Choosing a school in Portugal can feel like one of the most stressful parts of relocating with kids. Websites seldom reveal what daily life is truly like, and each family’s priorities differ. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning a move to Lisbon.
First: Decide What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, pin down your non-negotiables. Most choices go wrong when families compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you drive each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: level of structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Pick Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Lisbon, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily challenge.
- Confirm availability and admission timelines. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication styles.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for new students.
- Conduct a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust your own observations over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions often uncover insights beyond generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who are anxious or adapting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How is heat managed and indoor/outdoor time handled in warmer months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School decisions aren't just about tuition. Consider the complete routine expenses:
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 usually is the one that matches your family’s real routine: location, support, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting out priorities for Lisbon (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +351 21 234 5678.