While not as common as in some other countries, boarding schools in Portugal offer a unique educational opportunity for expat families. Whether you’re planning to settle in a remote area of Portugal, split your time between countries, or simply want to provide your child with a immersive international experience, boarding schools can be an excellent option to consider.
Why Choose a Boarding School in Portugal?
- Flexibility in Location: Portugal’s compact size means you can live anywhere in the country while your child attends a top-tier international school. This opens up possibilities for families who want to experience life beyond the expat hubs of Lisbon and the Algarve.
- Ideal for Part-Time Residents: For golden visa holders or digital nomads who split their time between countries, boarding schools provide a stable educational environment for children, allowing parents to travel more freely.
- Rich Cultural Experience: Boarding school life offers a unique opportunity for students to form lifelong friendships and gain independence in a supportive, multicultural environment.
In this guide, we’ll explore the boarding school options available in Portugal, helping you make an informed decision for your family’s educational needs.
Boarding Schools in Portugal
The following are some of the most popular boarding schools in Portugal.
St. Peter’s International School (Palmela)
Located just 30 minutes from the heart of Lisbon, St. Peter’s International School in Palmela stands as a pioneer in modern, inclusive education. As the first international boarding school in Portugal, it offers a safe and nurturing home-away-from-home for students aged 14 to 18.
St. Peter’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its diverse curriculum offerings. Students can choose between the British Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate program, providing a world-class education that prepares them for global universities and careers. The school’s bilingual approach ensures students develop strong language skills in both English and Portuguese.
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The boarding facilities at St. Peter’s are a standout feature. The prime Boarding House, a distinctive landmark on the expansive campus, offers weekly, full, and flexible boarding options. This flexibility is particularly appealing to expat families who may split their time between Portugal and their home countries.
What sets St. Peter’s apart is its holistic approach to education. The school’s mission goes beyond academic achievement, focusing on the complete development of each learner. This includes fostering independence, cultural awareness, and personal growth – all crucial aspects for students living away from home.
For expat families looking for a transformative educational experience in the Lisbon area, St. Peter’s International School offers an unrivaled combination of academic rigor, comfortable living arrangements, and a supportive community.
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Prime School International (Lisbon)
Prime School International, located in the vibrant Alvalade district of Lisbon, offers a unique boarding experience for students aged 13 and above. As the pioneering boarding school in Portugal, Prime goes beyond traditional educational models to create a true home away from home for its students.
The school’s philosophy centers on encouraging students to explore their identities and passions. This approach is based on the belief that fostering self-expression and confidence is crucial for developing future leaders. The combination of independent living and a challenging curriculum helps students develop discipline and responsibility – key traits for success in higher education and beyond.
Prime School International stands out for its diverse curriculum offerings. Students can choose from globally recognized programs such as IGCSE and A-Levels, following the British educational system. Additionally, the school offers American curriculum options, providing flexibility for students from different educational backgrounds. For those with specific interests, Prime also provides BTEc courses in sports and specialized technical courses in art and management.
The boarding facilities at Prime are designed with student comfort as the top priority. Located in the heart of Lisbon, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture while receiving a world-class education.
For expat families seeking a boarding school that combines academic excellence with personal development in a cosmopolitan setting, Prime School International offers an compelling option in the heart of Lisbon.
King’s College Cascais
Set to open its boarding facilities in September 2025, King’s College School in Cascais is poised to become a leading option for international education in Portugal. The school currently offers the prestigious Cambridge International curriculum up to Year 10 (age 15), with plans to become an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme candidate school for Years 12 and 13 (ages 17-18).
One of the unique features of King’s College Cascais is its Bilingual programme, available for students up to Year 5. This program, combining Portuguese and English instruction, is particularly attractive for expat families looking to integrate into Portuguese society while maintaining an international education standard.
The upcoming state-of-the-art boarding facilities promise to provide a premium living experience for up to 50 students. The accommodation will feature single and double rooms, all equipped with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning. The new energy-sustaining building underscores the school’s commitment to modern, environmentally conscious education.
King’s College Cascais places a strong emphasis on pastoral care, with a dedicated team of academic and support staff ensuring that boarding students feel happy, safe, and supported in achieving their goals. This holistic approach to student well-being, combined with academic rigor, creates an environment where students can truly thrive.
For expat families looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, King’s College Cascais presents an exciting opportunity. Its combination of international curricula, bilingual options, and soon-to-be-launched premium boarding facilities make it a strong contender in the Portuguese international school landscape.
Alternatives to Boarding Schools in Portugal
While boarding schools in Portugal offer unique opportunities, it’s important for expat families to consider all available options. Here are some alternatives that might better suit your family’s needs:
International Boarding Schools in Neighboring Countries
Looking beyond Portugal’s borders can open up a wider range of possibilities:
- Spain: Known for its excellent international schools, Spain offers proximity to Portugal while providing a different cultural experience.
- United Kingdom: With its long tradition of boarding schools, the UK remains a popular choice for international students seeking a rigorous academic environment.
- Ireland: Irish boarding schools offer high-quality education in an English-speaking environment, often with more affordable fees than their UK counterparts.
While these options may seem geographically distant, they can be viable choices if your child will be residing at school for most of the year. The slight increase in travel time might be offset by a broader selection of educational programs and facilities.
International Day Schools in Portugal
For families preferring to live near their children’s school, Portugal offers several international day school options:
- Lisbon and Algarve: These regions host the majority of international schools in Portugal, catering to various curricula including British, American, and IB programs.
- Other Locations: International schools can also be found near Palmela, Porto, and Leiria, offering options beyond the main expat hubs.
This option allows for daily family interaction while still providing an international education, potentially offering the best of both worlds for many expat families.
Portuguese Private Schools
Opting for a Portuguese private school can be an excellent way to fully immerse in the local culture:
- Curriculum: While most teach the Portuguese national curriculum, many offer high-quality facilities and a rigorous academic program.
- Integration: This option provides a better chance for your child to integrate into Portuguese society, make local friends, and become fluent in the language.
- Cultural Experience: It offers a more authentic Portuguese educational experience, which can be valuable for long-term residents.
Homeschooling
As an increasingly popular option, homeschooling offers unparalleled flexibility:
- Curriculum Choice: Parents have the freedom to choose from a wide range of curricula, including those from their home countries or international programs.
- Personalized Learning: This option allows for a tailored educational experience that caters to your child’s specific needs and interests.
- Flexibility: Homeschooling can be particularly appealing for families with nomadic lifestyles or those living in areas without suitable school options.
Each of these alternatives offers unique benefits, and the best choice will depend on your family’s specific circumstances, educational goals, and lifestyle preferences. Consider factors such as your long-term plans in Portugal, your child’s educational needs, and your family’s desire for cultural integration when making this important decision.
Deciding on the right school for your children isn’t an easy decision and will take quite a bit of research. Be sure to read our overall guide to education in Portugal, which covers public, private, and international schools.
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