Carlucci American International School of Lisbon vs St. Dominic's International School

	C Carlucci American International School of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal	S St. Dominic's International School Lisbon, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,128 - 23,532	Fees / year €11,500 - 22,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 739	Pupils 668
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1956	Opened 1975
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Rua António dos Reis 95, Linhó, Sintra 2710-301, Portugal. Linhó is in the Sintra municipality near Lisbon. CAISL operates an extensive bus service serving Cascais and Lisbon, with routes designed around major metro and train corridors; the fleet includes large 50-seat buses and smaller vans, and bus service carries an additional fee.	Location Rua Maria Brown, Outeiro de Polima, 2785-816 São Domingos de Rana, Portugal. Alvará No. 2178 of 10/09/1975 was issued by the Ministério da Educação e Cultura. St. Dominic's International School is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global network of schools.
Stages	Stages EC3 through High School	Stages The Junior School comprises eight grade levels including the Early Years (Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception). The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (IBDP).
School type	School type Non-profit, non-denominational, college-preparatory day school offering an American program (EC3–12) and the IB Diploma.	School type St. Dominic's International School is an IB World School offering the full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) for students aged 3 to 18.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Support; English as an Additional Language (EAL); Foundations of English Language (FoE); Counseling; Enrichment/Extension programs; Educational/Health Plans as needed.	Additional learning support Personalised programmes to support students with learning difficulties and for students who are new to the English language.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United States (CAISL is supported by the U.S. Office of Overseas Schools and offers an American curriculum).	Country affiliation Portugal
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Non-denominational	Religious affiliation Catholic (Dominican Sisters)
School day structure	School day structure A typical school day starts at 8:20 and finishes at 3:45.	School day structure Junior School Day runs from 8:20 to 15:30 with eight 40‑minute periods and a 60‑minute lunch; Senior School Day runs from 8:40 to 15:50 with eight 40‑minute periods and a 60‑minute lunch.
Bus service details	Bus service details CAISL offers an extensive bus service serving Cascais and Lisbon, with routes designed around major metro and train corridors. The fleet includes large 50-seat buses and smaller vans; buses pick up students at home when possible. The service carries an additional fee.	Bus service details School bus service is available for registered students; bus routes cover Lisboa Este–Bobadela, Expo, Miraflores, Linda-a-Velha and Oeiras; Lisboa/Algés–Areeiro, Restelo and Algés; Lisboa–Praça de Espanha, Alto dos Moinhos, Alfornelos, Queluz and Massamá; Cascais–Cascais, Qta. da Marinha, Qta. da Bicuda, Aldeia de Juzo; Estoril–Alcabideche, Estoril, Parede and Carcavelos; Odivelas–Odivelas. Barraqueiro Transportes operates the service; enrolment is for the full year and requests after September 15 are subject to availability.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details One‑time fees (charged on application/enrolment) - Application fee: EUR 100. - Registration fee (one‑time, mandatory, non‑refundable): EUR 600 per child. - Building fee (mandatory, non‑refundable while payable): EUR 1,953 per year; payable annually for the first five years a student attends (begins in Grade 1 unless payment is requested earlier in writing). Once payment begins the amount is fixed for the five years it is due. Tuition fees (Quarterly or Annual options) - Early Childhood (EC3 & EC4) and Kindergarten: Quarterly EUR 3,032; Annual EUR 12,128. (These Early Childhood / Kindergarten figures include lunch.) - Grades 1–2: Quarterly EUR 3,515; Annual EUR 14,060. - Grades 3–5: Quarterly EUR 3,908; Annual EUR 15,632. - Grades 6–8: Quarterly EUR 4,439; Annual EUR 17,756. - Grades 9–12: Quarterly EUR 5,883; Annual EUR 23,532. Optional and ancillary fees (Quarterly or Annual options where shown) - Lunch (Grades 1–12): Quarterly EUR 303; Annual EUR 1,212. Lunch for Early Childhood and Kindergarten is included in tuition. Lunch fees, if purchased, are billed with tuition invoices and cancellations must be made in writing and become effective the following quarter. - Transportation (per route): One‑way Quarterly EUR 454; One‑way Annual EUR 1,816. Round trip Quarterly EUR 908; Round trip Annual EUR 3,632. Occasional ridership charged at EUR 17 one way. Transport is charged per route and cancellations or route changes require advance notice; cancellations become effective the following quarter. - After‑Hours Care / After‑School Childcare (Grades EC3/4–5) — Quarterly / Annual options: - 1 day/week: Quarterly EUR 85; Annual EUR 340. - 2 days/week: Quarterly EUR 156; Annual EUR 624. - 3 days/week: Quarterly EUR 217; Annual EUR 868. - 4 days/week: Quarterly EUR 264; Annual EUR 1,056. - 5 days/week: Quarterly EUR 300; Annual EUR 1,200. Occasional use (drop‑in) = EUR 30 per day. Cancellations must be made in writing and take effect the following quarter. - Required instructional books and sports uniforms for team sports are included in tuition; some optional school store purchases, specific musical instruments beyond those provided, and optional extracurricular activity fees may incur additional charges billed separately. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid quarterly or annually. Tuition is invoiced as follows: - For new students: the 1st quarter (or the quarter in which the student enters) is invoiced at the time of initial registration; subsequent quarters are invoiced approximately one month before the due date. - For returning students: re‑registration and initial payment deadlines are set in the re‑registration schedule (example dates in the schedule show re‑registration forms and a June payment deadline for the 1st quarter/annual option). Subsequent quarter due dates are published on the annual schedule. - Specific quarter due dates shown in the published schedule include (examples for the year shown): 2nd Quarter due November 6; 3rd Quarter due January 29; 4th Quarter due April 23. Failure to pay the 1st quarter by the deadline cancels the reserved place and invoiced amounts remain due. Individual payment plans may be arranged with the Accounts Manager. - Discounts: 3% reduction on tuition paid in full by the published early‑payment deadline (example: on or before June 15 in the schedule) and 3% reduction on the building fee if paid with the annual tuition by that date. Sibling discounts apply: 15% reduction on Tuition & Building Fee for a third concurrently enrolled child, and 25% reduction for a fourth and subsequent concurrently enrolled child (applied to the youngest children). Early payment discounts are not refundable. Refunds, cancellations, early withdrawal and related policies - The First Quarter fees (Tuition and Building Fee, if applicable) of attendance are owed as a condition of registering or re‑registering and are not refundable under any circumstances. Failure to pay the 1st quarter by the due date results in loss of the child's place while the invoiced amounts remain due. - Late admission (entry during a quarter): the fee to reserve the place is the full quarter's tuition plus the Registration Fee and the full year's Building Fee if applicable. - Early withdrawal: written notification of intent to withdraw must be given by the published deadlines approximately one month before the next quarter's payment date; failure to provide required written notice results in the full next quarter's fees being due. Any attendance during a quarter results in that full quarter's fees being due. Example deadlines from the schedule are Oct 2 (for 2nd quarter), Dec 18 (for 3rd quarter), and Mar 25 (for 4th quarter). - Refunds for early payments (including discounted annual payments) are not provided; early‑payment discounts will not be refunded under any circumstances. Payment method and billing contact information - Payments are requested in Euros by bank transfer to the school's bank. Bank details published for payments include: Bank: Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD); IBAN: PT50 0035 0786 0006 6142 5304 8; NIB: 0035 0786 0006 6142 5304 8; SWIFT CODE: CGDIPTPL. - Individual payment plans and questions about invoicing, late payment, or discounts are handled by the Accounts/Business Office; account contact details are provided with the fee schedule and billing information. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are listed. Notes on inclusions and obligations - The published tuition amounts indicate items included in tuition such as technology and online learning resources, Portuguese and English language support, a personal laptop beginning in Grade 1, many extracurricular activities, required instructional books and sports uniforms for team sports, art supplies and most musical instruments. Additional optional items and services are billed separately per the schedule.	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - A Registration fee (annual) and a one‑time Capital Levy are payable when a place is confirmed. The Capital Levy is €5,000 (one‑off). The school requires payment of the Registration Fees, comprising the Annual Registration and the applicable Capital Levy, to confirm admission. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) - Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual €11,500 — Per term €3,833 (annual ÷ 3). - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual €11,800 — Per term €3,933 (annual ÷ 3). - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): Annual €13,000 — Per term €4,333 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 1 (age 6): Annual €14,200 — Per term €4,733 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 2 (age 7): Annual €14,400 — Per term €4,800 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 3 (age 8): Annual €14,600 — Per term €4,867 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 4 (age 9): Annual €14,900 — Per term €4,967 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 5 (age 10): Annual €15,000 — Per term €5,000 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 6 (age 11): Annual €17,100 — Per term €5,700 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 7 (age 12): Annual €17,200 — Per term €5,733 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 8 (age 13): Annual €17,400 — Per term €5,800 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 9 (age 14): Annual €20,500 — Per term €6,833 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 10 (age 15): Annual €20,500 — Per term €6,833 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 11 (age 16): Annual €22,000 — Per term €7,333 (annual ÷ 3). - Grade 12 (age 17): Annual €22,000 — Per term €7,333 (annual ÷ 3). (Note: the school invoices three times per year; the per‑term figures above are the annual fee divided by three and are shown to give per‑term amounts consistent with the school's termly billing structure.) First‑year total for new families - For a new enrolment the first year total includes the one‑time Capital Levy plus the annual tuition. Example: Kindergarten 1 first‑year total €11,500 (annual tuition) + €5,000 (Capital Levy) = €16,500. Billing schedule and payment terms - Termly payment schedule: Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3 payments are required; the school publishes specific due dates for each term (Term 1 due 1 July 2026; Term 2 due 1 December 2026; Term 3 due 1 March 2027). An annual payment option is available with an advanced‑payment discount of 5% if paid prior to the school's published deadline. Late payments incur staged interest/penalties (for example 5% for 30–60 days late; 10% for 60–90 days late; more than 90 days may incur 10% plus possible legal proceedings). The school invoices and requires payment by the stated due dates. Boarding fees (if applicable) - St. Dominic's operates as a day school; it does not publish boarding provision or boarding fees for this campus. Other costs and fees - IB examination fees (for IBDP and certain external examinations) are not included in the tuition and are charged separately for candidates in the relevant grades. - International sports, cultural and academic trip costs are not included in tuition and are invoiced separately when arranged. - After‑school (extra‑curricular) activities led by external providers carry additional charges. Co‑curricular activities led by school staff are stated as free of charge. - Annual bus service: bus registration is for the full year, withdrawal from the annual bus service is not allowed, and bus fees are treated as non‑refundable once paid. Routes are managed through the school's contracted transport partner. - Uniforms: all uniform items are purchased at the designated supplier (El Corte Inglés, Avenida António Augusto Aguiar 31, Lisbon). Uniform purchase is an additional parental expense; the school does not publish fixed uniform pricing on its public pages. - Summer school, supervision and incidental charges: summer‑programme fees and certain supervision charges (for example late pick‑up penalties) are charged separately as shown in the school's summer‑school materials. Refunds and withdrawal policy - One full term's notice (90 days) is required to withdraw a student during the academic year. If the required notice is not given, tuition for the following term will be charged in lieu of notice. Capital Levy, Tuition Fees, Registration Fees, and Annual Bus Fees are non‑refundable once paid. The school's published policy also states that any payments made for examinations or trips will first be used to settle outstanding tuition fees; refunds and pro‑rations are governed by the school's formal fee and withdrawal rules. Fee payment options (published information) - The school issues invoices and sets due dates and penalties; specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, credit/debit card, SEPA direct debit) are not published in detail on the publicly available fee pages. Parents receive billing information and invoice terms through the admissions and administration process. Notes for families (practical points) - Tuition fees are stated to include school materials, some local field trips and school accident insurance; they do not include major international trips or IB examination fees. Annual fees are reviewed and may change from year to year. Bus service must be registered for the full year and is billed separately. Sibling discounts are published in fee summaries (the school database summary shows typical sibling discounts of 5% for a second child, 15% for a third child and 25% for fourth and subsequent children).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Not offered.	Boarding arrangements Day school; a school bus service is available for registered students for the full year.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement There is no school uniform.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for all students; items are purchased at El Corte Inglés in Lisbon. Junior School (Nursery–Grade 5) wear the full uniform at school and on outings, with a mandatory PE uniform. Senior School (Grades 6–10) wear the full uniform at school and on specified field trips; BYOD applies from Grade 6; Grades 11–12 dress smart casual.
Food options	Food options CAISL is served by an on‑campus kitchen with a catering partner, Thomas Franks, and offers three daily lunch options: a main dish, an international dish, and a vegetarian option (the main dish alternates between meat and fish). Lunch is included for Early Childhood and Kindergarten; from Grade 1, lunch is optional with an additional fee. A snack bar provides light meals and beverages.	Food options Gertal coordinates all meals served at the school; there is a Refectory and a Tuck Shop on campus.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership CAISL is governed by Fundação Escola Americana de Lisboa (FEAL), a not‑for‑profit foundation under Portuguese law.	Governance and ownership Part of International Schools Partnership (ISP).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details CAISL teaches an American curricular program from EC3 through High School under a permanent license from the Portuguese Ministry of Education, including permission to award the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, both recognized worldwide. The program follows U.S. standards: English Language Arts and Math align with the Common Core, Science with the Next Generation Science Standards, and Social Studies with the C3 Framework. Portuguese is taught to all students from Grade 1 through Grade 9, with a Native/Fluent Speakers track aligned to the Ministry curriculum and Portuguese as a Foreign Language designed for non-Portuguese speakers. CAISL follows American Education Reaches Out (AERO) resources to support curriculum development and uses frameworks across K–12 for English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Information Technology, and Portuguese. Curriculum is organized by level: Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and High School.	Curriculum details The school offers the IB Continuum of education: PYP, MYP and DP. The Primary Years Programme is delivered Nursery to Grade 5 as a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach with six transdisciplinary themes. The Middle Years Programme covers Grade 6 to 10 and bridges PYP and DP, using Global Contexts and including Service as Action and the Personal Project, across eight subject groups. The Diploma Programme is for Grade 11 and 12, with core elements Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Action and Service and the Extended Essay, across six subject groups; DP Courses are offered as well. The school is authorized to offer the full IB Continuum.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio High School class sizes are small, with no more than 20 students per class. The High School includes Grades 9-12 with a maximum of 60 students per grade.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results CAISL has been an IB World School since 2002. In 2025, IB results show an average DP score of 34.3 with a 98% pass rate, and 26 bilingual diplomas awarded from 58 candidates (57 awarded the IB Diploma). SAT results for 2025 show an average composite of 1267 from 58 test-takers (Reading & Writing 640; Math 627). MAP results indicate CAISL averages above U.S. and international comparison groups in Reading and Math.	Exam results The highest DP score awarded to a candidate has been 45. The number of Diploma candidates has more than doubled in the last four years, and the average DP grade has risen. Graduates have gained places at top universities including Monash University (Australia), Universidade Católica Portuguesa, KU Leuven (Belgium), the University of Kent, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, Imperial College London and the University of Coimbra.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression College destinations for CAISL graduates include USA: Boston College, Georgetown University, Northeastern University, SUNY Binghamton University, Texas Christian University, and the United States Military Academy; UK: Goldsmiths, King's College London, Lancaster, Loughborough, University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester, University of the Arts London, University of Warwick; Portugal: ISCTE, Univ. Católica, Univ. Lisboa, Univ. Nova de Lisboa; Netherlands: Amsterdam University College, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Leiden University College, Utrecht University, University of Amsterdam; Other: IE University (Spain), McGill University (Canada), RWTH Aachen University (Germany), Aarhus University (Denmark), Malmö University (Sweden).	Higher education progression Graduates have pursued higher education primarily at UK universities, with expanding options across Europe. Examples include Aberdeen University (Psychology); Brunel University London (Global Challenges with Innovation); City, University of London (Mathematics and Finance). Additional destinations include Durham University (Criminology), University of Edinburgh (Vet Medicine), University of Glasgow (Neuroscience), Imperial College London (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), and Universidade de Coimbra (Pharmacy Biomedical).
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning CAISL provides counseling and guidance to support students' social and emotional development. The Counseling Department serves Grades 1–12 with a team of four counselors, including three certified clinical psychologists; counseling is available in individual and group formats and involves close collaboration with parents. Information is treated confidentially, and counselors help families access local resources when needed.	Social & emotional learning St. Dominic's has a Pastoral Support programme that emphasises supportive relationships between students and staff, and among students. The Pastoral Care Programme includes the Tutor Programme, new student inclusion programmes, community and service projects, and sports competitions. Its three main objectives are to balance a student's cognitive, emotional and social life; develop self-reliance through self-confidence and self-awareness; and support and enhance the curriculum so learning extends beyond the classroom. The approach provides personalised attention to support academic and personal growth. Pastoral care fosters wellbeing and social development across the school.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) CAISL offers Learning Support for students with mild learning difficulties, with small-group instruction, regular progress monitoring, formal accommodations, executive functioning skills development, and literacy support. The program is designed for students who can function in a regular classroom setting; CAISL does not provide services for severe learning or behavioral problems. Educational/Health Plans are written when there is a relevant evaluation or medical condition and reviewed annually.	Special educational needs (SEN) The Learning Support at St. Dominic's is a whole-school responsibility aimed at helping students achieve their full academic potential. An individualized approach is provided, tailored to each student's needs in the classroom and in small groups. An experienced team of psychologists and special education specialists delivers counselling and psychoeducational support. The school collaborates with local specialists, including speech and occupational therapists, to address specific needs. The team supports students across all grade levels, working with mainstream teachers, teaching assistants and parents to achieve the best possible outcomes.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the medium of instruction in all classes. English as a Language (EAL) classes are available in small groups to support students whose first language is not English; ESL can be delivered through immersion, sheltered classes, or monitoring. Admission testing is used for non-native English speakers, with progression plans and monitoring (including WIDA assessments) to move students to mainstream English instruction; high school entry for non-native speakers requires demonstrated English fluency.	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) support welcomes students from around the world, with an EAL department dedicated to integrating learners into an English-speaking environment. The four language skills—reading, writing, listening and speaking—are treated as interconnected in a holistic approach. After assessing each student's language needs, a programme is designed to support academic success, which may include in-class support, differentiated lessons and targeted English skills lessons. EAL classes are generally small, with EAL teachers working alongside class teachers to plan, teach and assess understanding of the curriculum. EAL assessment takes place during the first week to determine whether EAL classes are required, and EAL classes are available for students from Grade 1 to Grade 10.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing CAISL offers personal counseling to support emotional and social well-being for students in Grades 1–12, with a team of counselors available for individual or group sessions. Counselors work with students to develop healthy strategies and maintain confidentiality while coordinating with families as needed.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through a robust pastoral framework and the Learning Support team. The Pastoral Care Programme focuses on relationships, wellbeing and personal growth, including the Tutor Programme, new student inclusion, community and service projects and sports, to foster balance and resilience. The three aims are to balance cognitive, emotional and social life; develop self-confidence and self-awareness; and support and extend the curriculum beyond the classroom. The Learning Support team comprises psychologists and specialists who provide counselling and psychoeducational support and may collaborate with external professionals such as speech and occupational therapists to support wellbeing and learning. The combined pastoral and learning support aims help students develop self-confidence, resilience and holistic growth.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding CAISL has a Child Protection Policy with annual staff training and a formal process for safeguarding students. Recruitment follows rigorous child-protection standards, including background checks and verification of criminal records for staff, contractors, and volunteers. A designated Child Protection Officer oversees safeguarding and there is a Child Protection Handbook and a formal reporting process for suspected abuse or neglect.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview CAISL's campus serves Pre-School through High School with dedicated classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces designed to support academic and extracurricular programs. The space includes a Pre-School and Elementary area with age-appropriate classrooms and direct playground access, and Middle School and High School spaces with subject-specific classrooms, science labs, and student gathering areas. Outdoor athletics facilities include a professional-sized soccer field, two multi-purpose fields, three outdoor basketball courts, and track-and-field facilities, complemented by an indoor gymnasium and a smaller gym for younger students with a fitness room. The arts and music spaces feature dedicated art rooms and music classrooms, a theatre that seats over 400, a main library with extensive resources, and technology resources across the campus.	Facilities overview The campus is a green, open‑air environment located about 25 kilometres from Lisbon and near the shore, providing a safe, peaceful setting that fosters community and enhances student life.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities CAISL offers extensive athletics facilities: outdoor spaces include a professional-sized soccer field, two multi-purpose fields, three outdoor basketball courts, and track-and-field facilities, plus a baby gym for preschool. Indoor spaces include a gymnasium configurable for two basketball courts or three volleyball courts, a smaller gym for younger students, and a fitness room with machines and free weights.	Sports facilities Two multi‑use gymnasiums and areas for football, basketball, volleyball, tennis and badminton.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Middle School and High School provide specialized classrooms, labs, collaborative spaces, and student gathering areas to support deeper learning and university preparation. Students have access to subject-specific classrooms, science labs, and central atriums serving as social hubs. Pre-School and Elementary spaces include dedicated classrooms with in-class bathrooms and direct playground access, with elementary students receiving Art, Music, and Physical Education instruction.	Academic facilities 82 fully equipped classrooms, two well‑resourced libraries, multiple science, technology and computer laboratories, and dedicated art, music and drama rooms.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities CAISL offers after-school activities and clubs across grades, with registration after the start of the school year and the ability to filter by grade and day. Igniting Passions highlights Arts and Athletics programs, including concerts by Choir and Orchestra, and weekly Open Mic events. The program includes Arts & Crafts, Ballet, Basketball, Ceramics, Chess, Chinese language and culture clubs, percussion groups, choir, theatre, and many other after-school activities supported by dedicated Fine Arts spaces such as music classrooms, art rooms, a 400-seat theatre, and the main library. The campus hosts MUN programs and a range of after-school opportunities through Beyond the Classroom.	Extra curricular facilities SDIS Educational Garden project creates an outdoor green space for students; initially available to Junior School students for two half‑days per week.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History CAISL began in 1956 when Anthony McKenna founded a school with a big vision: bringing American education to Portugal, starting with 9 students in a small apartment in Pedrouços. In 1984 the Portuguese Ministry of Education officially recognized the school's educational program. In 1998 the Linhó campus was established, uniting the divisions on a purpose-built learning environment. CAISL is governed by the Fundação Escola Americana de Lisboa Board of Trustees, composed of three members: one appointed by Visteon Portuguesa and two appointed by the U.S. Embassy to Portugal, who set policy and long-term direction while day-to-day operations are delegated to school leadership. By 2026 CAISL has grown from 9 students to more than 700, marking 70 years of operation.	History 1639 marks the beginning of the Irish Dominican Sisters' history in Portugal, when they came to the country due to persecution. They brought their philosophy of education and its values to Portugal in the 1600s, and St. Dominic's International School continues this tradition. The Dominicans, the Order of Preachers, are committed to education and base their philosophy on Veritas, the search for truth. On 15 January 2010, St. Dominic's International School was officially owned and managed by Veritas Educatio, SA, which established a Board of Governors. The school has been an IB World School since 1997, offering Diploma, Middle Years and Primary Years programmes.
Community	Community CAISL is a truly international school community where every student is known, supported, and valued. At the start of the 2025–2026 school year, CAISL enrolled 755 students representing 62 nationalities. All of our faculty are fluent English speakers, and about 70% of core subject teachers are native speakers or program carriers. The CAISL community includes everyone who shares an interest in the success of our learners.	Community St. Dominic's is an IB World School in Portugal, offering holistic international education for students aged 3 to 18. The school has a diverse international community and inclusivity at its heart, with every person bringing value to the community. Learning is ageless and empowering, taking place in the classroom and beyond, guided by curiosity, questions, action, and shared findings, and we cooperate with our community to make connections.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Support Group (PSG) is made up of CAISL parents who promote a sense of belonging and mutual support across the school community. The PSG organizes activities for CAISL families and staff, as well as some adults-only activities during the school days. The group brings together a significant number of parent volunteers and functions without a hierarchical structure; they meet at least once a month and charge no fees, and any school parent is welcome to attend. There is no required process to join; to be added to the mailing list, write to psg@caisl Lisbon.org, or simply join the next meeting. Next meetings and activities usually occur on the first Tuesday of every month. Event samples include Welcome Back BBQ, Movie Night/Matinee, Teacher Appreciation, Seasonal Decorations, Trekking, and a Book Club.	Parent teacher association The positive relationships between parents, students and teachers are the foundation of our learning environment. The PTA is a dedicated group of parents and staff who meet regularly to maintain open communication on matters affecting student well-being and development. The PTA organises social events that bring the community together, including the Welcome Barbecue, the Christmas Fair and International Day. These activities strengthen the school community and raise funds for important school projects. For more information about PTA opportunities, contact [email protected].
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual CAISL offers a broad range of after-school programs that extend academic exploration and intellectual growth. The Model United Nations program builds research, diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking skills, with Junior MUN and Iberian MUN conferences and opportunities to participate in THIMUN events. Middle School participates in Week Without Walls, traveling to historical, cultural, and scientific sites to deepen understanding. Technology is integrated across the curriculum, with coding, robotics, and AI exploration, including the use of virtual reality to tackle real‑world problems.	Academic & intellectual The school offers the International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). The MYP includes Service as Action and Personal Projects, with opportunities such as Model United Nations. The IB framework promotes inquiry, international-mindedness and collaboration across the curriculum.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative CAISL's Fine Arts program includes Music, Visual Arts, and Drama, taught by specialist teachers from Early Childhood onward. Visual Arts begin in Elementary and continue through Grade 12, with a String Orchestra and Choir developing in the upper years and drama electives such as Musical Theater, One Act Plays, and Theater Studies, plus ISTA Theater Festival participation for High School Drama. The school also offers a range of after‑school arts activities and clubs, including Film Makers Club, Experimental Art Club, Sewing/Clothing design, and other offerings such as Guitar, Drums, and Piano, with public performances throughout the year.	Arts & creative The school's arts program is vibrant and central to school life. Drama includes theatre trips and performances at venues such as the Centro Cultural de Belém and Teatro Nacional D. Maria II. Visual Arts and Music activities include out-of-school workshops, museum visits, Jazz Concerts and IB Diploma Concerts with students from other international schools.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Portuguese Language & Culture is an activity to improve Portuguese speaking through elements of Portugal's history and culture, meeting twice a month with field trips to sites such as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Portuguese Club is also offered as a fee‑based language club to support language practice.	Cultural & language The school supports students from around the world through English as an Additional Language (EAL). EAL helps students integrate into an English-speaking environment and develop confidence in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Classes are generally small, with individual teacher support, and are available for students from Grade 1 to Grade 10.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies CAISL offers a wide range of after‑school activities led by teachers or external partners, including debate, science, technology, and chess. In Middle and High School, lunchtime and after‑school clubs encourage leadership, collaboration, and exploration of interests across diverse topics. Examples of student clubs and activities include Dungeons & Dragons, Girl Scouts, Lego Club, Scrapbooking, Sewing Club, DJing, Piano, and Minikinos Stop Motion Film Making.	Social & hobbies The after-school programme provides a balanced, holistic approach to personal development. It includes Creative Arts, Music, STEM & Innovation, Leadership and Personal Development, and SDIS SPORTS, encouraging teamwork and a sense of belonging. Co-curricular activities are taught by school teachers and outside coaches and are free of charge; extra-curricular activities may incur fees. Participation helps students build communication, collaboration and diverse friendships.
Community & service	Community & service Community Service at CAISL is central to growth, with the Secondary Community Service Club organizing bake sales, fundraising, Banco Alimentar drives, and housing projects with Associação DOMUS. High School Honor Societies such as National Honor Society, Tri‑M, the Thespian Troupe, and the Honorable Art Society include service components and engage in fundraising and other service activities. Independent Service Projects and Service Learning connect classroom goals to community needs, such as migration symposia and fundraising for water in South Sudan. Parent participation through the Parent Support Group also contributes to service activities like Banco Alimentar and charitable knitting projects.	Community & service Creativity Action Service (CAS) is central to the Diploma Programme and involves students in creativity, action and service across local, national and international contexts. Examples include Habitat for Humanity in Braga, teaching at local schools and orphanages, organizing Street Stores for the homeless, helping the national food bank, reading for the elderly and joining international CAS trips, along with sporting events and musical and drama productions.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The MUN program develops leadership, global awareness, and self‑confidence, with Junior MUN and Iberian MUN as major events and participation in THIMUN conferences. CAISL hosts IMUN, an Iberian MUN conference, and senior students often take on leadership roles such as chairs or Secretaries General. In addition, CAISL supports leadership development through clubs and initiatives like Next Gen Leaders (Startwise) as part of its after‑school offerings.	Leadership & professional The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) brings together parents and staff to support student welfare and school projects and organises events such as the Welcome Barbecue, Christmas Fair and International Day. PTA activities foster open communication and community involvement. The IB MYP framework also emphasises Service as Action and collaborative projects, promoting leadership and international-mindedness.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing CAISL's Athletics program focuses on participation, team development, and sportsmanship, with after‑school teams in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and baseball for younger students and high school teams traveling to European tournaments. The program emphasizes safe competition, fitness, and multicultural experience as part of its mission. Field trips and Outdoor Learning experiences, including farm visits, planting, and environmental activities, supplement physical and outdoor wellness. Kidding Around Yoga and other wellness activities are offered as part of after‑school options to support physical and mental well‑being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The sports program is inclusive and fosters wellbeing, providing opportunities to learn sports, develop teamwork and belonging. The after-school program reinforces wellbeing through physical activity, social interaction and a health-focused approach to both body and mind. Participation in sports and clubs promotes healthy habits, resilience and lifelong wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision All CAISL classes are taught in English, with Portuguese Native Language and Portuguese as a Foreign Language offered throughout the grades. Portuguese is required for all students through Grade 9. Portuguese Native Language follows the Ministry of Education curriculum for its levels, while Portuguese as a Foreign Language is designed to help students develop functional proficiency before moving to the Native/Fluent program. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) support is provided to assist non-native English speakers.	Language provision The language programs consist of EAL, Language Acquisition, and Language and Literature. English is the language of instruction in the Junior School (Nursery to Grade 5); Portuguese language is taught from Grade 1 to Grade 5. From Grade 1 to Grade 8, the school teaches Portuguese Language and Culture as host country language. Languages and Literature courses include English, Portuguese, Mandarin, Spanish and French.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Bilingual teaching is provided in Early Childhood, with English as the primary language of instruction and Portuguese introduced through immersion. In Early Childhood, two teachers work together, one fluent in English and one in Portuguese, with both often bilingual. The English-language instruction extends to most grades, while Portuguese is taught as a Native/Fluent Language and as a Foreign Language throughout the grades. ESL support is available for non-native English speakers.	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in English across the curriculum. English is the language of instruction in the Junior School (Nursery to Grade 5); Portuguese is taught from Grade 1 to Grade 5. All Junior School students have Portuguese and English. The school supports multilingualism and translanguaging.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs English is used as the language of instruction in Early Childhood with Portuguese introduced through immersion. In EC, two teachers work together, one fluent in English and one in Portuguese, and both are often bilingual, providing an English-Portuguese immersive experience. ESL support helps non-native English speakers access the regular curriculum.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations CAISL is fully accredited and operates with a permanent authorization to offer an American curricular program for EC3 through 12th grade; CAISL is authorized to award an American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, both accepted worldwide including for entry into Portuguese universities. CAISL is authorized by the IB Organization to offer the IB Diploma Program and is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education. CAISL is the only “assisted school” in Portugal from the U.S. Department of State. Memberships include American Education Reaches Out, Association of Private and Cooperative Educational Institutions (Portugal), Independent Schools Management, International Schools Theater Association, Mediterranean Association of International Schools, National Association of Independent Schools, National Honor Society, The Educational Collaborative for International Schools, and Virtual High School Learning.	Accreditations IBO, CIC, ECIS, NEASC
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions CAISL accepts applications year-round with rolling admissions and welcomes new students at any point during the school year. Starting at the beginning of the school year is often ideal, but not essential. The three-step application process is: First Step—Submit Application: an online form, required documents (school records for the last three years, standardized testing results, and any additional reports), and an application fee of 100 Euros; applications are reviewed only when complete. Second Step—Application Review: decisions are made by a team that includes a member of the Admissions Team, the appropriate Principal (Elementary or Secondary), and the Director; space in the grade/program and the student's academic and behavioral records inform the decision; if a class is full, no new enrollments are accepted until a spot opens; the availability of specialized programs (Learning Support, English as an Additional Language, Nursing/Medical care, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program) also affects eligibility. Third Step—Enrollment: when a place becomes available, enrollment requires an Enrollment Contract, a Registration Agreement (updated annually in February), copies of valid identification for the student and the parents, billing information, and proof of payment of the required fees; three mandatory fees to secure a place are: a one-time Registration Fee of 600 Euros, a Building Fee of 1,953 Euros per year (payable for the first five years), and one quarter of the annual Tuition (amount varies by grade); details are in the Fee Schedule.	Admissions The school has an open admission policy and accepts students with a broad range of academic ability and learning needs. All applications are reviewed prior to confirming availability to ensure the resources to support the student, with focus on student wellbeing within the International Baccalaureate Programmes. Expression of Interest: submit the requested information to be contacted by a member of the admissions team. Visit to the Campus and Meeting with Admissions Team: during the school tour you meet a member of the teaching staff and, where possible, a student of a similar age; if applying to Grade 6 or above, a placement test may be requested during your visit or at your child's current school. Students not fluent in English or with special educational needs may be referred to Learning Support professionals. Offer Email: after the visit the application is reviewed to confirm availability; placement is offered according to space and the date of your application. Registration Forms, Documents and Fees: to complete registration and secure a place, you will receive and complete forms including Registration details, Health Questionnaire, School Consents, Rules and Regulations, Tuition Fees; it is important to disclose any health or learning concerns to avoid difficulties, and a Registration fee payment is required. Registration Confirmation: on receipt of the completed forms and payment of the Annual Registration and the applicable Capital Levy, the School will confirm admission.
Scholarships	Scholarships CAISL Scholarship is not available for new students at this moment. It is a merit-driven award that also considers financial need. Applications are accepted from students currently attending Grades 4 through 7 and entering Grade 5 through Grade 8. The Scholarship covers all required fees (tuition, building fee, registration fee, and transportation), but lunch is not included. The scholarship is awarded for one academic year with the expectation that recipients will continue to meet requirements for subsequent years through graduation from the High School in Grade 12. For information about all school fees, refer to the Fee Schedule. Questions can be directed to admissions@caislisbon.org or +351 219 239 800.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist WAIT POOL: If there is no space in the grade or program or the applicant is eligible but space is not available, the student may be placed in the Wait Pool for the school year; updates will be requested if the family remains interested; it is impossible to predict when space will become available; when space opens, all Wait Pool applicants are reconsidered and offers are made based on the submitted academic/behavioral records. PRIORITY LIST: 1) Current CAISL re-enrolling students; 2) Students whose parents are US Government employees; 3) Students from American or American International Schools; 4) Students from schools whose primary language of instruction is English; 5) Students from bilingual schools or linguistically unable to attend a school whose instruction is in Portuguese; 6) Students from schools whose instruction language is Portuguese.	Waitlist —
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