An essential guide for international families in Portugal: schools, neighbourhoods and lifestyle in Lisbon, Cascais, Oeiras and Sintra.
This guide grew out of the hands-on experience of the Hakken Real Estate team, who help Portuguese and expatriate families every day to find the best combination of home and school across Greater Lisbon. Whether you are looking for quiet seaside neighbourhoods, green areas with good links to the city, or districts with a strong international community, we have already walked this path with dozens of families like yours.
Lisboa, Cascais, Oeiras and Sintra remain among the most popular destinations for those who value high-quality international education and a balanced lifestyle. The increasing number of international schools in these areas reflects not only the rise in expatriates and digital nomads living in Portugal, but also a shift in Portuguese families’ expectations: they now place greater importance on global curricula, fluency in English and access to overseas universities.
The year 2025 marks a new stage of maturity for Portugal’s international education sector. New campuses have opened, many schools have strengthened their provision with IB, Cambridge or American Advanced Placement programmes, and investment in teaching innovation is now a clear priority. At the same time, growth in the property market around Lisbon—especially in Cascais, Oeiras and Sintra—has created new residential and logistical hubs for families, shortening the distance between home, school and work.
This guide is meant to support parents who are considering enrolling their children in an international school in 2025—whether they are moving from the national system or arriving in Portugal for the first time. We offer a carefully selected list of international schools in Greater Lisbon, chosen for their accreditations, curricula, results, reputation and, of course, the quality of the educational experience. We also provide a comparative overview of the areas where these schools are located, with information on lifestyle, housing types, purchase and rental prices, and current property-market trends.
More than a simple school directory, this article is a starting point for understanding the international education landscape in Lisbon and its surroundings. Selecting the ideal school involves many factors: pedagogical approach, social environment and language of instruction, but also the daily logistics of family life and the urban context in which the school sits. We hope this guide gives you the tools to make an informed, confident decision—one that offers your children a solid, global education suited to the challenges of the future.
How We Selected the Schools
- International accreditations (IB, NEASC, CIS, COBIS, etc.)
- Curriculum (IB, Cambridge, British National Curriculum, American, etc.)
- Published academic results (IB Diploma, IGCSE, AP, SAT)
- Facilities and recent investment (2023–2025)
- Parent feedback and independent rankings
- Diversity and language support for non-native students
Schools are listed in alphabetical order — this is not a strict ranking, as all meet similar high standards.
Important note: The information in this article is for guidance only. It is based on market research and feedback from our clients, and must always be verified directly with each school. Hakken Real Estate, its staff and its associates have no commercial ties with any of the schools mentioned.
1. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL)
- Location: Linhó, Cascais
- Curricula: American (K–12) + IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
- Ages: 3–18 years
- Tuition (2025/26): €11,716 (Pre-K) – €22,736 (Grades 9–12)
- Highlights: The only American school in Portugal; 1-to-1 laptop programme from Grade 1; excellent arts and science facilities; class sizes under 20.
- Website: https://www.caislisbon.org
2. St. Julian’s School
- Location: Carcavelos, Cascais
- Curricula: British National Curriculum, IGCSE, IB Diploma
- Ages: 3–18 years
- Tuition (2025/26): €12,384 – €29,097
- Highlights: Founded in 1932; historical campus with top sports facilities; academic excellence (99% IB pass rate); strong performing arts programme.
- Website: https://www.stjulians.com
3. United Lisbon International School (ULIS)
- Location: Parque das Nações, Lisbon
- Curricula: American-based + IB (authorised through DP)
- Ages: 3–18 years
- Tuition (2024/25): €11,300 – €23,000
- Highlights: Urban, tech-forward campus opened in 2020; Microsoft partner; start-up & robotics clubs; organic canteen.
- Website: https://www.unitedlisbon.school
4. King’s College School Cascais
- Location: Cascais
- Curricula: British (Early Years–IGCSE) | IB Diploma pending
- Ages: 1–18 years
- Tuition (2024/25): €11,250 – €20,900 (+boarding from €23,965)
- Highlights: Part of Inspired Group; meals included; boarding available (unique in Lisbon); focus on performing arts and sports.
- Website: https://cascais.kingscollegeschool.pt
5. St. Dominic’s International School
- Location: São Domingos de Rana (Cascais line)
- Curriculum: 100% IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
- Ages: 3–18 years
- Tuition (2025/26): €11,500 – €22,000
- Highlights: Portugal’s oldest full IB “continuum” school; community service focus; 50+ nationalities.
- Website: https://www.dominics-int.org
6. Oeiras International School (OIS)
- Location: Oeiras (Taguspark)
- Curricula: IB (MYP, DP) + Cambridge Lower Secondary
- Ages: 5–18 years
- Tuition (2025/26): €13,547 – €21,713
- Highlights: Green campus with forest and top-tier science labs; project-based learning; tech & entrepreneurship focus.
- Website: https://ois.pt
7. PaRK International School
- Locations: Lisbon (Praça de Espanha, Restelo) and Alfragide
- Curricula: Cambridge, IB Diploma, Bilingual Programme
- Ages: 1–18 years
- Tuition (2025/26): €9,380 – €20,850 (meals included to Grade 5)
- Highlights: Part of Inspired Group; strong emphasis on innovation and AI; modern campuses; university internship programme.
- Website: https://www.park-is.com
8. International Sharing School – Taguspark
- Location: Oeiras (Taguspark)
- Curriculum: IB (PYP–DP)
- Ages: 1–18 years
- Tuition (2025/26): €11,400 – €26,760
- Highlights: Max 20 students per class; all materials included; collaborative learning.
- Website: https://taguspark.sharingschool.org
9. The British School of Lisbon (BSL)
- Locations: Cais do Sodré & Restelo, Lisbon
- Curriculum: British National Curriculum (to Year 11)
- Ages: 3–15 years
- Tuition (2025/26): €13,110 – €21,375
- Highlights: Average class size 18; digital literacy & STEAM focus; river views; part of Schools Trust Group.
- Website: https://www.britishschool.pt
10. TASIS Portugal – The American School in Portugal
- Location: Quinta da Beloura, Sintra
- Curricula: American (AP) + Cambridge; IB in development
- Ages: 3–18 years
- Tuition (2025/26): €12,390 – €23,160
- Highlights: Sister school to TASIS Switzerland; meals & snacks included; visual arts focus; violin in primary school.
- Website: https://www.tasisportugal.org
11. Prime School International
- Locations: Sintra (Beloura) & Estoril
- Curricula: Cambridge International; Dual Diploma (US + UK)
- Ages: 3–18 years
- Tuition (2025/26): €9,990 – €15,500
- Highlights: Small classes; martial arts & mindfulness; optional homestay boarding.
- Website: https://primeschool.pt
Final Tips for Choosing the Right School
- Visit multiple campuses to get a feel for the environment.
- Ask for recent academic results (IB, IGCSE, etc.).
- Compare total costs, including meals, transport, uniforms and registration fees.
- Check language support policies if your child isn’t a native English speaker.
- Confirm waiting lists – some schools fill up over a year in advance.
Tuition fees listed refer to the 2025/26 academic year (or 2024/25 where not yet published) and may change. Always confirm with the school.
Good luck finding the ideal international school — and welcome to Greater Lisbon’s vibrant educational community!
Living in the Region: Lifestyle & Property Market (2025)
Hakken Real Estate Expertise
Hakken Real Estate specialises in property in Greater Lisbon and has supported countless families — both expat and local — looking for the right balance between lifestyle and access to international education. With deep insight into the best neighbourhoods near top international schools, Hakken offers more than just property advice: we help families build a life.
In addition to renting or buying, our team provides personalised guidance on areas with good infrastructure, green spaces, family services and transport, ensuring your home supports your educational priorities. Our combined expertise in real estate and school networks makes Hakken a valuable partner for families relocating or upgrading locally.
Area | Lifestyle | Types of housing | Typical monthly rent* | Average purchase price** | |
Lisboa (centro & Parque das Nações) |
| Modern T1–T3 apartments in new builds or refurbished historical buildings | Apartments T1: €1 000–1 400; T2: €1 600–2 300 | €5 000–7 500/m² in prime zones | |
Cascais & Estoril | Upscale coastal lifestyle, marinas, golf and surf; strong expat presence and coworking hubs | Luxury villas in gated communities (e.g. Quinta da Marinha), beachside flats | T3 Villas: €2 900–4 500; apartaments T2 from €1 600 | €5 500–8 000/m² in coastal areas | |
Oeiras (Algés, Paço de Arcos, Taguspark) | Premium suburban, home to tech and pharma offices, parks and cycling paths | Gated condos, semi-detached houses, modern flats | T2 Apartments: €1 800–2 800 | €5 000–6 200/m² (apartamento) | |
Sintra & Beloura | UNESCO heritage landscapes, cooler climate, family-friendly; equestrian and golf communities in Beloura and Penha Longa | Historic estates, detached villas, apartments in Beloura | T4 Villas: €1 500–3 000; Apartment T2 starting from €1300 | €4 500–6 800/m² (villas) |
*Long-term rental estimates for 2025.
**Average selling price per m² in 2025.
Prices vary by condition, location and views.
2025 Market Trends
- Record price growth (+15% YoY) in Greater Lisbon, driven by international demand (Source: INE)
- Mortgage interest rates have dropped to ~3.4% in 2025, but spreads remain higher for non-residents.
- Long-term rentals are limited: many owners prefer flexible contracts for digital nomads or Erasmus tenants. Be ready for 2–3 months’ deposit.
With these insights, you can evaluate not only the best school for your children, but also the ideal neighbourhood and type of housing for your family’s lifestyle.
Want personalised guidance? Contact Hakken Real Estate to find the right school–and-home match for your family in Greater Lisbon.
