Lisbon Montessori School vs Montessori Bright Academy
Lisbon Montessori School and Montessori Bright Academy are both in Lisbon, about 27 km apart. Both schools follow a Montessori curriculum. Published annual fees are close, at €6,990 - 9,890 for Lisbon Montessori School and €8,410 - 8,880 for Montessori Bright Academy. Lisbon Montessori School takes pupils from 2 to 12, and Montessori Bright Academy from 1 to 12. Lisbon Montessori School is the larger school, with around 100 pupils to Montessori Bright Academy's 70. Typical class sizes are 25 at Lisbon Montessori School and 14 at Montessori Bright Academy.
The Montessori Bright Academy is located at Av. Almirante Gago Coutinho, 141, Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal. The school operates in a traditional Portuguese building in the Alvalade neighborhood, with direct access to the forest and a 20-hectare green playground in the heart of Lisbon.
Stages
Stages
Three AMI-based Montessori programs for ages 2 years 10 months through 12 years.
Application and one-time fees - Enrollment fee: EUR 500 per family (one-time). - Facilities fee: EUR 500 per child per year. - Pre-payment / deposit: EUR 500 payable at enrollment and deducted from the fourth (final) quarterly payment.
Tuition fees by programme (annual = 10 months) - CASA (half-day): EUR 6,490 per year. Quarterly billing dates apply. - CASA (full-day): EUR 8,690 per year. Quarterly billing dates apply. - ELEMENTARY (lower and upper combined): EUR 9,390 per year. Quarterly billing dates apply.
Fees per term / billing schedule and payment terms - Billing schedule (quarterly payments): - 1st quarter due before September 5. - 2nd quarter due before November 5. - 3rd quarter due before February 5. - 4th quarter due before May 5 (the pre-payment/deposit is deducted from this payment). - Payment timing options: parents may pay quarterly as scheduled or make a single advance annual payment; families who pay the year in advance receive a 5% discount on tuition. - Late payment penalty: EUR 30 per week for payments made after the due date. - Annual adjustment: fees increase annually by an amount approximating the inflation rate.
Boarding fees - Boarding: Not applicable. The school offers day programmes and a July day-camp; no boarding provision or boarding fees are listed.
Other costs and routine charges - Snacks: Morning and afternoon snacks are included in the stated fees for all children. Full-day children are asked to bring a packed cold lunch. - July day-camp/daycare: available at additional weekly rates (separate charge). - Insurance: included in the fees. - Uniform: no uniform fee is listed among the published fees.
Discounts and concessions - Sibling discounts: 15% discount for the second child; 25% for the third child or more. Families with more than one child enrolled in the same school year are exempt from the enrollment fee for second and subsequent children. - Income-based discount: families with monthly income under EUR 3,000 may be eligible for a tuition reduction of up to 35% (application requires an income/property disclosure form and submission of the family's last IRS return sheet). Discounts apply to tuition only and do not apply to enrollment fee, facilities fee, or deposit.
Refunds and absence - Fees are non-refundable. In cases of absence due to illness or other reasons, no payments are returned. All children must attend through the end of June; July services are separate and charged additionally.
Fee payment options (formats and instruments) - Payment frequency options: quarterly payments according to the schedule above, or a single annual advance payment with a 5% discount. Specific accepted payment instruments (for example bank transfer, credit card) are not detailed in the published fee information.
Fee details
Application and enrolment fees
- Application fee: No separate non‑refundable application fee amount is published. To secure an offered place parents must submit the enrolment contract and the required enrolment fee within five (5) working days of the admission decision.
Tuition fees by year group (published annual amounts; per‑term illustrative split shown below)
- Age 1 — Nursery 1 (Nurs. 1): EUR 8,410 per year. Per term (illustrative split into 3 equal instalments): EUR 2,803.33 per term. - Age 2 — Nursery 2 (Nurs. 2): EUR 8,410 per year. Per term (illustrative): EUR 2,803.33 per term. - Age 3 — Kindergarten 1 (Kindg. 1): EUR 8,880 per year. Per term (illustrative): EUR 2,960.00 per term. - Age 4 — Kindergarten 2 (Kindg. 2): EUR 8,880 per year. Per term (illustrative): EUR 2,960.00 per term. - Age 5 — Kindergarten 3 (Kindg. 3): EUR 8,880 per year. Per term (illustrative): EUR 2,960.00 per term. - Age 6 — Grade 1: EUR 8,880 per year. Per term (illustrative): EUR 2,960.00 per term. - Age 7 — Grade 2: EUR 8,880 per year. Per term (illustrative): EUR 2,960.00 per term. - Age 8 — Grade 3: EUR 8,880 per year. Per term (illustrative): EUR 2,960.00 per term. - Age 9 — Grade 4: EUR 8,880 per year. Per term (illustrative): EUR 2,960.00 per term. - Age 10 — Grade 5: EUR 8,880 per year. Per term (illustrative): EUR 2,960.00 per term. - Age 11 — Grade 6: EUR 8,880 per year. Per term (illustrative): EUR 2,960.00 per term.
Published tuition figures are quoted as annual amounts. The per‑term figures above are an illustrative division (annual fee ÷ 3) and are provided only to show how an annual amount would convert into three equal instalments. Use the annual amount for official billing.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Admission decision is communicated after the student assessment visit; to secure the place families must return a signed enrolment contract and pay the enrolment fee within five (5) working days of the admission decision. Tuition is quoted on an annual basis; specific invoicing dates, instalment deadlines and penalties for late payment are handled through the enrolment contract and invoice.
Boarding fees
- Boarding: Not applicable. The school operates as a day school for children aged 1–12 and does not publish boarding options or boarding fees.
Other costs and incidental charges
- Additional charges that can apply (listed generically): meals/catering, school uniform, educational materials, school trips, extracurricular activities, transport/school bus, and optional after‑school care. Specific prices for these items are not included in the published annual tuition figures and are billed separately where applicable.
Refund information
- The school requires the enrolment contract and fee to secure a place. Specific refund rules (for application, enrolment fees or tuition refunds) are set out in the enrolment contract and are not published as a separate, detailed schedule alongside the annual fees. Families should refer to the enrolment contract terms for the binding refund/withdrawal policy.
Fee payment options
- Payment methods and formal billing instructions are provided on the enrolment invoice and in the enrolment contract. Commonly used payment channels for international schools of this profile include bank transfer (IBAN/SWIFT) and card payments; the school issues invoices and payment instructions as part of enrolment documentation. For precise available payment channels and any card‑processing fees, follow the enrolment invoice instructions.
(End of fees overview)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
—
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
Meals and snacks are prepared fresh in our own professional kitchen by our Chef, using high-quality ingredients. The program emphasizes nourishing, sustainable food with fresh, organic produce, and the Chef also creates home catering dishes for variety.
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
Fabienne Mikou is the founder of Montessori Bright Academy.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
—
Curriculum details
Montessori Bright Academy offers three programs: Toddler (1–3 years), Primary (3–6 years), and Elementary (6–12 years). Toddler sessions run 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM; Primary runs 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM; Elementary runs 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM. The language environment is English with exposure to French and Portuguese. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, mastery-based learning in mixed-age communities, with a focus on Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, and Mathematics. Outdoor learning is provided through a Forest School Program that fosters independence, resilience, and environmental awareness, and connects classroom learning to real-world experiences across science, history, geography, and the arts. The program emphasizes independence, collaboration, and holistic learning across disciplines.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
—
Student teacher ratio
Toddler class size: 15; Primary class size: 25.
Exam results
Exam results
—
Exam results
—
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
—
Higher education progression
—
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
—
Social & emotional learning
MBA emphasizes an observation-based, individualized learning approach that supports the whole child. It uses multi-age, family-like communities, and prioritizes independence, collaboration, empathy, and emotional regulation through its pillars and guided interactions. Parent engagement is encouraged as part of a collaborative Montessori partnership.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school will consider applications of all students with special needs, giving priority to younger applicants, because enrolling a student at an early age will give the school a better chance to make an optimal impact, something that Montessori education is designed to make.
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school teaches in English as the language of instruction; a specialist Portuguese language teacher provides lessons in small groups; 4 1/2 years or older applicants must be fluent in English; academic instruction is English-based.
English as an additional language
English is the primary language of instruction, with consistent exposure to Portuguese from age one and additional exposure to French and Portuguese in Toddler language experiences.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
—
Mental wellbeing
—
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
—
Safeguarding policy
—
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
—
Facilities overview
The school has a 20-hectare green playground in the heart of Lisbon. The school has direct access to the forest, enabling outdoor learning in a natural setting. It is housed in a beautiful traditional Portuguese building, blending heritage with modern education. AMI-certified Montessori guides lead the programs. The Toddler program runs 1–3 years (8:00 AM–1:00 PM), Primary runs 3–6 years (8:00 AM–3:30 PM), and Elementary runs 6–12 years (8:00 AM–3:45 PM).
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
—
Sports facilities
—
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
—
Academic facilities
The Toddler program emphasizes language development in English with exposure to French and Portuguese, along with independence, practical life activities, movement, and early literacy and numeracy. The Primary program offers a hands-on, mastery-based curriculum in a multi-age setting, including independence, focus and concentration, practical life, sensorial exploration, literacy, mathematics, grace and courtesy, and outdoor learning through Forest School. The Forest School outdoor learning program fosters nature-based exploration, independence, and problem-solving. The Elementary program for 6–12-year-olds emphasizes independent inquiry, big projects, outdoor learning, and a holistic integration of science, language, mathematics, geography, and cultural studies, with learning extending beyond the classroom and a focus on collaboration and self-discipline.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
—
Extra curricular facilities
—
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
—
History
Montessori Bright Academy is an international Montessori school in Lisbon founded by Fabienne Mikou. The school is housed in a traditional Portuguese building in Alvalade, Lisbon, with direct access to the forest for a natural learning environment. It emphasizes Montessori pedagogy delivered by experienced guides who are AMI-certified and support children from 1 to 12 years across Toddler, Primary, and Elementary programs. The school presents itself as a diverse, international community with a staff team and a multi-national student body.
Community
Community
—
Community
Diversity is a lived reality at MBA, with families from all walks of life coming together to grow, discover, and enjoy their time in school. The campus is set in a traditional building with access to a forested environment, supporting outdoor and nature-based learning. The community encompasses 40+ nationalities, reflecting a broad international presence. A vibrant parent association welcomes new families and hosts celebrations and gatherings, contributing to the school's active community life.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
—
Parent teacher association
The school has a vibrant parent association that welcomes new families and hosts unforgettable celebrations and gatherings, showcasing our 40+ country community.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
—
Academic & intellectual
The school offers an AMI Montessori pedagogy guided by advanced research in child development. It is delivered by certified AMI Montessori guides with more than 70 years of combined experience. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, mastery-based learning and independent work within a structured environment. Knowledge is presented as an interconnected whole across disciplines, including language, science, mathematics, and cultural studies, supporting academic and personal growth.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
—
Arts & creative
Knowledge is presented as an interconnected whole across disciplines, including the arts. The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning that integrates the arts into broader inquiry.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The language of instruction is English. Classroom assistants speak with students in Portuguese. Elementary students have afternoon Portuguese-as-a-second-language lessons with a specialist language teacher. Lower Elementary students participate in a Portuguese Language Club as part of language programming.
Cultural & language
Language development occurs in a language-rich environment. In the Toddler program, English is the primary language with exposure to French and Portuguese, including conversations, songs, poetry, and storytelling.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
—
Social & hobbies
Grace and courtesy are embedded in daily life to support social development. In the Primary and Elementary programs, the classroom functions as a vibrant community where children organize events, plan outings, and engage in discussions.
Community & service
Community & service
—
Community & service
—
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
—
Leadership & professional
Fabienne Mikou is the founder of Montessori Bright Academy. The school is guided by certified AMI Montessori guides with extensive experience.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
—
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Outdoor learning is central, with a Forest School program that fosters a deep connection with nature. The school has a 20-hectare green playground in the heart of Lisbon for outdoor exploration and well-being.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is used by all Lead Teachers, with Portuguese used by Lower and Upper Elementary Assistant Teachers. Elementary students have afternoon Portuguese-as-a-second-language lessons with a specialist language teacher. A Portuguese as a Non-Native Language program offers CEFR-based levels (A1–A2) for non-native learners, with progression toward mother-tongue Portuguese classes. A Lower Elementary Portuguese Language Club supports ongoing Portuguese development.
Language provision
English is the language of instruction; learners are exposed to French and Portuguese, especially during Toddler language development.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school uses English as the language of instruction for Lead Teachers and AMI guides, and Lower and Upper Elementary Assistant Teachers may use Portuguese in the classroom. English and Portuguese are both used in the classrooms.
Bilingual teaching
The school teaches in English with exposure to French and Portuguese.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
—
Immersion programs
Language immersion is offered in English with exposure to French and Portuguese, particularly in the Toddler program.
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
—
Awards
—
Accreditations
Accreditations
—
Accreditations
100% AMI certified guides — all teaching guides are AMI-certified.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
—
Admissions
Visit the School. Schedule a visit and begin your journey with a personal tour of our school. You will meet our Head of School. You will explore our thoughtfully prepared environments. You will learn more about our Montessori approach. Submit Your Application. Confirm your interest by completing the Application Form and a Parent Questionnaire. The Application Form and the Parent Questionnaire are the required components of the admissions process. Submitting these documents initiates the next steps in admissions. Student Visit & Assessment. Within a week of receiving your application, a classroom visit will be scheduled for your child. This allows them to experience our environment firsthand and meet their potential guide. The visit is part of the assessment process. Confirmation of Admission. An admission decision is communicated by our Admissions Office within one week of the assessment visit. To secure their child's place, parents must submit the enrollment contract and fee within five (5) working days. The enrollment contract and fee finalize placement.
