Best Schools in Lisbon: Complete Guide to Choosing the Right School for Your Child

­​​​​​​Choosing the right school for your child is probably one of the most important decisions a family can make. In Lisbon — a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong educational tradition — this choice can be both exciting and overwhelming. After all, with public and private options, national and international programs, classical teaching methods or alternative approaches, how do you choose the right path to ensure a bright future?

This article was written especially for you — whether you’re new to the city, considering changing schools, or simply want the very best for your children. In this guide, you’ll find a curated selection of the best schools in Lisbon, based on criteria such as educational quality, reputation, location, teaching methods, academic performance, school environment, and extracurricular activities.

More than just a list, this article is an invitation to reflect, explore, and make a well-informed decision.

Why Is Choosing the Right School So Important?

A school shapes not only academic knowledge but also the character, values, and emotional and social skills of a child. A good school is a place where students not only learn how to think, but also how to be — responsible, curious, empathetic, and resilient.

In Lisbon, the range of options is vast. You’ll find traditional schools with decades of history, world-renowned international institutions, schools with alternative teaching philosophies like Montessori or Waldorf, and even bilingual or trilingual programs. That’s why it’s essential to clarify what matters most to your family and your child’s future before making a decision.

How to Evaluate the Best Schools in Lisbon?

There is no single “best school.” There is, however, the right school for each child and each family. For this guide, we considered the following criteria:

• Academic performance (based on national rankings from the Ministry of Education)
• School infrastructure and environment
• Quality of teaching staff
• Innovative educational programs
• Location and accessibility
• International focus and language instruction
• Feedback from parents and students
• School values and holistic education

Based on these criteria, we selected the most recommended and sought-after schools in Lisbon.

Best Private Schools in Lisbon

1. Colégio Moderno

One of Lisbon’s most prestigious private schools, Colégio Moderno has a humanist and progressive approach, valuing autonomy and critical thinking. Known for excellent high school results and a warm, inclusive environment.
Location: Avenidas Novas
Highlights: Academic excellence, personalized support, cultural activities
Levels: Preschool to high school
Tuition: From €450/month

2. Externato Marista de Lisboa

Part of the global Marist network. Strong focus on values and spiritual, emotional, and academic development. Combines tradition with innovation.
Location: Parque das Nações
Highlights: Holistic education, safe and family-like atmosphere
Levels: Preschool to high school
Tuition: From €400/month

3. Colégio Pedro Arrupe

A Catholic school open to all beliefs. Known for its academic rigor and personal development programs. Balanced yet demanding.
Location: Parque das Nações
Highlights: Structured teaching, citizenship focus, excellent academic results
Levels: 1st to 12th grade
Tuition: Around €500/month

4. Colégio São Tomás

Renowned for academic rigor and character formation. Offers a classical education ideal for families who value discipline and depth.
Location: Telheiras
Highlights: Rigor, humanistic foundation, strong university preparation
Tuition: Approx. €450/month

5. Colégio Valsassina

Located on an estate in central Lisbon, this school offers a natural setting and innovative student-centered pedagogy.
Location: Areeiro
Highlights: Family atmosphere, focus on autonomy, strong community values
Tuition: From €500/month

Best International Schools in Lisbon

Lisbon is attracting more and more international families, and with them, the demand for international schools has grown rapidly. Below are the most popular options for expat and bilingual families:

6. St. Julian’s School

The oldest British school in Portugal and one of the most prestigious. Offers the British curriculum up to IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Location: Carcavelos
Highlights: International teaching staff, English instruction, global reputation
Tuition: From €12,000/year

7. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL)

Offers the American curriculum and is the only school in Portugal officially recognized by the U.S. government.
Location: Linhó (Sintra)
Highlights: American teaching model, strong tech integration, creative learning
Tuition: From €14,000/year

8. International Preparatory School (IPS)

Caters to children up to age 12, based on the British curriculum with a focus on playful and interdisciplinary learning.
Location: Cascais
Highlights: Multicultural setting, ideal for young learners, solid foundation
Tuition: From €7,000/year

9. Deutsche Schule Lissabon

A German school offering full education in German, from kindergarten through high school. Ideal for German-speaking families or those seeking a strong European education.
Location: Lumiar
Highlights: Academic excellence, tradition, access to German universities
Tuition: Around €5,000/year

10. Lycée Français Charles Lepierre

The leading French school in Portugal. Prepares students for the Baccalauréat with solid education in science and humanities.
Location: Campolide
Highlights: French curriculum, multicultural environment, tradition of excellence
Tuition: Around €4,000/year

Best Public Schools in Lisbon

While many parents opt for private education, some public schools in Lisbon stand out for their high-quality teaching and strong national ranking.

11. Escola Secundária Rainha Dona Leonor

Consistently ranked among the best public schools in Portugal, with excellent exam results and a culture of merit.
Location: Alvalade
Highlights: Academic excellence, positive school environment
Levels: Lower and upper secondary education

12. Escola Secundária Dona Filipa de Lencastre

Historic and respected school with high demand and strong national exam performance. A public school with private-school-like standards.
Location: Avenidas Novas
Highlights: Academic rigor, tradition, high achievement

13. Agrupamento de Escolas Passos Manuel

Known for its innovative teaching projects and community engagement. A modern school with strong social and artistic programs.
Location: Bairro Alto
Highlights: Social projects, arts, and citizenship

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best school in Lisbon?
It depends on your child’s profile and your family’s values. For academic excellence, Colégio Moderno and Pedro Arrupe are top picks. For international education, St. Julian’s and CAISL are leading choices.

Are public schools in Lisbon a good option?
Yes, especially schools like Dona Filipa de Lencastre or Rainha Dona Leonor, which often outperform many private schools.

How much do private schools in Lisbon cost on average?
Tuition fees range from €400 to €600/month for national private schools, and from €7,000 to €20,000/year for international schools.

Can I visit schools before enrolling?
Yes, most offer open days or guided tours. It’s essential to experience the environment and speak with teachers and school leaders.

Are international schools only for foreign students?
No. Many Portuguese families also choose international schools, especially if they want bilingual education or plan for their child to study abroad.

Final Thoughts: Choose with Both Heart and Mind

Choosing the right school in Lisbon is a journey that requires thought, research, and, above all, empathy for the path you envision for your child. Whether you prioritize academic excellence, educational innovation, tradition, strong values, or international preparation, the city offers high-quality options for every profile.

Found the right school? We’ll help you find the perfect home nearby!
Moving closer to the right school is a major life decision. At RE/MAX Cidadela, we offer a wide selection of properties in Lisbon’s best neighborhoods, close to the schools featured in this guide. If you value having a home download our Free GUIDE TO BUYING A HOME IN PORTUGAL

Contact us today for a personalized consultation and find the perfect home for your family and your child’s future.

RE/MAX Cidadela: Your key to a life by the sea in Cascais or Lisbon since 2004

📞 +351 967 604 141 | 📧 ppettermann@remax.pt

------------------------------------------------

By Pedro Pettermann and Sol de Alós
Brokers at RE/MAX Cidadela since 2004
We’ve already helped over 4,500 families buy or sell the home of their dreams!

RE/MAX CIDADELA

A RE/MAX CIDADELA é uma agência de referência internacional com mais de 30 agentes. Desde o ano 2004 a trabalhar na linha de Cascais, Lisboa e Sintra. Todos os anos estamos entre as melhores 30 agências, numa rede com mais de 400 agências em Portugal, sendo vários anos premiados como a Best Single Office em Cascais e Oeiras. Mais de 4.500 clientes já compraram ou venderam o seu imóvel com a RE/MAX CIDADELA