Carlucci American International School of Lisbon vs TASIS Portugal

	C Carlucci American International School of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal	T TASIS Portugal Lisbon, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,128 - 23,532	Fees / year €13,007 - 24,308
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Singapore Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 739	Pupils 950
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1956	Opened 2020
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
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 Located in Linhó, Sintra, Portugal. The campus is at Alameda do Linhó, 2, 4, 6 e 8, Penaferrim, 2710-697 Sintra, Portugal.
Stages	Stages EC3 through High School	Stages Serving students from pre-kindergarten through high school.
School type	School type Non-profit, non-denominational, college-preparatory day school offering an American program (EC3–12) and the IB Diploma.	School type American international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Nationalities represented: 65. Top five represented nations: United States, Portugal, United Kingdom, Brazil, Ukraine.
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 Learning Support: TASIS Portugal supports and recognizes the strengths and differences in each learner. There is a learning support program designed for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. In the Early Learning Center and Elementary School, the learning support teacher often acts as a third co-teacher in the room. Middle school and high school students may have learning support during the foreign language elective block. If more support is required, families must engage outside specialists; TASIS Portugal does not offer intensive student support services.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United States (CAISL is supported by the U.S. Office of Overseas Schools and offers an American curriculum).	Country affiliation The school has an American international affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Non-denominational	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure A typical school day starts at 8:20 and finishes at 3:45.	School day structure —
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 —
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 Fees published for the 2026–2027 academic year (school's published schedule). Application fees - Early Learning Center (Pre‑K) applicants: EUR 150; nonrefundable. - Grade 1–11 applicants: EUR 100; nonrefundable. Tuition fees (per trimester and annual) — by year group - Pre‑kindergarten: EUR 4,337 per trimester; annual tuition EUR 13,007; application fee EUR 150. - Kindergarten – Grade 2: EUR 5,763 per trimester; annual tuition EUR 17,290; application fee EUR 100. - Grade 3 – Grade 5: EUR 6,415 per trimester; annual tuition EUR 19,246; application fee EUR 100. - Grade 6 – Grade 8: EUR 6,676 per trimester; annual tuition EUR 20,028; application fee EUR 100. - Grade 9 & Grade 10: EUR 7,698 per trimester; annual tuition EUR 23,093; application fee EUR 100. - Grade 11 & Grade 12: EUR 8,103 per trimester; annual tuition EUR 24,308; application fee EUR 100. Required one‑time and recurring fees - Annual re‑enrollment fee (all students): EUR 750; nonrefundable and secures a place for the upcoming academic year. - Pre‑K1 and Pre‑K2: nonrefundable enrollment deposit EUR 3,000; deposit is applied toward tuition (required to secure an admitted spot). - Kindergarten and higher: nonrefundable, one‑time Campus Enhancement Fee EUR 5,000 payable upon acceptance to secure the offered place. - External examination fees (IGCSE, IB DP) are not included in tuition and are billed separately. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard tuition billing follows a trimester schedule with due dates: 1st payment July 1; 2nd payment December 1; 3rd payment March 1. - Application fees are nonrefundable and paid at application time; the school issues receipts for application payments (no invoice issued for application fees). - Enrollment deposit and Campus Enhancement Fee are nonrefundable and required to hold an offered place; the Pre‑K deposit is applied to tuition. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed as part of the school's program fees; no boarding fees are published. (All published tuition and required fees are for day enrolment.) Other costs and fees - Uniforms and school shop items are available through the school shop; sample prices (school shop list): fleece zip jacket EUR 26; puffer jacket EUR 42.80; tracksuit jacket EUR 29; crew‑neck sweat EUR 27; polo shirts EUR ~EUR 22; PE shorts EUR 13. Payment is made on collection at the School Shop. - After‑School Activities (paid clubs/academies) are charged separately; paid activities are nonrefundable for the term once committed. - Transportation (bus) is not included in tuition; bus service is arranged separately and fees for transportation are additional. - School field trips, examination entry fees, and some optional services may be charged separately from tuition. Tuition explicitly includes books, instructional materials, daily lunch and two snacks, after‑school clubs & sports (as noted in the tuition inclusions), certain instrument provision (violins when required), and school field trips; external exam fees are excluded. Refund information - Application fees (ELC and Grades 1–11) are nonrefundable. Annual re‑enrollment fee, Campus Enhancement Fee, and Pre‑K enrollment deposit are nonrefundable. Paid after‑school activities are nonrefundable for the term once a student is enrolled. - The school's published pages list those nonrefundable fees but do not publish a detailed public schedule of tuition refunds for full or partial withdrawals (no publicly posted pro‑rata/withdrawal refund table was found on the published fee pages). Fee payment options - The school accepts bank transfer payments to a published IBAN and SWIFT account for activity and school payments, and uses Flywire for online international payments. Credit card payments can be made at the School Shop for shop and activity charges. The school's accounts contact is accounts@tasisportugal.org for billing questions. (Payment methods for specific invoices include bank transfer, Flywire, and in‑person card payments as shown in school payment instructions for activities and shop purchases.) Notes on routine charges and exclusions - Fees for external examinations (IGCSE, IB DP) are additional and billed separately. After‑school vendor‑run activities may be billed directly by external providers. Bus/transportation and certain optional activities are additional to published tuition. If you need exact numeric line items copied into your database fields, use the numerical values above (trimester and annual tuition figures, application fees, re‑enrollment and one‑time campus/enrollment fees, and sample uniform prices).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Not offered.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement There is no school uniform.	Uniform requirement The school has a compulsory uniform. The TASIS Portugal Uniform Shop provides a range of uniform items with the school crest on the buttons; orders can be placed via the parent portal or by contacting shop@tasisportugal.org.
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 Dining is provided by a dedicated caterer, Thomas Franks of Oxfordshire, England. Meals are prepared on site using local ingredients and accommodate omnivores, pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans; healthier meals are included in tuition.
House system	House system —	House system The house system includes Regaleira (Dragon), Pena (Kraken), Monserrate (Griffin), and Mouros (Pegasus). It builds community and leadership, with a House Cup awarded at year end based on points across academics, arts, athletics and service.
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 TASIS Portugal is owned by the TASIS Foundation, a not-for-profit educational foundation registered in Delémont, Switzerland; the TASIS Portugal board provides local governance and strategic direction, with oversight by the Foundation Board.
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 TASIS Portugal is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for high school and Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9–10. The IBDP comprises six subject groups and a core including Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). Assessments include external examinations and internal assessments moderated by the IB, with the Diploma score calculated from the six subjects and the DP core, up to 45 points. The Cambridge IGCSE is taught in Grades 9–10 with core subjects such as English Language/Literature, Mathematics, Science, and History, and a range of language and elective options; progression to the IBDP requires passing at least six IGCSE subjects with a grade C or better. IGCSE results for 2024–2025 show 94% A–C, 54% A–A, 94% of candidates with six or more A–C, and 1 in 6 students earning straight A and A across all subjects.
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 Student-Teacher Ratio: ELC 7.1:1; Elementary School 9.0:1; Upper School 8.8:1. Average Class Size: ELC 17.7; Elementary 23; Middle School 19.9; High School 13.8.
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 IGCSE results for 2024–2025 are strong: 94% A* to C, 54% A* to A, 94% of candidates with six or more A* to C, and 80% A* to B; about one in six students earned straight A* and A across all IGCSE subjects.
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 University destinations include Lynn University, University of San Diego, Wake Forest University, Kings College, University of Exeter, IE University, Esade Barcelona, and Bocconi University. TASIS Portugal's first graduating class will be in the spring of 2026.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Academic enrichment classes and a wide range of elective options continue through the IGCSE years and into the DP to support advanced learners.
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 SEL is woven into TASIS Portugal's curriculum with dedicated SEL time each week. The program uses age-appropriate curricula including Toolbox Project, ELLI (Effective Lifelong Learning Inventory) and Wayfinder, and integrates social-emotional competencies across subjects. Toolbox Project teaches 12 internal tools to support self-awareness, empathy and relationship-building. Wayfinder supports Middle School and High School students in identity, goal-setting, conflict navigation and belonging.
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) Learning Support is available for mild to moderate learning disabilities, with a co-teaching model in the Early Learning Center and Elementary School. In Middle School, students may have Learning Support during the foreign language elective; the program does not provide intensive student support services, and families may engage outside specialists if needed. An Individual Education Plan (IEP) and accommodations can be arranged through the Learning Support team, with outside providers available for on-site support at additional cost.
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 ELD is offered for non-native English speakers. Students are tested on admission (WIDA) and may also complete MAP assessments; ELD aims to advance English proficiency to maximize engagement in English-medium academic work. ELD replaces Portuguese in Elementary School and French/Spanish in Middle School, and students are expected to exit the program within two years or less; WIDA testing carries a separate fee of €75.
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 SEL supports students' mental wellbeing by fostering resilience, self-awareness, empathy and safe, inclusive classrooms. The school uses tools such as ELLI to track learning power, Toolbox Project to develop social-emotional skills, and Wayfinder to help Middle and High School students build belonging, set goals and navigate challenges.
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 TASIS Portugal provides an internal Reporting Channel for safeguarding concerns, established in compliance with Law No. 93/2021, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity for reporters and protection of information. The channel offers a Submit report option and a Consult report option, with a dedicated privacy policy.
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 school has a purpose-built Sintra campus that was renovated in 2019 from the Beloura shopping center. The school has expansive, light-filled spaces and dynamic indoor and outdoor play areas that support collaboration. The school has two libraries—Lower School Library and Upper School Library—and a Lower School Learning Commons. The school has a full-size theater and a sustainable theater, along with dedicated music rooms and art rooms. The school has a playing field and a state-of-the-art turf for outdoor sport.
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 The school has a beautiful playing field and a state-of-the-art turf for outdoor sport. The field supports friendly House competitions among students. Fleming Forum provides an indoor space on campus for activities related to physical education. Fleming Forum and the outdoor playing spaces together enable a broad athletic program on campus.
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 The school has two libraries—Lower School Library and Upper School Library—and a Lower School Learning Commons. The school has an Elementary/ELC Library and High School Classrooms. The school has an ELC Multipurpose Room. The school has a full-size Theater and a smaller Theater, with dedicated music rooms and art rooms. The school has an additional library presence in the Elementary/ELC area.
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 The After-School Activities Program has something to interest every child, for Grades 1–12, with a variety of programming. Many after-school activities are included in tuition, with some clubs and sports having additional fees to cover costs, such as Academies, horseback riding, surfing, golf, and more. Recent options include Art, Robotics and Coding, Portuguese (Beginner), Basketball, Football, Book Club, Golf, Speed Stacking, Green Club, STEAM – Upper School, Cascais Routes, Gymnastics, Surfing, Horse Riding, Chess, TASIS Big Band, Choir, TASIS Strings, Lego, Maths Challenge, Tennis, Climbing, Mindfulness & Yoga, The Inventors, MUN, and more. Most activities are led by TASIS Portugal faculty.
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 TASIS Portugal is the fourth campus and the most recent addition to the TASIS family of international schools. It was established in 2020, joining TASIS Switzerland, TASIS England, and TASIS Puerto Rico. TASIS Portugal operates under the TASIS Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The founder of TASIS, M. Crist Fleming, founded the first TASIS campus in Switzerland in 1956 and also established TASIS Schools in England and Greece. The first TASIS Portugal graduating class is planned for spring 2026.
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 TASIS Portugal fosters a welcoming, international community with regular events and cultural activities that bring families together. The school hosts social events and activities that encourage cross-cultural exchange and involvement from students and families. The community benefits from active parent participation and programs that connect people across the school. The TASIS Parent Association contributes to community life through engagement, volunteering, and school-wide activities.
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 TASIS Parent Association (TPA) welcomes families and aims to build a strong school community. It is run by parent volunteers and works closely with the TASIS administrative team to coordinate programs and events throughout the year. The TPA coordinates a range of committees and activities, including Events and Celebrations, Internships and Mentoring, Parent Education, Spirit Booster, Sustainability, Parent Volunteers, Welcome Committee, EnrichED, and Community Service. The Welcome Committee hosts monthly Welcome Coffee Mornings in the Knights Café to help new families integrate into TASIS Portugal, and supports new families through a dedicated Welcome program. The TPA fosters inclusion and cooperation, promotes open communication between parents, teachers, and school administrators, connects the community through social events, and enhances the school environment through fundraising and service initiatives.
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 ASA includes coding, robotics, chess, and robotics & coding to develop analytical and strategic thinking. Yoga and violin provide balance and creative expression. Speech & Debate and Model United Nations (MUN) are available for older students as after‑school activities.
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 Fine Arts program covers visual arts with painting, drawing, and exposure to various media and techniques, including field trips to artist studios, galleries, and museums. A visiting artist program is planned to broaden experiences. Music is central in the Elementary School, with singing, dancing, and instrument work such as violin, xylophone, and ukulele, plus regular concerts and school assemblies.
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 IBDP Group 1 includes English Language & Literature and Portuguese Language & Literature, with Group 2 Language Acquisition options such as Portuguese B and French B. These language offerings span additional languages like Spanish B and Spanish ab initio.
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 After-school offerings include Art & Craft, Mindfulness, Yoga, Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, and Music, as well as a broad range of sports and clubs. The schedule shows lunchtime and after-school clubs for different age groups, including choir, dance, drama, board games, and other creative activities.
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, Activity, and Service (CAS) is integrated into the IB Diploma Programme and requires students to engage in community service and volunteering activities.
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 Extracurricular activities include leadership roles such as Head of the Student Service Committee; participation in Model United Nations (MUN); and piano performance through the TASIS Music Academy.
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 Competitive varsity sports are offered and compete in LASA and CHESS leagues. ASA includes surfing, tennis, golf, basketball, and other physical activities. Music ensembles such as TASIS Big Band and TASIS Strings, along with Jazz and Contemporary Dance, provide performance opportunities. Mindfulness and Yoga are included in ASA to support 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 English is the language of instruction via English immersion in the Early Learning Center; Portuguese is taught to all students, with Portuguese history, traditions, celebrations, and food included in instruction. The Language Academy offers Mandarin, German, Dutch, Russian, Spanish, and French until Grade 4, focusing on home-spoken languages within the TASIS community and with potential to expand.
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 English immersion is provided for students not yet fluent in English, and Portuguese language instruction is introduced to all students, with multilingual co-teachers and assistants supporting English language development.
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 The Early Learning Center offers an English immersion environment to develop English proficiency. Multilingual co-teachers and assistants ensure rapid English language development. A dedicated student support team helps students achieve proficiency, typically within two years on average.
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 Cambridge Assessment International Education Core Knowledge Curriculum Sequence IB World School CIS Member (Accreditation candidate)
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 Applications are considered throughout the year, and families are invited to visit the campus. The online application is powered by OpenApply, and you create your account by filling out the TASIS Portugal inquiry form. Complete and submit the application for the appropriate grade level; Early Learning Center (Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten) ages 3 to 5, with PK1 needing to be 3 by September 1 and toilet trained, PK2 needing to be 4 by September 1, and Kindergarten needing to be 5 by September 1; Elementary is Grades 1–5, Middle School 6–8, and High School 9–12 (with limited entry to 10th grade if coming from an IGCSE program in alignment with the program). Transcripts from the previous year and current year records are requested starting from Grade 1; recommendations from educators are required; submit results of any standardized tests (e.g., MAP, ERB); English Language Development may be required and tested. Interviews or visits are scheduled by contacting Admissions; Early Learning Center candidates will have an assessment with ELC staff (virtual options available). Submit any educational testing or IEPs if applicable. The nonrefundable application fee is €100 (€150 for ELC applicants). Admission decisions for the 2026–2027 school year note that Grades 2–8 are currently full; availability for Grades 3–8 in 2026–2027 is determined after the re-enrollment process; admissions for Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 9 (IGCSE), and Grade 11 (IB Diploma Programme) operate on a rolling basis as spaces become available. The school maintains a Wait Pool for full classes; it is not ranked, and completed applications are required for Wait Pool consideration; space is opened as openings arise and requires balancing factors such as gender and language diversity, sibling enrollment, and academic readiness. A Note to Families: being in the Wait Pool should not discourage applications. Re-enrollment for the following year requires a non-refundable €750 Re-Enrollment Fee by February 15; payment of Campus Enhancement Fund (CEF) is required for Kindergarten and higher (CEF amount set annually) and is non-refundable; withdrawal and refund policies apply, and outstanding fees can affect re-enrollment. For questions, contact the Admissions Office.
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 University and scholarship applications are supported by TASIS Portugal through the University and Career Counseling program.
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 The Wait Pool is used when classes are full; applications are always welcome, and only completed applications are eligible for Wait Pool consideration. The Wait Pool is not ranked; the Admissions Committee reviews each applicant as openings arise, weighing factors such as gender and language diversity, sibling enrollment, and academic readiness. When space becomes available, a candidate from the Wait Pool may be offered a place, and families are encouraged to contact Admissions for more information or to schedule a campus tour.
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