Selecting a school in Portugal can seem like the hardest part of moving with children. Websites seldom convey what everyday life is truly like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide centers on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Lisbon.
First: Decide What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, identify your nonnegotiables. Many choices go wrong when families compare too many factors at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you travel each day matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: options such as British, American, IB, or local programs.
- Language environment: what language your child hears throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication approach.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Lisbon, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily ordeal.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Important questions to ask schools
These questions tend to uncover more than broad “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers share updates with parents — weekly notes, apps, or email?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hot months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part No One Loves)
School decisions are never just tuition. Factor in the full routine cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school typically aligns with your family's actual schedule: where it is, the level of backing, and everyday ease for your child — not the school with the most flashy advertising.
If you'd like assistance sorting your priorities for Lisbon (commute, routines, questions to pose), get in touch — or call +351 21 234 5678.