Selecting a school in Portugal can feel like one of the most stressful aspects of moving with children. Online resources rarely explain what daily life is really like, and every family has its own priorities. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Lisbon.
First: Clarify What “Good” Looks Like for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Many choices go awry when families weigh 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 exposure your child encounters throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expatriate families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Lisbon, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- 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 concise one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than general “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually 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 handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School choices aren’t only about tuition. Consider the full 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 Takeaway
The ideal school is usually the one that fits your family’s real routine: its location, the support you receive, and the day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help thinking through priorities for Lisbon (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +351 912 345 678.