Selecting a school in Portugal can be one of the most challenging aspects of moving with children. Online resources often miss the realities of everyday life, and each family prioritizes differently. This guide centers on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Lisbon.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Many choosing mistakes occur when families try to weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local offerings.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: overall structure, discipline, and communication approach.
How to Choose Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Lisbon, commuting can turn a “good” school into a daily challenge.
- 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 visiting. It helps prevent the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical 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 and 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 and indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Decisions about schooling aren’t only about tuition. Consider the total daily costs.
Common Pitfalls (And How to Steer Clear)
- Choosing based on reputation alone: the day-to-day schedule matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means identical everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Failing to ask about support: transitions are real for children.
- Delaying too long: admissions timelines can be stricter than expected.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school is usually the one that aligns with your family’s real routine: location, support, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the school with the slickest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Lisbon (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +351 21 123 4567.