When considering a school for your children in Portugal, there are a variety of factors to take into account, including social aspects and financial opportunities. It’s important to note that both state and private schools in Portugal teach in Portuguese, so your children will need to have a sufficient grasp of the language to attend.
For young children, we recommend enrolling them in a Portuguese kindergarten, which will give them the opportunity to become proficient in the language before starting school. This will broaden your range of options for their schooling.
If your children do not speak Portuguese, the only option is to enroll them in an international school that teaches in their native language. However, these schools tend to be quite expensive in Portugal, and if you plan to stay in the country for an extended period, your children will need to learn Portuguese to attend a Portuguese university.
Private schools, while more expensive than state schools, offer advantages such as smaller class sizes, individualized attention, more extracurricular activities, and better facilities. It’s worth noting that many private schools in Portugal are Catholic and include religious education.
International schools in Portugal are the most expensive option but offer high-quality education and provide numerous opportunities for their graduates. They typically teach in English, but some may offer instruction in German or French, depending on their founding country. While the tuition fees are high, graduates of these schools are often accepted into some of the world’s top universities, including the Ivy League schools.
When relocating to Portugal with children, it’s important to carefully consider their education options, as the quality of education can greatly impact their future.
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