Selecting a school in Portugal can seem like the toughest aspect of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what everyday life is actually like, and each family's priorities vary. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a simple decision framework — particularly for families planning a move to Lisbon.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Most missteps come from comparing everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: How long you spend driving each day matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Begin with a location-based short list. In Lisbon, congestion can turn a decent school into a daily challenge.
- Verify seat availability and the admissions timeline. Waitlists are common.
- Ask about what's really happening in the classroom. class sizes, staff turnover, and how they communicate.
- Inquire about support services. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for new arrivals.
- Arrange a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust what you observe over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after you visit. This helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell me about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you onboard new students mid-year?
- In what ways do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, or email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adapting to a new country?
- What are the policies for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How is heat managed and indoor/outdoor time arranged during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Unloved Part)
School decisions aren't only about tuition. Consider the full routine cost:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Prevent Them)
- Picking a school based on reputation alone: the daily schedule matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions are real for children.
- Delaying too long: admission timelines can be tighter than expected.
Summary
The ideal school is typically the one that matches your family’s actual schedule: where it is, the support you receive, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the slickest ads.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Lisbon (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +351 21 234 5678.