Study in Cascais: best Schools and Universities

Complete Guide to International, Private, and Public Schools for Expat Families

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for families relocating abroad. Cascais, a beautiful coastal town just 25 km from Lisbon, is not only known for its beaches, safety, and quality of life, but also for its diverse and high-quality education system.

This guide provides an overview of the national, private, and international schools available in Cascais, admission procedures, costs, and what families can expect when choosing education in this region.

Why Study in Cascais

Cascais is one of Portugal’s most attractive destinations for families. It combines a high standard of living with easy access to Lisbon and an excellent network of schools. Families who move to Cascais often highlight:

• International and multicultural environment
• Wide range of education choices (national, private, and international)
• Proximity to universities in Lisbon
• Safe, family-oriented lifestyle by the sea

Education Options in Cascais

Public Schools

Public schools are free and follow the Portuguese national curriculum. They are open to all families, though admission is usually determined by residence and catchment areas. Classes are taught in Portuguese, and resources can vary. For expat children, integration support (Portuguese as a Second Language – PLNM) may be available.

Private Schools

Private schools in Cascais charge tuition fees but offer smaller class sizes, more extracurricular opportunities, and stronger resources. Some follow the Portuguese curriculum, while others incorporate bilingual or international tracks. Admissions are selective, and competition for places is high in certain years.

International Schools

International schools follow foreign curricula such as British, American, German, French, or the International Baccalaureate (IB). They are the preferred option for expat families seeking continuity with global education systems. Classes are taught in English or other foreign languages, and fees are significantly higher than national schools.

Top Portuguese National Schools in Cascais

Salesianos do Estoril (Private)
A Catholic school in Estoril offering education from early years through secondary. Known for its academic standards, strong community values, and a balanced focus on academics, sports, and arts.

Colégio Marista de Carcavelos (Private)
Renowned for its structured academic program and strong results in national exams. Emphasizes discipline, responsibility, and extracurricular activities such as sports and cultural projects.

Colégio Amor de Deus (Private)
Located in the Cascais/Estoril area, this school has a strong tradition of providing rigorous academic education with a caring and disciplined environment. Offers continuity from primary to secondary.

Escola Secundária de Cascais (Public)
One of the main public secondary schools in Cascais, following the national curriculum. Known for a wide range of academic subjects and integration with local cultural and sports programs.

Escola Secundária de São João do Estoril (Public with bilingual strands)
A public secondary school that offers bilingual Portuguese-English tracks in selected subjects. This makes it an attractive option for international students who want to integrate into the Portuguese system while maintaining English-language education.

Top International Schools in Cascais and Surrounding Areas

St. Julian’s School – Carcavelos

Founded in 1932, this is one of the oldest and most prestigious international schools in Portugal. It offers the British curriculum up to IGCSE and A-levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The campus is located near the beach and has extensive sports and arts facilities.

Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL) – Sintra

The only U.S. State Department-sponsored school in Portugal, CAISL follows the American curriculum and offers Advanced Placement (AP) and IB Diploma options. Strong emphasis on science, technology, and university preparation in the United States.

Saint Dominic’s International School – São Domingos de Rana

One of the few schools in Portugal offering the full IB programme from primary through diploma level. It is highly regarded for its holistic approach to education and multicultural community.

PaRK International School – Cascais

Part of a modern network of schools in Portugal, PaRK in Cascais was the first school in the country to implement the Cambridge Curriculum. Focuses on 21st-century skills, innovation, and technology.

International Preparatory School (IPS) – Cascais

Founded in 1982, IPS follows the British curriculum and is known for its personalised approach, creativity, and strong arts programmes. It serves both local and international families.

Other international schools serving families in Cascais include:

• Deutsche Schule Lissabon – German curriculum
• Lycée Français Charles Lepierre – French curriculum in Lisbon
• Lisbon Montessori School – Montessori methodology
• Prime School International – Cambridge International Education
• St. George’s School – British curriculum with IGCSE and A-levels
• Santo Antonio International School – Christian-based, Estoril

Costs and Admissions

• Public schools: free (small costs for meals, uniforms, or materials)
• Private schools: €4,000 – €8,000 per year
• International schools: €10,000 – €25,000 per year depending on grade and facilities

Admissions process usually includes:

1. Application form and documents (birth certificate, transcripts, vaccinations)
2. Application fee
3. Student interview or assessment
4. Enrollment confirmation

International schools often have waiting lists; early applications are recommended.

Curriculum Comparison in Cascais

Daily Life for Students in Cascais

• Transport: many schools provide private bus services covering Cascais, Estoril, Carcavelos, and Lisbon.
• Extracurricular activities: sports such as sailing, surfing, tennis, and football; music, arts, and robotics clubs.
• Integration support: international schools offer English or bilingual programmes, while public schools may provide Portuguese as a Second Language classes.

Universities Near Cascais

Cascais is within commuting distance of Lisbon’s top universities:

• University of Lisbon

•             NOVA University Lisbon

•             Catholic University of Lisbon

•             ISCTE University Institute of Lisbon

•             Instituto Superior Técnico

FAQ – Study in Cascais

How much do international schools in Cascais cost?
Fees range from €10,000 to €25,000 per year.

Which schools are most popular among Brazilian families?
St. Julian’s, PaRK International School, and Saint Dominic’s.

Do public schools in Cascais offer bilingual programmes?
Some, such as Escola Secundária de São João do Estoril, provide bilingual Portuguese-English options.

Which schools follow the IB programme?
St. Julian’s, CAISL, Saint Dominic’s, and St. George’s.

When should families apply?
Most international schools open applications between October and January for the following academic year.

Conclusion

Cascais offers a diverse and high-quality education system that combines local traditions with international standards. Families can choose from free public schools, competitive private schools, and prestigious international institutions offering British, American, French, German, and IB curricula. This variety makes Cascais one of the best places in Portugal for families who want to balance academic excellence with a safe and enriching lifestyle by the sea.

Planning your move to Cascais?
Finding the right home near your chosen school is just as important. Since 2004, RE/MAX Cidadela has been helping expat families find homes in Cascais, Estoril, Carcavelos, Oeiras, and Sintra — ensuring both a smooth relocation and the best educational opportunities.

 Contact RE/MAX Cidadela today:
RE/MAX CIDADELA
Avenida 25 de Abril nº 722, Cascais
Tel: +351 967 604 141 | Email: ppettermann@remax.pt

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By Pedro Pettermann

Pedro Pettermann is Broker at RE/MAX Cidadela in Cascais, with over 20 years of experience in the real estate market across Cascais, Lisbon, Oeiras, and Sintra. An MBA graduate from IE Business School, he combines strategic vision with deep local knowledge. Recognized as an expert in real estate, mortgage credit, and digital marketing, he helps homeowners and buyers make safe and profitable decisions. He is also a RE/MAX Collection luxury specialist.

At RE/MAX Cidadela, we have already helped more than 4,800 families successfully buy or sell their dream homes

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