Choosing a school in Portugal can feel like the most stressful part of moving with children. Websites rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and each family's priorities vary. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families relocating to Lisbon.
First: Decide What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, set your non-negotiables. Most selection mistakes occur because families compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: daily drive time matters more than you expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
Choosing Without Getting Overwhelmed: A Practical Guide
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Begin by narrowing options based on location. In Lisbon, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily grind.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the on-the-ground classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support services. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for new students.
- Conduct a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust your own impressions more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a concise one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” exchanges:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students who join mid-year?
- In what ways do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How is heat handled, including indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing schools isn't about tuition alone. Consider the complete daily cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Relying on reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school tends to be the one that aligns with your family's actual schedule: where it is, the support available, and everyday comfort for your child—not the school with the most flashy marketing.
If you'd like help weighing priorities for Lisbon (commute, routines, what questions to ask), get in touch — or call +351 912 345 678.