Selecting a school in Portugal may seem like the toughest part of moving with kids. Online resources rarely describe daily life accurately, and every family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision process — particularly for families planning a move to Lisbon.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, identify your non-negotiables. Many choices go wrong because families compare too many factors at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, level of discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that serves expat families well:
A simple process
- Create a location-based shortlist first. In Lisbon, commuting can turn a decent school into a daily slog.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waitlists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, and how they communicate.
- Inquire about support services. ESL, learning support, and transition assistance for new students.
- Conduct one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your impressions more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions typically uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” exchanges:
- What is the usual class size for this age?
- How do you manage mid-year enrollments?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Unwanted Part)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the total daily/ongoing expenses too.
Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
- Deciding by reputation alone: the day-to-day routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for children.
- Waiting too long: admission timelines can be tighter than you think.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual schedule: location, support, and daily comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Lisbon (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +351 21 123 4567.