Lisbon

🎓

Education

Sections

Education in Lisbon, Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Education System Overview

  • Public Education: Funded by the government, free for residents, and follows the national curriculum.
  • Private Education: Fee-based institutions offering various curricula, including international options.

2. School Levels

  • Pre-School (Educação Pré-Escolar): Ages 3-6, not mandatory but widely attended.
  • Primary Education (Ensino Básico): Ages 6-15, mandatory and divided into three cycles:
    • 1st Cycle: Ages 6-10 (4 years)
    • 2nd Cycle: Ages 10-12 (2 years)
    • 3rd Cycle: Ages 12-15 (3 years)
  • Secondary Education (Ensino Secundário): Ages 15-18, optional, lasts 3 years.
  • Higher Education: Universities and polytechnic institutes offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

3. Enrollment Procedures

  • Public Schools:
    • Eligibility: Residents in Lisbon can enroll their children in local public schools.
    • Documents Required: Birth certificate, proof of residence, and vaccination records.
    • Enrollment Period: Typically in June for the following academic year.
  • Private Schools:
    • Eligibility: Open to all, but may have specific admission criteria.
    • Documents Required: Similar to public schools, plus any additional requirements set by the institution.
    • Enrollment Period: Varies by school; check individual school websites.

4. Costs

  • Public Schools: Free, but may have costs for materials, extracurricular activities, and meals.
  • Private Schools: Tuition ranges from €3,000 to €15,000 per year, depending on the institution and services offered.

5. Language Considerations

  • Public Schools: Instruction primarily in Portuguese. Some schools offer bilingual programs.
  • Private Schools: Many offer instruction in English or other languages, especially international schools.

6. International Schools

  • Availability: Numerous international schools in Lisbon cater to expatriates and locals seeking a global curriculum.
  • Curricula Offered: British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), and others.
  • Examples:
    • International School of Lisbon
    • St. Julian's School
    • Carlucci American International School of Lisbon

7. Local Considerations

  • Cultural Integration: Learning Portuguese is beneficial for social integration and understanding the local education system.
  • School Calendar: Academic year typically runs from September to June, with breaks in December and February.
  • Transportation: Public transport is widely available, making it easy to commute to schools.

8. Additional Resources

  • Ministry of Education: Provides information on public education policies and regulations.
  • Local Expat Groups: Offer support and advice on navigating the education system.

This guide provides a structured overview of the education system in Lisbon, helping newcomers understand their options and navigate the enrollment process effectively.