Selecting 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 every family’s priorities differ. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning a move to Lisbon.
First: Decide What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before you compare options, outline your non-negotiables. Many decision mistakes happen because families compare everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: how long you drive each day matters more than you might think.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
Choosing Without Feeling Overwhelmed: A Practical Guide
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Lisbon, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. That helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you accommodate new students joining mid-year?
- How 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 kids who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School choices go beyond tuition; account for the full daily cost of routines.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Bottom Line Summary
The ideal school is typically the one that meshes with your family’s actual schedule: proximity, backing, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the loudest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Lisbon (commute, routines, what to inquire), get in touch — or call +351 912 345 678.