Aljezur International School vs Colégio Santiago Internacional

	A Aljezur International School Algarve, Portugal	C Colégio Santiago Internacional Algarve, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €3,000 - 9,900	Fees / year €5,615 - 8,378
Age range	Age range 11 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 80	Pupils 130
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Portuguese
Opened	Opened 2010	Opened 2012
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Sítio de Ezenha, 8670-116 Aljezur, Algarve, Portugal (GPS 37.274872, -8.804189); situated 5km south of Aljezur on the N120.	Location Praça Zacarias Guerreiro, nº29, Tavira, Faro 8800-391, Portugal
Stages	Stages Secondary school education for ages 11–18.	Stages Primary school and Secondary school, with A-level courses
School type	School type International secondary school	School type Independent, coeducational, open-admission
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 26 nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix More than 27 nationalities represented; about 130 students.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Tutorial support in small groups or one-to-one for AS and A Level qualifications.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation England (curriculum model)
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Our school week runs Monday to Friday. Classes begin at 9.30am and end at 4pm with ten half-hour lessons and three breaks each day.	School day structure Open at 8:30 am. Primary day runs from 8:45 to 4:30 pm with lunch 12:25–14:00; Secondary day runs from 8:50 to 4:30 pm with lunch 10:55–13:10; pickup for both is 3:50–4:30 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details Coach service from Alvor, Lagos and Bensafrim.	Bus service details Private taxi service with two providers: Nuno Taxi and Calea Taxi. Routes cover Tavira to Vila Real de Santo António, Ayamonte (Spain), and Faro.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Enrolment fee - A non‑refundable enrolment fee of EUR 300 is charged on acceptance of a place for all students. Deposit (enrolment deposit) and total initial payment - Years 7–9: Deposit EUR 2,400 (refundable subject to terms) plus the EUR 300 enrolment fee, giving a total initial payment of EUR 2,700. - Years 10–11: Deposit EUR 2,700 (refundable subject to terms) plus the EUR 300 enrolment fee, giving a total initial payment of EUR 3,000. - AS/A Level students: Enrolment fee EUR 300 (non‑refundable) plus a refundable deposit of EUR 2,000, giving a total initial payment of EUR 2,300. Tuition fees — Years 7–9 (per student) - Annual fee: EUR 7,200 per year. - Per term: EUR 2,400 per term. - 10 monthly instalments option: EUR 720 per month (monthly instalments are payable one month in advance; first instalment must be received before the beginning of the autumn term). Tuition fees — Years 10–11 (per student) - Annual fee: EUR 8,100 per year. - Per term: EUR 2,700 per term. - 10 monthly instalments option: EUR 810 per month (monthly instalments are payable one month in advance; first instalment must be received before the beginning of the autumn term). Tuition fees — AS / A Level (per subject) - If there are two or more students in the group: EUR 3,000 per subject per year. Payment schedule: EUR 1,000 at the start of term 1 and EUR 1,000 at the end of terms 1 & 2. - If there is only one student in the group: EUR 3,900 per subject per year. Payment schedule: EUR 1,300 at the start of term 1 and EUR 1,300 at the end of terms 1 & 2. Optional coach / transport costs - Coach service (Alvor, Lagos and Bensafrim): EUR 1,400 per student per year, payable in advance; this payment is non‑refundable. - For AS/A Level students who are not full‑time, transport may alternatively be charged at EUR 5 per one‑way journey or EUR 10 per return journey, payable monthly. Other fees and typical additional costs - Recommended books: average cost approximately EUR 100 in total; books bought through the school may be reimbursed at the end of use depending on condition. - A 5% sibling discount is applied for a second sibling attending full time in the same academic year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment methods accepted for settling fees are: annually in advance; per term in three equal payments (each term payment due before the beginning of the relevant term); or by 10 equal monthly instalments (monthly by prior arrangement and agreement). Monthly instalments are payable one month in advance and subsequent instalments must be received before the 15th of each month. - If fees are not paid according to the agreed terms, the school reserves the right to exclude the student until outstanding amounts are received in full. Notice, termination and refund of deposit - A full term's written notice is required to withdraw a student. - A proportion of the deposit is refundable when a child leaves, provided the child has completed at least one term and one full term's written notice has been given; the refundable amount is repaid without interest and after deduction of any outstanding sums (for example, books not returned or unpaid canteen/club costs). The deposit cannot be used in lieu of outstanding fees and is returned only after all fees have been paid. Portions of the initial payment retained as the enrolment fee (EUR 300) are non‑refundable. Boarding - No boarding fees apply because the school does not operate a boarding provision. Fee payment options (methods commonly used for fee settlement) - The published fee information specifies the accepted schedules (annual, per term, 10 monthly instalments) and the timing for payments but does not specify detailed payment instruments (for example: bank transfer, credit card, direct debit) in the published fee text. Refunds and non‑refundables (summary) - The enrolment fee of EUR 300 is non‑refundable. - The deposit portion is refundable under the stated conditions (completion of at least one term and provision of one full term's written notice); the deposit is returned less any outstanding charges and without interest. Transportation fees for the coach service are non‑refundable.	Fee details Application / Registration fees and security deposit - Annual registration (enrolment) fee: EUR 380 (charged each year; non‑refundable). - Security deposit (one‑off, refundable): EUR 700. The deposit is refundable provided the school receives the required term notice in writing; the school may retain all or part of the deposit if notice conditions are not met or there are outstanding debts. Tuition fees by year group (recurring annual tuition and per‑term equivalent) Note: the figures below are the school's published recurring annual fees for the current academic year and the simple per‑term equivalent (annual ÷ 3) shown for convenience. - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): annual tuition EUR 5,235 — termly equivalent EUR 1,745.00. - Grade 1: annual tuition EUR 5,235 — termly equivalent EUR 1,745.00. - Grade 2: annual tuition EUR 5,235 — termly equivalent EUR 1,745.00. - Grade 3: annual tuition EUR 5,235 — termly equivalent EUR 1,745.00. - Grade 4: annual tuition EUR 5,523 — termly equivalent EUR 1,841.00. - Grade 5: annual tuition EUR 5,523 — termly equivalent EUR 1,841.00. - Grade 6: annual tuition EUR 5,930 — termly equivalent EUR 1,976.67. - Grade 7: annual tuition EUR 5,930 — termly equivalent EUR 1,976.67. - Grade 8: annual tuition EUR 5,930 — termly equivalent EUR 1,976.67. - Grade 9: annual tuition EUR 6,730 — termly equivalent EUR 2,243.33. - Grade 10: annual tuition EUR 6,730 — termly equivalent EUR 2,243.33. - Grade 11: annual tuition EUR 7,998 — termly equivalent EUR 2,666.00. - Grade 12: annual tuition EUR 7,998 — termly equivalent EUR 2,666.00. First‑year total (example for new enrolment) - For a new Kindergarten 3 enrolment the school publishes: security deposit EUR 700 (refundable), annual registration EUR 380 (non‑refundable) and tuition for that entry year shown separately; the combined total for the first year (tuition + registration + deposit) for that example is EUR 5,935. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment frequency options: monthly, termly or annual. Parents/guardians choose the payment frequency. - Monthly payments: the monthly instalment must be paid by the 5th day of the month to which it relates. - Termly payments: term fees are payable before the start of the relevant term (termly payment is an available option). Annual payment attracts a discount if paid by the published deadline. - Annual payment discount: a 3% discount is available for annual payments if paid by 30 August. - Late payments: payments received on or after the 6th of the month incur a late penalty (the school applies a late fee percentage and may recover outstanding amounts from the security deposit); continued non‑payment can lead to suspension of attendance until fees are brought up to date. Boarding / residential provision - There is no boarding provision listed for Colégio Santiago Internacional; the school operates as a day school for ages 5–18. Other compulsory or recurring costs (meals, transport, exams, extras, uniform, etc.) - Meals and canteen: meal provision (morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack) is offered as a separate, charged service. The school's fee documents and regulations treat food/canteen as an additional cost outside the recurring tuition line. Parents are charged separately for canteen. - Transport: school transport is charged separately. Transport costs are not included in the published recurring tuition and are billed in addition if the service is used. - External examination charges: public/external examination fees (for Edexcel/GCSE/IGCSE/AS/A‑Level) are charged in accordance with examination board rates; these are billed in addition as required. - Uniform: uniform is compulsory. Uniform items are ordered and purchased directly by parents from the school's supplier; the school does not publish uniform prices on the fees pages. Uniform costs are therefore payable separately to the supplier. - Extracurricular activities, study visits, art supplies and similar additional services are excluded from the core tuition and are charged separately. Refunds and deposit handling - General rule: payments for terms, services or other fees are non‑refundable. The security deposit is refundable only if the school receives the required term notice in writing in advance (a term's notice) and there are no outstanding debts; otherwise the school may retain the deposit (or part of it). The registration (enrolment) fee is non‑refundable. Fee payment options and instructions - Accepted payment methods listed by the school include: cash; monthly direct debit to the school's named bank accounts; and bank transfer to the school IBAN accounts. Payment confirmation should be sent to the school email address shown on invoices. The school lists specific IBAN accounts for transfers and direct debit (accounts at Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Crédito Agrícola and Santander). Sibling discounts and other reductions - Sibling discount: second child 5% off tuition; third and subsequent children 7% off tuition. Administrative notes (how fees are treated) - Books provided by the school are school property and must be returned in good condition at year end; replacement cost will be charged if books are not returned. School accident insurance is included within registration/enrolment services. External exam and resit fees are charged as required. (End of fees overview)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school does not have a compulsory uniform.	Uniform requirement Uniform is compulsory at Colégio Santiago Internacional. The regular uniform includes a white polo shirt with the CSI logo and dark blue bottoms (skirt/trousers/skort for girls; trousers/shorts for boys) plus a dark blue pullover with the CSI logo and black or dark blue shoes. For sports, students wear a white T-shirt with the CSI logo, dark blue shorts and a dark blue tracksuit; jewellery is restricted, makeup and nail varnish are not allowed, and long hair must be tied; hoodies are forbidden. Uniform items are ordered by parents from the supplier and must be labeled.
Food options	Food options The school maintains an organic vegetable garden and resident animals on site; students participate in food production from field to fork.	Food options The canteen serves meals based on healthy and sustainable gastronomy; salt is not used and fats are limited to olive oil. Fresh fruit is bought daily from Tavira market to prepare meals.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Descobrir Sonhos Lda is the corporate entity behind Aljezur International School.	Governance and ownership The school is independent. The Management Team consists of the Head Teacher, Ana Alves (The Investor), the Deputy Head Teacher responsible for Primary School, and the Assistant Deputy Head Teacher responsible for Secondary School. They set Internal Regulations, implement policies, approve the Annual Plan, manage facilities and staff, timetable, partnerships, and disciplinary matters.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school follows the UK national curriculum adapted to the life and culture our students experience here in Portugal. Among 80 students, 26 nationalities are represented, bringing diversity to the classrooms. Resources and themes from UNESCO, Oxfam, Amnesty International and National Geographic are used when relevant to the learning programme. Students are encouraged to learn through research and discussion and to take pride in their work and contributions. In the first three years, Years 7-9, the focus is on experiential learning and bonding with tutors; around age 14, students begin a two-year course in their chosen subjects leading to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, with a “stage not age” philosophy allowing earlier entry to IGCSE and progression to AS levels; there is tutorial support for AS and A Level qualifications.	Curriculum details Two-language instruction in English and Portuguese, following the English National Curriculum modified to meet each student's needs. There is a strong emphasis on mathematics and science, embedded throughout the curriculum. The Arts and Sports component is given significant importance, with curricular and extracurricular activities planned inside and outside the school facilities. The commitment is to create an international culture and to captivate students' interest in other languages and cultures.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Students are taught in small groups, allowing tutors to establish close contact with students and tailor lessons to individual strengths. This flexibility supports a personalised learning programme.	Student teacher ratio 130 students and 17 teachers; maximum class size is 18; approximate student–teacher ratio is about 7.6:1.
Exam results	Exam results Our students study for Cambridge IGCSE examinations, and we are a Cambridge International Examination Centre, meaning students sit exams in the school building. The general timescale is that at the age of 14, students start a 2-year course in their chosen exam subjects; we frequently have students who enter IGCSE exams earlier and are able to move up to AS level the following year while studying for the rest of their IGCSEs. We also provide tutorial support in small groups, or even one-to-one, for students studying for AS and A Level qualifications. Here are our exam results for recent years: 2015: A* 5%, A 38%, B 26%, C 21%, Less than C 10%; 2016: A* 10%, A 12%, B 19%, C 48%, Less than C 11%; 2017: A* 15%, A 22%, B 24%, C 32%, Less than C 7%; 2018: A* 14%, A 19%, B 25%, C 33%, Less than C 9%; 2019: A* 11%, A 13%, B 17%, C 43%, Less than C 16%; 2020: A* 11%, A 25%, B 32%, C 28%, Less than C 4%; 2021: A* 15%, A 20%, B 35%, C 21%, Less than C 9%; 2022: A* 12%, A 27%, B 34%, C 17%, Less than C 10%; 2023: A* 10%, A 21%, B 27%, C 24%, Less than C 18%; 2024: A* 10%, A 22%, B 29%, C 27%, Less than C 12%	Exam results Exam results are published in a PDF showing yearly IGCSE results and A-Level results from 2014 to 2024. The data indicate high performance, with 2020 showing 100% in the measured metrics. The school notes that results are above the average of UK schools.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates have gone on to universities including California State University, Long Beach; University of Central Florida, Wembley (UCFB); ATF Flying School in Spain; and universities in Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, England and Portugal. The first student to complete A-Levels at CSI in 2013 was admitted to California State University, Long Beach.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Tutorial support in small groups or one-to-one for AS and A Level qualifications.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning Personal and social development is tracked through observation and ongoing dialogue with students and their parents or guardians. The mentor serves as the primary point of contact for educational or social concerns about each child. Regular updates to student information help monitor progress and well-being. The school emphasizes confidentiality regarding student records and sensitive information. Mindfulness and positive behaviour are integrated into daily routines to support emotional well-being and respectful interactions. The community emphasizes collaboration among teachers, students, and families to support each student's social and emotional growth.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language English is the primary language of instruction while Portuguese is maintained at grade level proficiency for native speakers and taught as an additional language for non-native speakers. The ultimate instructional goal is to achieve proficiency in both languages. Language instruction is integrated with content, using strategies that support linguistically and cognitively diverse learners. The school aims to cultivate bilingual comprehension and communication to prepare students for global opportunities.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mindfulness is scheduled into the school day for both primary and secondary students: primary mindfulness from 3:30 PM to 3:50 PM and secondary mindfulness from 3:50 PM to 4:10 PM. Personal and social development informs wellbeing through ongoing observation and dialogue with students and families. The mentor is the first point of contact for wellbeing concerns, and staff maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Zero-tolerance bullying is enforced at Colégio Santiago Internacional. The mentor is the first point of contact for educational or social concerns about a child. Entrance and movement are controlled: visitors must be identified at the main office and some areas are restricted. The school collects information from parents/guardians regarding participation in study visits and activities. Parents/guardians have the right to access information and expect confidentiality from staff regarding private family matters.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Aljezur International School is housed in a converted farmhouse on seven acres of protected land near Aljezur in the Western Algarve. Teaching is delivered in small groups with close attention to individual educational needs. The campus includes an organic vegetable garden and resident animals, and three hectares of ecologically protected land with a wide river. An annex block houses an ICT suite and a science laboratory. The school follows Cambridge International qualifications and is a Cambridge IGCSE centre, and it is the Algarve's only open Cambridge exam centre, hosting Cambridge exams for internal and external students. A coach service operates from Alvor, Lagos and Bensafrim.	Facilities overview Colégio Santiago Internacional is located in the center of Tavira, in a 15th-century building considered a true historical landmark. The school has 16 classrooms, including a science laboratory, a music studio, a radio station, a computer room, an art room, and a canteen. The maximum class size is 18 students. The canteen offers healthy, sustainable gastronomy with olive oil and fresh fruit bought daily from Tavira's market. Teaching is bilingual in English and Portuguese, following the English National Curriculum.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Extracurricular Tennis Club is offered. The Arts and Sports component is given great importance, with curricular and extra-curricular activities planned both in and outside CSI facilities. Physical Education is a subject in the curriculum, including options at A level. On-site spaces include a science laboratory, a music studio, a radio station, a computer room, an art room, and a canteen, supporting a broad educational program that includes sports.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Aljezur International School follows the UK national curriculum adapted to life and culture in Portugal. An annex block houses an ICT suite and a science laboratory. The school is a University of Cambridge International Examination Centre and the Algarve's only open Cambridge exam centre, hosting Cambridge IGCSE examinations for internal and external students. In the first three years (Years 7–9) the focus is on experiential learning and on developing the ability to learn, after which students begin a two-year course in chosen subjects leading to Cambridge IGCSE examinations. Tutorial support for AS and A Level qualifications is provided in small groups or one-to-one. The curriculum includes resources and themes from UNESCO, Oxfam, Amnesty International and National Geographic to enrich learning.	Academic facilities The school follows the National Curriculum of England with bilingual instruction in English and Portuguese. Teaching emphasizes mathematics and science within the curriculum. Facilities include 16 classrooms, a science laboratory, a music studio, a radio station, a computer room, an art room, and a canteen. A-level is offered in Years 12 and 13 with subjects such as English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Portuguese, Spanish, Sociology, Psychology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Business, Physical Education, and Art.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Trips and projects form an important part of the learning program; tutors and students go on at least two trips every term. Small class groups allow spontaneous visits as part of themed project work. Duke of Edinburgh's Award Presentation, a visit to the State of Being Horse Sanctuary, and Bird Ringing are highlighted in Latest News and Events. The school maintains an organic vegetable garden with beds and resident animals to support sustainability activities outside the classroom.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include Tennis Club, Ballet, Portuguese Arts & Crafts, Egyptian Arabic Classes, and Homework Club. These activities help pupils develop talents they can use later in life and foster leadership skills. They also expand social circles and promote better time management. The program supports personal development alongside academics and provides opportunities for collaboration among students.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Aljezur International School was established in 2010 following an invitation from Câmara Municipal de Aljezur to set up an international school. It operated from a temporary building in the centre of Aljezur, and in September 2013 moved to its permanent premises, a converted farmhouse 5 km south of Aljezur. It is a University of Cambridge International Examination Centre and the Algarve's only open Cambridge exam centre, hosting external students of all ages and backgrounds. There is a cross-curricular emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility, with all the children working together to look after the organic vegetable garden and resident animals, offering the opportunity to be part of the food production process from field to fork. Descobrir Sonhos Lda owns the school.	History CSI Tavira opened its doors in September 2012. There are more than 27 nationalities and about 130 students. It is an independent, coeducational, open-admission school with bilingual teaching in English and Portuguese, following the National Curriculum of England. It is located in central Tavira in a 15th-century building considered a historic landmark, with 16 classrooms and facilities including a science laboratory, a music studio, a radio station, a computer room and a canteen. Class sizes are capped at 18, and the staff includes 17 teachers, 2 classroom assistants, and 6 support staff. Student results are above the UK average; the first A-Level student in 2013 was admitted to the California State University, Long Beach, and graduates have gone on to universities in Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, England and Portugal.
Community	Community The school maintains sustained involvement in the local Portuguese and expatriate communities. It participates in community-oriented activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Presentation, and visits to the State of Being Horse Sanctuary and Bird Ringing programs.	Community CSI Tavira has a diverse international community with more than 27 nationalities and around 130 students. The school is independent, coeducational, open-admission, and bilingual in English and Portuguese, following the National Curriculum of England. The school day runs from 8:30 to about 3:50 with 8:45 registration, breaks, and after-school activities; a canteen provides snacks and students participate in extracurricular activities. Life at CSI includes a School Calendar and a Newsletter for families, and the campus hosts projects and visits as part of student life. The school is located at Praça Zacarias Guerreiro 29, Tavira 8800-391, Portugal.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school has consistently high IGCSE exam results. Private tuition for AS and A level subjects is available. The school provides work experience placements. Teaching is in small groups with great attention to individual educational needs.	Academic & intellectual Extracurricular activities are an important part of pupils' lives, developing talents that can be used later in life and leadership skills for participation in the Global Community. They help students strengthen their minds and broaden their social circle. They also promote better time management. Homework Club supports study skills and organization.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school formed a band that performs at various local events. There is an annual outdoor theatre production written and produced by the teaching team and students with involvement from the local community. Students visit local art galleries and artists' studios during trips. Performances at local events, such as the Aljezur Christmas Fair, showcase student work.	Arts & creative Ballet and Portuguese Arts & Crafts are offered. These activities promote creative expression and performance. They help students develop discipline and collaborative skills. They contribute to personal growth beyond classroom learning.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Students participate in Enpar, a cultural event where Algarve schools meet to exchange ideas and display work. The event included a sweet potato soup demonstration prepared with ingredients grown on a teacher's farm. Trips include visits to the Berardo Collection of modern art in Lisbon and to local galleries and artists' studios.	Cultural & language Egyptian Arabic Classes are offered. They provide language learning and cultural exposure. These classes broaden linguistic abilities and cultural awareness. They support intercultural understanding among students.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school band performs at local events. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is presented at the school. Bird ringing is among the activities. A flash mob dance was held in Lagos.	Social & hobbies Tenis Club is offered. Homework Club is available to support study and social engagement. These activities help students socialise and pursue interests outside the classroom. They expand social networks and provide extracurricular leisure opportunities.
Community & service	Community & service Fundraising for Alwan Kindergarten in Hass, Syria is conducted by students. The Give Nature a Home project builds bird houses, insect hotels and other homes for local wildlife. Litter collecting at Amoreira beach is part of community service activities.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The formation of the school band provides leadership opportunities and teamwork. Work experience placements are offered to students. Private tuition for AS and A level subjects supports professional and academic development.	Leadership & professional Extracurricular activities develop talents that students can use later in life and leadership skills. They enable students to participate in the Global Community. Participation supports applying these skills beyond school. The program focuses on developing leadership and professional capabilities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Every year the school produces an outdoor theatre production that brings the school and local community together. State of Being Horse Sanctuary and visits to local wildlife sanctuaries support wellbeing and connection with nature. The organic vegetable garden on site provides hands-on learning and healthy living.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Tennis Club and Ballet are among the physical activities available. These activities promote physical fitness and wellbeing. They help students build routines and resilience. Participation broadens social circles.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The language of instruction is English. Portuguese language lessons are held daily, and Portuguese culture and arts are studied. Tutors are proficient in Portuguese. Some IGCSE subjects offered include German and Spanish, as well as Chemistry, Global Perspectives and Travel & Tourism. If a student is not fluent in English, additional English lessons can be offered.	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction; Portuguese is maintained at grade-level proficiency for native speakers and taught as an additional language for non-native speakers. The aim is to achieve proficiency in both languages. The bilingual approach fosters cultural and linguistic diversity and prepares students for global opportunities.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Lessons are taught in English; most tutors are proficient in Portuguese; all students participate in daily Portuguese language lessons and study Portuguese culture and arts.	Bilingual teaching English is the primary language of instruction, while Portuguese is maintained at grade-level proficiency for native speakers and taught as an additional language for non-native speakers. The ultimate instructional goal is to achieve appropriate levels of proficiency in the two languages, taking into account the factors that affect language acquisition and development. The bilingual approach promotes an appreciation of cultural and linguistic diversity, and CSi students become international and independent thinkers and communicators. CSi also values bi/multilingualism among its students for the educational and professional opportunities it may open up for them in a global community.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge International Examinations Centre; open Cambridge exam centre in the Algarve.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Lessons are taught in English, and the school welcomes students of all nationalities. Most tutors are proficient in Portuguese, and daily Portuguese language lessons are provided. For students not fluent in English, integration is encouraged and additional English lessons can be arranged if needed. The school accepts students from the Portuguese system as well as from other nationalities; after completing their IGCSEs with the school, some students return to the Portuguese system for Years 11 and 12 if they wish. All students study Maths, English, English Literature, Portuguese language, Portuguese Culture & Arts, Physics, Biology, Geography, History, Computer Studies, Business Studies, Music, Drama and Art up to the end of Year 9, after which they select subjects for IGCSE; private tuition for AS and A level subjects is available. Admissions are via the on-site registration form; required documents include passport/ID, health card, previous school reports (if any), vaccination record, passport-sized photograph, and fiscal number. By applying, you agree to the Terms and Conditions; a place is reserved by paying an enrolment deposit and an enrolment fee. For academic year 2025/26, annual fees are €7,200 for Years 7–9 and €8,100 for Years 10–11, with payment options including annual in advance, per term in advance, or 10 equal monthly installments; an optional coach service costs €1,400 per year; books (approximately €100) can be bought through the school and may be reimbursed on completion of the book. An enrolment fee is €300 and a deposit is €2,400 (Years 7–9) or €2,700 (Years 10–11). A 5% discount is offered for a second sibling attending full-time in the same academic year. Separate Terms and Conditions apply for AS/A Level studies.	Admissions 1. Submit enrollment documents. Admissions follow established criteria, and siblings have priority in enrolment. Upon registration, the office provides the following documents: Enrolment Form, Fees and Services, Use of the Uniform Policy, Medical Questionnaire, and School Calendar 2024/2025. Indicate the Expected Starting date and whether transport is needed on the form; transport availability is subject to confirmation, and the pickup point will be arranged with the service provider. 2. Evaluation and interview. Enrollment is subject to an evaluation process; the parents/guardians and the student will be invited for an interview with the Management Team if they have not yet completed one. The interview helps assess readiness and mutual expectations between family and school. A admission decision follows the evaluation. 3. Secure the place and payment. If admitted, the place is secured by paying the Enrollment Fee and a refundable Deposit before monthly/termly/yearly fee payments begin. The school offers 1× annual, 3× per term, or 11× monthly payment options. 4. Fees and inclusions. The Annual Registration fee is 395.00€ and the Security Deposit is 700.00€ (refundable). Meals and Transport are additional: Meals Year 1–9 are 130€; Years 10–13 are 160€. Transport is 180€. Discounts apply: 3% discount for annual payment; 5% discount for the second child; 7% discount for the third and subsequent children. The Annual Registration fee includes School Insurance, Textbooks (CSI's property for student use), Exercise books, Materials for Arts initiation, Library and internet access, and Lockers. 5. Start date, transport arrangements, and calendar. Indicate the Expected Starting date on the Enrollment Form. If transport is needed, indicate this on the form; transport arrangements are subject to confirmation and pickup points are arranged with the service provider. The School Calendar 2024/2025 is provided with registration documents.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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