Best Schools in Lisbon: How to Choose the Right School for Your Child

Choosing a school in Lisbon is not simply an academic decision. It can determine where your family should live, how much time you spend commuting every day, which language your child will study in and how easily they can later move between education systems.

At RE/MAX Cidadela, we have supported families buying and relocating across Lisbon, Cascais, Oeiras and Sintra since 2004. One lesson appears repeatedly: families who choose a home before confirming the school often create an unnecessary daily commute or discover that their preferred public school does not serve their address.

This guide focuses specifically on schools within the municipality of Lisbon. It compares Portuguese public schools, Portuguese private schools and international or bilingual schools in the city.

Families considering schools in Carcavelos, Cascais, Oeiras or Sintra should consult our separate guide to international schools in Cascais for expat families, which covers curricula, fees, admissions and residential areas in the western Lisbon corridor.

Information and indicative fees checked in August 2026. Schools may change fees, admissions policies, curricula and availability. Always confirm the latest information directly with the institution.

Quick Summary

• There is no single best school in Lisbon. The right choice depends on the child’s age, language, personality, academic pathway and how long the family expects to remain in Portugal.
• Portuguese public schools are free, but placement is influenced by the family’s address, available capacity and the enrolment priorities applicable in each year.
• Portuguese private schools may suit families seeking the national curriculum, a structured educational environment and easier integration into Portuguese society.
• International schools are generally more suitable for globally mobile families who need continuity through the British, Cambridge, French, German or International Baccalaureate systems.
• International school fees in Lisbon can range from approximately €10,000 to more than €25,000 per year, depending on the school and the student’s grade.
• Availability can be as important as reputation. Families should confirm admission before committing to a property or a long-term lease.
• Schools in Cascais, Carcavelos, Oeiras and Sintra are covered in a separate guide to avoid confusing Lisbon city with the wider metropolitan region.

Is There One “Best School” in Lisbon?

No. A highly academic school may be excellent for one child and unsuitable for another.

Before comparing names and reputations, parents should clarify five questions:

1. Which language should be used for most classroom instruction?
2. Is the family likely to remain in Portugal permanently?
3. Which university system may the child enter later?
4. Does the child need language, learning or pastoral support?
5. What daily journey is realistic for the family?

A family settling permanently in Lisbon may value Portuguese fluency and integration into the national system. A family expecting to move again in three years may prioritise continuity through the British, French, German or IB curriculum.

The correct question is therefore not simply, “Which is the best school in Lisbon?” It is:

Which school offers the most suitable academic, social and practical environment for this particular child?

Public, Portuguese Private or International School?

Lisbon offers three main educational routes. Each has advantages and limitations.

Public schooling can be an excellent option for children who are young enough to acquire Portuguese quickly and for families planning to remain in the country. International schooling may offer a smoother transition for older children who would otherwise have to change both language and curriculum simultaneously.

Portuguese private schools sit between these two models. They normally follow the national curriculum but may offer additional languages, extended hours, extracurricular activities and a more structured educational environment.

Well-Established Portuguese Private Schools in Lisbon

The following institutions are not presented as an absolute ranking. They are established schools that families often consider when searching for private education within Lisbon city.

Colégio Moderno

Located near Campo Grande and the University of Lisbon, Colégio Moderno is one of the city’s best-known Portuguese private schools. Its educational identity is based on humanist values, intellectual freedom, dialogue and cultural development.

It may suit families who want their children to follow the Portuguese curriculum within a school environment that places importance on academic knowledge, critical thought and the arts. Its location is practical for families living in Campo Grande, Alvalade, Telheiras, Lumiar and parts of Avenidas Novas.

Colégio Pedro Arrupe

Situated in Parque das Nações, Colégio Pedro Arrupe follows an educational model influenced by Ignatian pedagogy. It combines academic learning with personal development, citizenship, reflection and community involvement.

The school covers education from kindergarten through secondary school. It is particularly convenient for families living in Parque das Nações, Olivais, Marvila or the eastern side of Lisbon. For 2026/27, published monthly tuition ranges from €580 for kindergarten to €705 for secondary education, excluding some registration, food and optional service costs.

Colégio de São Tomás

Colégio de São Tomás is a Catholic school with locations in Quinta das Conchas and near Sete Rios. It combines academic preparation with cultural, ethical and personal formation.

It may appeal to families looking for a clearly defined educational philosophy and a structured school community. The Quinta das Conchas location is convenient for Lumiar and Telheiras, while the Sete Rios campus can serve families living around São Domingos de Benfica, Campolide and Avenidas Novas.

Colégio Valsassina

Colégio Valsassina educates students from approximately three to 18 years of age and is located on an extensive estate in eastern-central Lisbon. Its campus includes more than three hectares, providing an unusually spacious school environment within the city.

The school emphasises academic knowledge, autonomy, participation, environmental responsibility and community. Its location can be practical for families living in Areeiro, Alvalade, Marvila, Olivais and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Externato Marista de Lisboa

Located in Parque das Nações, Externato Marista de Lisboa is part of the wider Marist educational tradition. Its model combines academic education with personal, social and values-based development.

It is one of the private Portuguese options families may compare with Colégio Pedro Arrupe when considering a home in Parque das Nações or the eastern area of Lisbon.

International and Bilingual Schools Within Lisbon City

Lisbon’s international school market has expanded considerably. However, families should distinguish between schools located inside the municipality and schools that use “Lisbon” in their name but are actually based in Cascais, Oeiras or Sintra.

The following options are situated within Lisbon or have a significant Lisbon-city campus.

United Lisbon International School

Located near Parque das Nações and Marvila, United Lisbon International School offers an English-language international education for students from ages three to 18.

The school follows International Curriculum Association programmes through Grade 10, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. Portuguese is taught as a second language, and additional English-language support is available for students who need it.

United Lisbon may be particularly suitable for internationally mobile families who want an English-language education and an IB pathway while remaining within the city.

The British School of Lisbon

The British School of Lisbon follows the English National Curriculum, adapted to include Portuguese language, culture and local context. Its pathway includes Early Years, Primary, Middle School and Secondary education, with students progressing towards IGCSE qualifications and later pre-university study.

Its primary campus is in the Cais do Sodré–Santos area, making it a practical option for families living in Lapa, Estrela, Santos, Chiado, Campo de Ourique and parts of central Lisbon.

Parents should check which campus their child would attend and whether the relevant year group is already operating before choosing a property.

Redbridge International School

Redbridge International School offers multilingual and international educational routes for students from ages three to 18. Depending on the student’s age and programme, pathways include French, Portuguese International, Cambridge and the IB Diploma.

The school has locations around Campo de Ourique and Tapada da Ajuda. This makes it particularly relevant to families considering Campo de Ourique, Estrela, Amoreiras, Alcântara, Ajuda or Belém.

Redbridge may suit families who want a multilingual environment rather than a purely English-language school.

PaRK International School

PaRK International School operates several campuses, including locations in Praça de Espanha and Restelo, although its complete secondary pathway is associated with its Alfragide campus outside Lisbon municipality.

The school offers bilingual Portuguese-English education in the early years, followed by Cambridge programmes, IGCSE and, at the appropriate campus, a choice between A Levels and the IB Diploma.

Parents should verify both the curriculum and the future campus transition. A convenient nursery or primary campus does not necessarily mean that the child will remain in the same location throughout secondary education.

Lycée Français Charles Lepierre

Located in Campolide, Lycée Français Charles Lepierre follows the French national educational system from preschool through the final year of secondary school.

The institution has more than 2,000 students and prepares pupils for the French Baccalauréat. It is a logical option for French-speaking families, families connected to the French education system or children who may later study in France or another Francophone country.

Campolide, Amoreiras, Avenidas Novas, Campo de Ourique and parts of Benfica can offer relatively practical access, although real journey times should always be tested during school traffic.

Deutsche Schule Lissabon

The Deutsche Schule Lissabon, or German School of Lisbon, is based in Lumiar and serves families seeking continuity through the German education system.

It is especially relevant for German-speaking families and may also appeal to multilingual families seeking a structured European curriculum. Lumiar, Telheiras, Quinta das Conchas, Campo Grande and Alvalade are among the residential areas that can offer practical access.

What About Lisbon’s Public Schools?

Lisbon has many respected public schools, but parents should be cautious about choosing a home solely on the basis of a newspaper ranking.

Rankings usually rely heavily on national examination results. They do not necessarily measure pastoral support, teaching stability, inclusion, extracurricular opportunities, school culture or whether the environment is appropriate for an individual child.

Schools frequently considered by families include:

• Escola Secundária Rainha Dona Leonor, in Alvalade;
• Escola Básica e Secundária Dona Filipa de Lencastre, near Arco do Cego;
• Escola Básica e Secundária Passos Manuel, in Misericórdia;
• schools within the Restelo, Alvalade and other established Lisbon groupings.

The Lisbon Municipality’s educational mapping confirms that the public network is organised through school groupings and geographical areas of influence. The family’s address can therefore materially affect access, particularly when a school receives more applications than available places.

Public school enrolment may be completed through the official online system or directly through the school serving the child’s area of residence. Required information can include identification documents, a photograph, tax numbers and Social Security details, with additional documents requested depending on the family’s circumstances.

For international families, the practical question is not only whether a public school has a good reputation. Parents should also ask:

• What Portuguese-language support is available?
• Has the school previously integrated international pupils?
• Is the student entering during a transition year?
• Which subjects will be particularly difficult without Portuguese?
• Is the family committed to staying long enough for the language transition to make sense?

Younger children often adapt more easily, but every student’s situation is different.

How Much Do Schools in Lisbon Cost?

Public schools do not charge tuition. Families may still have expenses related to meals, materials, activities, transport or extended-hour services.

Portuguese private schools generally charge monthly tuition, usually over ten months, in addition to registration, food, uniforms, extracurricular activities and other services. As one current example, Colégio Pedro Arrupe publishes monthly tuition of between €580 and €705 for the 2026/27 academic year, depending on the educational level.

International schools normally charge annual tuition. Published or compiled 2026/27 figures illustrate the scale of the difference:

These figures vary according to age and grade and may not include registration, capital contributions, meals, transport, uniforms, trips, examinations or additional learning support. The schools themselves state that transport, meals and other services may be charged separately.

A family should therefore calculate the total annual cost, not simply compare the advertised tuition.

How Does the Admissions Process Work?

For Portuguese public schools, applications are generally handled through the national enrolment portal. Placement follows official priorities and depends on factors such as residence, siblings, school continuity and available capacity.

Private and international schools manage their own admissions processes. A typical application may include:

1. An enquiry or online registration;
2. The child’s recent school reports;
3. Identification documents;
4. A school visit or online meeting;
5. Language or academic assessment;
6. An interview with the student or family;
7. Payment of an enrolment fee after acceptance.

Redbridge, for example, describes a process involving registration, a school visit, submission of documents and written confirmation of admission. It also makes clear that submitting an application does not guarantee a place.

Families moving from abroad should begin as early as possible. Even when a school officially accepts applications throughout the year, individual year groups may already be full.

The safest sequence is:

Confirm the curriculum, apply to the school, receive a realistic indication of availability and only then choose the final residential area.

Where Should You Live Near Lisbon’s Schools?

School location should not be the only factor when choosing a neighbourhood, but it deserves more weight than many families initially give it.

These are practical geographical pairings, not guarantees of admission or journey time. Lisbon traffic can change considerably between normal hours and the school run.

Families comparing areas can consult our guide to where to live in Lisbon. Those still deciding between city life and the coast may also find our comparison of Cascais or Lisbon: where to live and buy useful.

What About International Schools Outside Lisbon City?

Some of the best-known schools associated with “Lisbon” are not located within Lisbon municipality.

St. Julian’s School is in Carcavelos, CAISL is in Linhó, IPS and King’s College School are in the Cascais area, while St. Dominic’s and Oeiras International School serve the western Lisbon corridor.

These schools should not be added as full profiles to this Lisbon article because they represent a different geographical and search intention.

Families considering Cascais, Estoril, Carcavelos, Oeiras or Sintra should instead read our detailed guide to international schools in Cascais for expat families.

Common Mistakes Families Make

Choosing the House Before Confirming the School

A beautiful property can become impractical when the school journey takes place twice a day in heavy traffic. In the public system, the wrong address may also affect enrolment priority.

Comparing Only Academic Results

Exam results matter, but they do not reveal whether a child will feel supported, challenged and socially integrated. Parents should visit the school and ask how it responds when a student struggles.

Ignoring the Long-Term Curriculum

A curriculum that works well at age eight may create difficulties at age 15 if the family later returns to another country. Parents should understand how each pathway connects to IGCSE, A Levels, IB, the Portuguese secondary system or another national qualification.

Underestimating Additional Costs

Registration, meals, transport, uniforms, devices, trips, examinations and learning support can add substantially to the published tuition.

Assuming That “International” Means the Same Thing Everywhere

Some schools follow one established national curriculum. Others combine multiple programmes or change the pathway as students progress. Parents must understand exactly what their child will study now and in later years.

The Broker’s Verdict

For families intending to settle permanently in Portugal, a good Portuguese public or private school can offer strong local integration, language fluency and a more direct path into Portuguese higher education.

For internationally mobile families, continuity may be more important. An established international curriculum can reduce disruption when entering or leaving Portugal.

The most expensive or famous school is not automatically the correct one. The best decision normally balances four elements:

Curriculum, child, location and availability.

In practical terms, the school and property decisions should be made together. The right home is not only the one with the best view or the largest living room. For a family, it is also the home that makes everyday life sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best schools in Lisbon for expat families?

United Lisbon, the British School of Lisbon, Redbridge, PaRK, Lycée Français and Deutsche Schule are among the principal international or multilingual options within Lisbon city. The right choice depends primarily on the required language and curriculum.

Can foreign children attend public school in Lisbon?

Yes. Families can enrol through the official system or contact the school serving their area of residence. Admission to a particular school is not automatic and depends on the applicable priorities and available capacity.

Are public schools in Portugal free?

Public schools do not charge tuition. Families may nevertheless pay for meals, activities, transport or certain materials and services.

Which schools in Lisbon offer the IB Diploma?

United Lisbon culminates in the IB Diploma Programme. Redbridge and PaRK also offer pathways leading to the IB Diploma, although parents should confirm the relevant programme and campus for the child’s age.

Should we choose the school or the home first?

The two decisions should be coordinated, but school availability should normally be confirmed before signing a long-term lease or purchasing a home based mainly on school access.

How early should we apply to a private or international school?

Families should contact schools as soon as their relocation becomes realistic. Applying early does not guarantee admission, but waiting until the summer can substantially reduce the number of available options.

Which Lisbon neighbourhoods are most practical for families with children?

Alvalade, Campo Grande, Telheiras, Parque das Nações, Restelo, Campo de Ourique, Estrela and Avenidas Novas are commonly considered because of their residential character, services and access to different schools. The best location still depends on the selected school and the parents’ workplaces.

Final Thoughts: Choose the School and the Neighbourhood Together

The best schools in Lisbon are not defined by one ranking or one set of examination results. The correct choice depends on how the curriculum, language, environment, location and long-term plan fit the individual child.

Before making a final decision, visit the school, ask detailed questions about admissions and support, test the journey during morning traffic and calculate the complete annual cost.

Once the school options are clear, the property search becomes much more focused.

Are you planning to move to Lisbon with your family?

RE/MAX Cidadela has worked across Lisbon, Cascais, Oeiras and Sintra since 2004, helping families coordinate their property search with the practical realities of schools, commuting and everyday life.

Contact our team for personalised support in finding the right home near the school and neighbourhood that best fit your family.

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👤About the Author

By Pedro Pettermann
Pedro Pettermann is a Broker at RE/MAX Cidadela in Cascais, with over 20 years of experience in the real estate market across the Cascais coastline, Lisbon, Oeiras, and Sintra. With an MBA from IE Business School, he combines strategic vision with deep local expertise. Recognized as a specialist in the real estate market, mortgage financing, and digital marketing, he helps owners and buyers make confident and profitable decisions.

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At RE/MAX Cidadela, we have already helped more than 4,800 families successfully sell or buy the home of their dreams