Choosing a school in Portugal can feel like the most stressful part of moving with children. Websites often don’t reveal what daily life is truly like, and each family has different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning to relocate to Lisbon.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, identify your non‑negotiables. Most decision mistakes occur when families weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: options include British, American, IB, or local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Select Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Start with a location-focused shortlist. In Lisbon, commuting can transform a decent school into a daily grind.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. class sizes, teacher turnover, and how we communicate.
- Inquire about support. ESL, learning support, and transition support for new students.
- Conduct a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust what you observe over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page scoring sheet and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions typically reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual 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/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who are anxious or adapting to a new country?
- What is your policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody 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.
Final Takeaway
The best school is usually the one that fits your family’s real routine: location, support, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you want help thinking through priorities for Lisbon (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +351 912 345 678.