Lisbon has the largest and most diverse range of international schools in Portugal — significantly more than Porto, and with a broader range of curricula, philosophies, and price points. For families moving to Lisbon with school-age children, the school decision shapes almost everything else: where you live, your budget, and how quickly your children integrate.
This guide covers the main international schools in Lisbon for expat families, with honest notes on each.
⚠️ School fees, waiting list status, and curricula change year to year. Always verify current details directly with schools. This article reflects research as of 2026.
The Main International Schools in Lisbon
St Julian’s School
One of the most established and respected international schools in Portugal. British curriculum from ages 3 to 18, leading to GCSEs and A-levels. Located in Carcavelos, west of Lisbon near the coast. Large, well-resourced, strong academic record. Popular with British and internationally mixed expat families. Fees: approximately €12,000–€20,000/year depending on year group. Significant waiting lists — contact at least 12 months before your intended entry date for popular year groups.
CAISL (Carlucci American International School of Lisbon)
The primary American curriculum school in Portugal. Offers the US diploma programme and IB Diploma. Located in Sintra, west of Lisbon. The school for American families requiring curriculum continuity or those who may return to the US for university. English-medium throughout. Well-regarded, strong community. Fees: approximately €18,000–€26,000/year.
Lycée Français Charles Lepierre
French curriculum school in Lisbon, following the French national programme through to the Baccalaureate. For French families or those who want French-medium education. Strong reputation, well-established. Good option for EU families who may move to France subsequently.
Deutsche Schule Lissabon
German curriculum school for German-speaking families or those wanting a German-medium education. Offers the German Abitur. Well-established community, smaller than the British and American schools.
International Sharing School (TASIS Portugal)
IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. English-medium. Smaller and more internationally diverse than St Julian’s. Good option for families valuing IB continuity.
United Lisbon International School
Newer school offering IB curriculum. Growing reputation, modern facilities. Located in Parque das Nações (eastern Lisbon). Good for families living in that area. Fees and availability — verify directly as it continues to develop.
What International Schooling Actually Costs in Lisbon
Headline fees are only part of the cost. Families consistently report that total annual cost runs 20–40% above the base tuition figure once you include:
- Uniform and required equipment
- School bus (often €2,000–€4,000/year — Lisbon schools are rarely centrally located)
- Lunch (€800–€1,500/year)
- Extracurricular activities and trips
- Exam fees at secondary level
- Application and enrollment fees (typically €1,000–€3,000, non-refundable)
For a family with two school-age children in international schools in Lisbon, budget €40,000–€55,000/year in total school costs. This is the single largest variable in the Lisbon family budget.
Portuguese Private Schools: The Middle Option
Between free state schools and expensive international schools, Lisbon has a range of private Portuguese schools charging €3,000–€10,000/year. Some offer bilingual (Portuguese/English) programmes. These work well for families committed to long-term integration who want more English support than a state school provides, but don’t need British or American curriculum continuity.
Portuguese Public Schools in Lisbon
Free, and functioning. For younger children (under 10), Portuguese public schools work well — children immerse, acquire Portuguese quickly, and often emerge genuinely bilingual within a school year or two. For older children and those who may return to their home country, curriculum discontinuity is a real concern. The quality of specific schools varies — ask in Lisbon expat Facebook groups for current recommendations by neighbourhood.
Lisbon vs Porto: School Choice Impact
Lisbon’s broader international school selection is one of the main reasons families choose it over Porto — particularly families with specific curriculum requirements (American) or multiple children needing different year groups. Porto’s options (OBS and CLIP) are solid but fewer. If your school choice is the primary driver of city selection, Lisbon wins on breadth.
School fees, waiting lists, and curricula change annually. Contact schools directly for current information before making any decisions.
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