they're guaranteed a public preschool spot if you're a resident—though getting into a specific school close to your house? That can still be hit or miss depending on the area.
Basic Education (Ensino Básico): ages 6–15
This breaks down into three cycles:
- 1st Cycle: Years 1–4 (think grades 1–4 in the U.S. system)
- 2nd Cycle: Years 5–6
- 3rd Cycle: Years 7–9
Secondary Education (Ensino Secundário): Years 10–12 (roughly ages 15–18)
At this level, kids can choose general academic tracks, technical or vocational pathways, or something in between.
Higher Education
After that, there are public and private universities and polytechnics all over the country.
School is compulsory from age 6 until 18 or until your kid finishes Year 12—whichever comes first.
What Language Are Classes Taught In?
This is usually the first question I get:
- Public schools: Everything's in Portuguese. They do teach English and other languages as subjects, but the instruction itself? All Portuguese.
- Portuguese private schools: Mostly Portuguese too, though some have bilingual tracks.
- International schools: English, French, German, or whatever language matches the curriculum they're following.
One thing that's gotten better over the past few years: many public schools and some private Portuguese schools now offer extra support for Portuguese-as-a-second-language. This can make public school a more realistic option for kids who just moved here and don't speak Portuguese yet.
2. Public vs Private vs International: Let's Break Down What Each Actually Means
A. Public Schools (Escolas Públicas)
What it costs: Free from ages 6–18. You'll pay for school supplies, textbooks (some or all of them, depending on the program), meals, and any after-school stuff.
What they teach: The national Portuguese curriculum, which aligns with European standards.
Language: Portuguese. Full stop.
Why international families sometimes love them:
- No tuition means you're saving a fortune
- Your kids get completely immersed in Portuguese language and culture
- They make local friends and really become part of the community
- The academic preparation is actually solid
Why they can be tough:
- Full Portuguese immersion is rough for older kids arriving mid-year who don't speak the language
- Parent-teacher communication often requires Portuguese or bringing someone to translate
- Less flexibility in terms of curriculum, and you don't really get to choose your school—it's based on where you live
Who they work best for:
Younger kids (preschool and primary age) usually do great because they pick up Portuguese insanely fast. I've seen 5-year-olds become fluent in six months.
Also families who are planning to stay in Portugal long-term and want their kids fully integrated into Portuguese life, not living in an expat bubble.
B. Private Portuguese Schools (Colégios Privados)
These are privately run schools—often Catholic or built around a particular educational philosophy—and they usually follow the national curriculum.
What it costs: Typically around €3,000–€10,000+ per year. Some of the well-known schools in Lisbon and Cascais are now charging even more than that in the upper grades.
Language: Mostly Portuguese, though some offer bilingual programs or reinforced English.
What you get: Often smaller classes, more structured discipline, better facilities, and way more extracurricular options than public schools.
Why families choose them:
- Strong academics and exam results
- Smaller classes mean more individual attention for your kid
- Usually better sports facilities, arts programs, all that stuff
The downsides:
- Still primarily Portuguese-speaking, so language is still a barrier for non-Portuguese speakers
- Admissions can be competitive and selective
- Costs add up fast if you've got two or three kids
For a lot of long-term expat families, Portuguese private schools end up being the sweet spot: better academics and more support than many public schools, but way cheaper than the top-tier international schools.
C. International Schools in Portugal
This is usually where English-speaking families with older kids start looking first. Or families who might move again in a few years and want a curriculum that transfers easily.
What curriculums do they offer?
You'll find:
- British (English National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Levels)
- American (U.S.-style, sometimes with AP courses)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Other national systems like German or French
A lot of schools mix and match. For example, they might do British curriculum through IGCSE, then switch to IB Diploma for the last two years.
What it costs:
Most international schools charge somewhere between €6,000–€25,000+ per year per child. What you actually pay depends on:
- Location (Lisbon and Cascais are the most expensive)
- Age/grade (older kids = higher fees)
- Facilities (some schools have incredible sports complexes, arts centers, even boarding options)
Smaller international schools outside the Lisbon/Cascais bubble sometimes start a bit below that range. But the flagship schools in Cascais, Lisbon, and Porto? You're looking at close to or above €20,000 per year once your kid hits diploma grades.
Why families choose them:
- Classes are in English (or another familiar language)
- International peer group—your kid won't be the only one who just moved here
- Way easier if you're planning to move countries again in a few years
- Diplomas are recognized worldwide (IB, A-Levels, AP, U.S. high school diploma, etc.)
The challenges:
- High fees. Really high. Especially if you have more than one kid.
- Waiting lists for popular grades and schools can be brutal
- Learning support varies wildly—some schools are great, others not so much
Here's something I see all the time: families start in an international school to make the transition easier, then reconsider a year or two later. Some move to Portuguese schools once their kids' Portuguese improves. Others do the opposite and switch from public or private Portuguese schools to international schools when they hit secondary, especially if they're thinking about university abroad.
3. Where International Families Usually Focus (The Main School Clusters)
International schools exist all over Portugal, but if you're an English-speaking family, you're probably going to be looking at one of these areas:
A. Lisbon City
There are international and bilingual schools scattered throughout central and near-central Lisbon, including:
- Downtown and riverside areas (like Cais do Sodré and Santos)
- Alcântara and western Lisbon
- Some newer projects in Avenidas Novas and surrounding neighborhoods
This is great if you want city living with a shorter school commute. The trade-off? Both housing and tuition tend to be on the pricier side.
B. Cascais, Carcavelos, & Estoril
This coastline west of Lisbon is probably the most popular area for international families, and for good reason:
- Beautiful beaches and an outdoor lifestyle
- Strong expat communities (you'll hear English everywhere)
- Several really well-established international schools
- Good access to Lisbon by train or the A5 motorway
Fees here tend to be at the upper end of the international school range, especially at the flagship IB and British schools. But you get tons of choice—both for schools and housing, whether you want an apartment or a big villa with a garden.
C. Sintra, Oeiras & Paço de Arcos
The Sintra–Oeiras corridor gives you:
- International and bilingual school options
- Easy access to both Lisbon and Cascais
- Family-friendly suburban neighborhoods
- Tech parks and business hubs nearby (if you're working locally)
This area is perfect for families who want more space and greenery but still need to be close to schools, the city, and the coast.
D. Porto & the North
Porto has a smaller but solid collection of international schools serving the growing expat and professional community up north.
What to expect:
- Fewer options than Lisbon/Cascais
- Fees are generally a bit lower than comparable schools in Lisbon/Cascais
- More compact, urban lifestyle
If you're drawn to Porto—whether for work, lower cost of living, or just because you prefer the vibe—the international schools here are definitely worth considering.
E. Algarve
Down south, the Algarve has:
- Several international schools spread between Faro, Almancil, Lagoa, Lagos, and surrounding areas
- A mix of British, international, and bilingual options
- That resort-like, outdoor lifestyle everyone dreams about
Fees here also tend to be slightly lower on average than Lisbon/Cascais. The trade-off? Fewer choices overall, and you might have longer distances between towns and schools.
4. School Year, Holidays & What the Daily Schedule Looks Like
School Year & Holidays
For public schools, here's the typical pattern:
- Start: Mid-September
- End: Mid-June (though exam years sometimes finish earlier)
- Structure: Usually 3 terms
- Breaks: Christmas, Carnival (February), Easter, and summer holidays
International schools might follow a similar structure or align more with British or U.S. school calendars, so term dates can be slightly different.
Important note: The exact dates get published every year by the Ministry of Education and can vary a bit depending on the year and grade level. Always check the official calendar or your school's website for the specific year you're planning.
What a Typical School Day Looks Like
For public primary schools, you're looking at:
- Roughly 09:00–15:30, with breaks and lunch
- Around 25 hours per week of actual instruction
Secondary and international schools often have:
- Longer days (sometimes until 16:00–17:00)
- Clubs, sports, and enrichment activities before or after regular classes
One thing that's super helpful for working parents: many municipalities and schools subsidize after-school programs (called ATL) for younger kids. It's structured care with homework help, games, and activities, and it's a lifesaver if you're both working.
5. Enrollment Basics: What You'll Actually Need
Enrolling in Public Schools
To get your kid into a public school, you'll typically need:
- Child's NIF (Portuguese tax number)
- Proof of address (this determines which catchment area you're in)
- Child's ID or passport
- Health number (if you've already registered in the national health system)
- Vaccination record
- Previous school records, usually translated into Portuguese or English depending on the school
Placements are mostly based on catchment area, whether you have other kids already at the school, and a few other criteria. If you're aiming for a September start, applications usually happen in the spring. If you're arriving mid-year, they'll place your kid wherever there's space.
Tip: If you're a non-EU family, start gathering certified translations of school reports and vaccination records early. Some schools still require official translations, and this process can seriously slow things down if you wait until the last minute.
Enrolling in Private & International Schools
Every school has its own process, but here's what you can generally expect:
- Application form and application fee
- Previous school reports
- Entrance assessments or interviews (especially for older students)
- Limited places and waiting lists, particularly for popular year groups
For high-demand schools in Lisbon and Cascais, I always tell families to reach out 6–12 months in advance, especially for key intake years like Year 1, Year 7, Year 10, or IB Diploma years.
6. Costs: What to Actually Budget For (It's More Than Just Tuition)
Public Schools
Tuition: Free from ages 6–18
Extra costs:
- Textbooks and materials (some are subsidized, especially for lower-income families)
- School meals (usually reasonably priced and subsidized)
- After-school care and extracurricular activities
Portuguese Private Schools
Typical tuition: Around €3,000–€10,000+ per year, depending on the school, your kid's age, and location.
Schools in Lisbon, Cascais, and other major cities tend to be at the upper end.
International Schools
Tuition: Around €6,000–€25,000+ per year per child.
Lower fees are usually outside Lisbon/Cascais and for younger years. The top-tier IB or British schools in Cascais, Lisbon, and Porto can easily exceed €20,000 per year once your kid hits diploma grades.
But here's the thing—tuition is just the beginning. On top of that, most schools also charge:
- Application fees
- Registration or enrollment fees
- Capital or building fees
- Exam fees (IGCSE, IB, A-Level, AP)
- Lunches
- Bus or transport
- Uniforms
- School trips and extracurriculars
When you add it all up, these extras can tack on several thousand euros per year per child. So you really need to look at the total cost of attendance, not just the headline tuition number.
If you've got two or three kids in international schools, this often becomes one of the biggest expenses in your entire Portugal budget. I've seen families genuinely surprised by this, so I'm just being straight with you.
7. Inclusion, Learning Support & Special Needs
Portugal's public education system has a strong emphasis on inclusive education. There are frameworks in place to support students with special educational needs (SEN) inside mainstream schools whenever possible.
International schools? It's all over the map:
- Some have really strong learning-support departments with trained specialists
- Others have minimal capacity or strict criteria for accepting students who need additional support
Questions to ask schools if your child needs support:
- How many dedicated learning-support teachers or specialists do you actually have on staff?
- What's your typical class size?
- What's your experience with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or other specific needs?
- How do you coordinate with parents and outside professionals?
If your child will be sitting external exams like IGCSE, IB, A-Levels, or AP, you need to ask really specific questions:
- Can you implement accommodations like extra time, a separate room, use of a computer, etc.?
- What documentation do you require, and how far in advance does it need to be submitted?
These processes can take months, so early planning is absolutely crucial. Don't leave this until the last minute.
8. Commutes, Housing & Daily Life: Making the Triangle Actually Work
For families, daily life usually revolves around a triangle:
Home – School – Work (or your remote work setup)
Realistic Commute Tips (Especially for Lisbon/Cascais)
The A5 motorway between Lisbon and Cascais and the Marginal coastal road get absolutely slammed during school drop-off and pick-up times. Like, really congested.
If your school is in Carcavelos or Cascais, living in Oeiras, Paço de Arcos, Carcavelos, Estoril, or Cascais itself will make your life so much easier.
If your school is in central Lisbon, neighborhoods like Avenidas Novas, Estrela, Campo de Ourique, Lapa, Alcântara, and Príncipe Real can save you a ton of commute stress.
If you're working remotely or hybrid, think about:
- How close you are to coworking spaces
- Access to reliable public transport
- Whether you can get to both school and work without spending half your day in a car
I've seen families fall in love with a gorgeous house in the wrong location, and then every single day becomes a logistics nightmare. Don't do that to yourself.
9. Changing School Paths Over Time
Here's something most families don't realize at first: your schooling choices will probably evolve over time.
Some families start with an international school to create a soft landing for their kids, then move to public or private Portuguese schools once everyone's speaking Portuguese and feeling more confident.
Others do the exact opposite. They start in public school, but then switch to an international school for secondary, especially if they're thinking their kid might go to university abroad.
It helps to think in 3–5 year blocks instead of feeling like you're making some permanent, forever decision on day one. You're not locked in.
10. A Simple Framework for Actually Choosing Your Path
Here's how I usually walk families through this:
Time horizon
Are you here for 1–3 years? International school usually makes transitions easier when you eventually move again.
Planning to stay 5+ years and potentially permanently? Public or private Portuguese schools become a lot more attractive.
Child's age and personality
Under 7 or 8? Kids this age are usually way more adaptable to Portuguese-only environments.
Ages 10–18? Curriculum continuity and language of instruction become much more critical.
Budget (for all your kids, over multiple years)
What annual fee range can you genuinely sustain for your family? Be honest with yourself about this.
Lifestyle & location
Do you want city, beach, or countryside?
Walkable lifestyle or car-based?
Close to school, close to work, or somewhere in between?
Shortlist schools first
Make a list of 3–5 realistic schools for each kid.
Then choose neighborhoods and properties around those schools.
Not the other way around. This is critical.
This is exactly the kind of planning where it really helps to talk to someone who actually knows both the school landscape and the housing market.
11. Need Help Matching Schools, Neighborhoods, and Homes in Portugal?
Look, you don't have to figure all of this out on your own.
I work with English-speaking international families all the time who are trying to get three things to line up:
- The right school
- The right neighborhood
- The right property in Portugal
I live here. I understand the education system and the realistic commute patterns. And I know how daily life actually feels—not just how it looks on a map or in a listing description.
If you'd like help:
- Shortlisting schools
- Understanding which neighborhoods make sense for your specific situation
- Finding a home that works for your kids and your work setup
I'd be happy to talk.
Contact Us:
Email: info@PortugalDreamRealEstate.com
WhatsApp or Phone: +351 916 674 780
Let's build a life in Portugal that actually works for your whole family—school runs included.
