Selecting a school in Portugal can seem like the toughest part of moving with children. Online guides often miss what everyday life is really like, and every family has its own priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning to relocate to Lisbon.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, outline your non-negotiables. Most missteps come from comparing too many factors at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that works well for expat families:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Lisbon, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily grind.
- 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” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions typically reveal more than broad “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you integrate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage indoor/outdoor time in hot months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Wants)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Include the complete daily expense:
Common Mistakes (And How to Steer Clear)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the everyday routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions are real for children.
- Delaying too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school usually aligns with your family’s actual schedule: its location, the level of support, and everyday comfort for your child—not the one that shines with the slickest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Lisbon (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +351 912 345 678.