Hellow guys, Welcome to TigerJek, today we will dive into the list of the Best Schools in Lisbon. Lisbon isn’t just Portugal’s capital—it’s also a growing hub for international families, entrepreneurs, and expats. With its warm climate, rich culture, and thriving economy, the city has become a magnet for families who want their children to grow up in a global environment. But one of the biggest questions these families face is: where should my child go to school?
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That’s where TigerJek steps in. We’ve taken a deep dive into Lisbon’s education scene to bring you the most comprehensive guide to the best schools in Lisbon. Whether you’re looking for a traditional British curriculum, an American-style education, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or even bilingual Portuguese-English options, Lisbon offers a diverse mix of institutions that cater to different needs, budgets, and values.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the top schools in Lisbon, from their history and curriculum to tuition fees, standout features, and what makes each of them unique. We’ve also included insights on how to choose the right school and answered some of the most common questions parents ask when moving to Lisbon.
So, let’s explore the schools that truly make Lisbon one of Europe’s most exciting educational destinations.
Best Schools in Lisbon
1. St. Julian’s School
St. Julian’s School as nothing short of iconic on Lisbon’s international education scene. Founded on November 24, 1932, it holds the distinction of being Portugal’s oldest and largest British international school, nestled in Carcavelos—just between Lisbon and Cascais, and tucked beside the beach within an elegant 18th-century estate.
The campus is a stunning blend of history and nature. At its heart lies a gracefully preserved 18th-century palace, surrounded by gardens, woodland, and sports facilities—creating a unique setting for learning that boasts fresh sea air and ample space for both study and play.
Academically, St. Julian’s delivers variety and depth. Students follow either the British curriculum—leading to (I)GCSEs—or the Portuguese national curriculum in the bilingual section; all pathways then converge into the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma for ages 16–18. The school’s impressive accreditations include CIS, NEASC, and COBIS, affirming its international standing.
The student community is richly diverse, with over 50 or even 60 nationalities represented, and a fairly balanced mix of Portuguese and international students. Academic success is equally strong: around 98 % of graduates pursue higher education, and the school fosters inclusion through language support and dedicated learning-support services.
In TigerJek’s view, St. Julian’s stands out for its heritage, its blend of academic rigor and cultural breadth, its incredible location, and a sustained track record of nurturing globally minded, high-achieving students.
2. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL)
We see CAISL as a distinguished cornerstone among Lisbon’s international schools. Founded in 1956 by Irish educator Anthony A. McKenna, it began modestly in an apartment and grew into Portugal’s oldest American international school—and the only one officially supported by the U.S. State Department. Named in honor of former U.S. Ambassador Frank C. Carlucci, CAISL now stands proudly on a purpose-built campus in Linhó, Sintra, which was inaugurated in 1998 by First Lady Hillary Clinton.
CAISL offers both the American High School Diploma and the IB Diploma, giving students flexible paths to universities worldwide. The student body is genuinely global—with roughly 20 % Portuguese, 30 % American, and the rest representing over 50 other nationalities. Notably, the school earned the HP Award for Innovation in Education in 2016 for its forward-thinking approach to sciences and tech learning.
Campus life at CAISL reflects its holistic vision. The school is richly resourced: from dedicated early childhood areas and two modern AstroTurf soccer fields to a library that houses over 40,000 volumes in both English and Portuguese. Clubs, arts, and athletics abound—from robotics and orchestra to regional sports tournaments and student-led events like the Iberian Model United Nations.
In TigerJek’s view, CAISL stands out for its strong academic foundation, innovative environment, diverse community, and exceptional facilities—all delivered with an American-style spirit grounded in global citizenship.
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3. Oeiras International School (OIS)
TigerJek views Oeiras International School (OIS) as a refreshing and ambitious newcomer on Lisbon’s educational map. Founded in 2010 by a group of visionary parents through a nonprofit foundation, OIS quickly established itself as a thriving International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in a stunning heritage site—the refurbished 17th-century palace surrounded by green space, woodland, a river, and a historic chapel in Barcarena, Oeiras.
From Year 2 to Year 13 (ages 6–18), OIS offers the full IB continuum—Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programme—focused on inquiry, critical thinking, and a student-centered approach to learning. The school isn’t academically selective; instead, it prides itself on helping each learner achieve their personal best, bolstered by small classes (around 16 students) and a supportive teacher-student ratio.
OIS also stands out for its deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community service. Initiatives like hands-on river conservation, student-led Eco-School committees, and “Service as Action” projects give learners real opportunities to drive sustainable change in their local world.
The school’s efforts are paying off—graduates consistently receive offers from prestigious universities such as Cambridge, King’s College London, New York University, Stanford, and Delft University of Technology.
In TigerJek’s view, OIS shines for its blend of heritage and innovation—a nurturing learning environment in a unique setting, an inclusive, inquiry-driven IB education, and a forward-thinking ethos that equips students to thrive in a changing world.
4. United Lisbon International School (ULIS)
TigerJek views United Lisbon International School (ULIS) as a bold vision brought to life right in the heart of Lisbon. Opened in 2020, this K–12 school quickly became the first European venture of the Dukes Education Group, offering a fusion of American educational philosophy and the rigor of the IB Diploma Programme.
Located in Parque das Nações, the school is anchored in one of Lisbon’s emerging technology districts—surrounded by global firms like Microsoft and Feedzai—and infused with creative energy. ULIS’s campus blends architectural heritage with modern design. The former university building has been transformed into a luminous, collaborative learning environment. It boasts light-filled classrooms, a media-centric library, STEAM labs, maker spaces, and more than 6,500 m² of outdoor play and sports areas.
ULIS’s educational philosophy is built around five foundational pillars: Technology, Global Citizenship, Entrepreneurism, Performing Arts, and Sports. These pillars guide a curriculum designed to cultivate curiosity, adaptability, and meaningful engagement with the world.
Today, ULIS proudly serves over 600 students from 50+ nationalities, thanks to a global faculty delivering dynamic, future-focused learning. As a candidate IB World School, its first cohort of IB Diploma graduates began in 2024. Supported by Dukes Education, students benefit from excellent university counseling, exchanges, internships, and a growing education ecosystem called the United Lisbon Edu Hub.
In TigerJek’s view, ULIS stands out as one of the most forward-thinking international schools in Europe: innovative in its pedagogy, inspiring in its design, and powerful in its purpose.
5. St. Dominic’s International School
TigerJek describes St. Dominic’s International School as a pioneer of IB education in Portugal, offering the full IB continuum—PYP, MYP, and DP—since the early 1990s (PYP since 1997, MYP and DP since 1994). Located in São Domingos de Rana, Cascais—just a short drive from Lisbon—the school moved to its current campus in 1975 and later became an international institution in 1988.
SDIS serves a richly multicultural community, with around 50 to 60 nationalities represented among students. The school’s motto, “Veritas”—the search for truth—reflects its foundations in Dominican philosophy, blended seamlessly with the IB mission to develop inquiring, caring, internationally minded individuals.
Nestled on a tranquil, green campus less than 25 km from Lisbon, SDIS offers modern facilities, including multiple science and technology labs, art and music studios, two gymnasiums, libraries, and outdoor spaces for a variety of sports—creating a safe and vibrant learning environment.
Academically, the school emphasizes personalized, inquiry-based learning and supports diverse learners through services like EAL (English as an Additional Language) and special educational needs support (SEN). SDIS also fosters a spirit of global citizenship and inclusion—celebrating peace, diversity, and mutual respect, with events like Peace in Diversity Day held in alignment with the UN’s values.
In TigerJek’s view, St. Dominic’s stands out for its leadership in IB education, its inclusive and supportive community, and its nurturing environment—all grounded in a long-standing educational philosophy that blends heritage with global relevance.
6. The British School of Lisbon
TigerJek views The British School of Lisbon (BSL) as an exciting newcomer in the city’s education landscape, bringing a fresh, authentic British educational experience right into Lisbon’s urban heart. Established in 2019 by The Schools Trust, a UK-based nonprofit with a global school network, BSL opened its doors on September 12, 2019, within a beautifully renovated 18th-century building in Cais do Sodré.
BSL follows the English National Curriculum, adapted to include Portuguese culture and heritage, offering rich academic grounding while helping students connect to their host country. The school takes pride in its UK-trained teachers, small class sizes (typically around 18 students, max 22), and strong focus on both academic rigor and individualized learning.
Parents and reviewers consistently highlight BSL for its warm atmosphere and high-quality instruction. One parent shared they were “instantly welcomed into the school community” and praised the “exceptional” communication and staff—even during the pandemic transition. Another noted the “beautiful building with large bright classrooms, excellent resources and outside space,” calling the school “truly one step ahead”.
The school has already been recognized for its investment in growth—winning the UK-Portugal Business Award in 2025 for its commitment to expanding and elevating Lisbon’s educational offerings, including establishing a second campus in Belém with top-tier facilities like science labs and a theatre.
In TigerJek’s view, BSL shines thanks to its central location, genuine British education, thoughtful integration of Portuguese culture, and warm, community-driven environment. If you’re looking for a school that balances tradition with modernity and heart with academic excellence, BSL is certainly worth a closer look.
7. St. James’ Primary School
TigerJek sees St. James’ Primary School, located in Cascais—just outside Lisbon—as a charming, bilingual haven for young learners. Established in response to the growing success of St. George’s School, St. James’ opened its doors in 2007, carrying forward a shared ethos and high academic standards.
Designed for children aged 6 to 10, the school smoothly bridges to St. George’s for secondary education. It delivers a true dual-language experience, splitting instruction evenly between English and Portuguese, all taught by qualified, bilingual staff. With an average class size of 15 and a maximum of 20 students, St. James’ makes space for genuine individual attention.
St. James’ stands out with its beautiful campus—a wooded setting that features a swimming pool, extensive outdoor play areas, and nature-rich surroundings. It feels supportive and homey, combining academic promise with imaginative learning. The curriculum intentionally focuses on building critical thinking and creativity, using the structured English National Curriculum but enriching it with arts, moral development, and global awareness.
Families speak fondly of the environment. One parent described how their child felt at ease from the very first visit and quickly adapted, calling the school “fantastic” for its nurturing atmosphere. The school has also been praised for its discipline balanced with esprit de corps—a spirit of togetherness and confidence.
Tuition is thoughtful for its curriculum and care—around €8,300 per year for Grade 1, including a modest one-time entry fee.
From TigerJek’s perspective, St. James’ Primary School brings together affordability, bilingual depth, and a sense of family. It’s ideal for parents seeking an inclusive, academically strong, and heartwarming primary setting for their little ones.
8. Colégio Planalto
TigerJek views Colégio Planalto as a well-established institution that combines strong academic preparation with deeply rooted values. Founded in 1978 by a group of proactive parents, the school aimed to offer a more personalized and holistic education than what was available elsewhere—a mission it continues to uphold today.
Located in Telheiras, São João de Talhos, Lisbon, Planalto is a private, Catholic boys-only school run by the Cooperativa Fomento de Centros de Ensino. The institution draws inspiration from the educational principles of Victor Garcia Hoz, focusing on the development of free, responsible, and well-rounded personalities through individualized attention.
The school offers a full age range of education—from early years through secondary—combining the Portuguese national curriculum with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, which it adopted in the early 1990s and has been delivering since 1994.
Colégio Planalto is known for its small class sizes—typically around 18 students—which allow for meaningful, personalized instruction. Though deeply informed by Catholic and Opus Dei values—with chaplaincy and religious instruction overseen by the prelature—the school does welcome students from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, fostering an environment of respect and inclusion.
Academically, it’s recognized for consistently strong performance in national rankings, thanks to its blend of rigorous preparation and character education. The atmosphere quietly cultivates virtues like order, generosity, diligence, and compassion alongside intellectual growth.
From TigerJek’s perspective, Colégio Planalto stands out for its personalized, values-driven education, small class sizes, and international academic opportunities made available through the IB—making it a compelling choice for families seeking both moral and academic excellence.
How to Choose the Right School in Lisbon
Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes when relocating. TigerJek suggests considering:
- Curriculum Fit – Do you want your child to follow British, American, IB, or Portuguese tracks?
- University Aspirations – If your child aims for UK universities, A-Levels may be ideal. For global flexibility, the IB is a great choice.
- Location & Commute – Lisbon traffic can be tricky; proximity matters.
- Budget – Fees range widely, from €7,000 to over €20,000 annually.
- School Culture – Some schools are highly academic, while others focus on creativity, inclusivity, or faith.
FAQs for Parents
Q: How much does tuition cost at Lisbon’s international schools?
Most international schools charge between €7,000 and €20,000 annually, depending on grade and facilities.
Q: Do schools in Lisbon provide transport?
Yes. Most offer private bus services that cover Lisbon, Cascais, and surrounding areas.
Q: Are there bilingual schools in Lisbon?
Yes. Schools like St. James’ and some Portuguese private schools combine Portuguese and English instruction.
Q: What’s the most prestigious school in Lisbon?
St. Julian’s is often considered the most prestigious, though CAISL and ULIS are also highly regarded.
Q: Are Portuguese public schools an option for expats?
Yes. Public schools are free and high-quality, but they primarily teach in Portuguese.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon is a city that blends tradition with innovation, and its schools reflect this diversity. From historic institutions like St. Julian’s to modern pioneers like United Lisbon, parents have a wide spectrum of choices.
At the end of the day, the best school in Lisbon depends on your family’s values, your child’s learning style, and your long-term goals. Whether you’re drawn to the rigor of the IB, the familiarity of British or American systems, or the rootedness of Portuguese education, Lisbon offers world-class opportunities that prepare children to succeed anywhere in the world.
TigerJek’s advice? Visit the campuses, meet the teachers, and talk to other parents. Choosing the right school is about finding the right fit—not just the most prestigious name.