PaRK International School - Alfragide vs St. Dominic's International School

	P PaRK International School - Alfragide Lisbon, Portugal	S St. Dominic's International School Lisbon, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €9,380 - 20,850	Fees / year €11,500 - 22,000
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP), Reggio Emilia Approach	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 668
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Portuguese	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2003	Opened 1975
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Lisbon, Portugal. PaRK International School operates on three campuses in the Lisbon area: Alfragide, Praça de Espanha, and Restelo. The Alfragide campus is at Estrada de Alfragide, 94, Amadora; Praça de Espanha is at Av. Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 52, Lisboa; Restelo is at Av. das Descobertas, 21, Lisboa.	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 Early Learning School (Ages 1 to 5); Junior School (Grades 1 to 5); Lower Senior School (Grades 6 to 8); Cambridge IGCSE (Grades 9 to 10); IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11 to 12); A Levels (Grades 11 to 12).	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 Private international school	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 —	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 Portugal	Country affiliation Portugal
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Catholic (Dominican Sisters)
School day structure	School day structure —	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 Door-to-door bus service runs daily in mornings and evenings, with extensive routes including Restelo, Praça de Espanha, Alfragide, and other areas in Lisbon and surrounding districts (Oeiras, Algés, Campo de Ourique, Campolide, Alameda, Saldanha, Marquês de Pombal, Amoreiras, Chiado, Santos, Alcântara, Ajuda, Belém).	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 Application & registration fees - Registration fee (first-time applicants, per student): €90 for all year groups. - Enrolment (one-time, new students): amounts vary by stream and year group: - Bilingual stream (1–5 year olds): €935. - Bilingual stream (Grades 1–4): €1,325. - English stream (Grades 1–5): €1,325. - Grade 6 (English stream): €1,880. - Grades 7–8 (English stream): €4,075. - IGCSE (Grades 9–10): €5,200. - IB / A Level (Grades 11–12): €5,250. - Re-enrolment fee (current students, non-refundable, charged in April): amounts vary by year group (examples: Bilingual 1–5: €590; Bilingual Grades 1–4: €700; Grade 6: €890; IGCSE: €950; IB/A Level: €1,080). Tuition fees by year group (academic year 2025/26) - Bilingual stream - 1–5 year olds: Annual €9,380; Termly (x3) €3,126.67; Monthly (x10) €938. (Includes annual student insurance and food service). - Grades 1–4: Annual €12,125; Termly €4,041.67; Monthly €1,212.50. (Includes insurance and food service until Grade 5). - English stream (Senior pathway and full English tuition levels) - Grades 1–5: Annual €13,500; Termly €4,500; Monthly €1,350. - Grades 6–8: Annual €13,700; Termly €4,566.67; Monthly €1,370. - IGCSE (Grades 9–10): Annual €17,150; Termly €5,716.67; Monthly €1,715. (Exams not included). - IB / A Level (Grades 11–12): Annual €20,850; Termly €6,950; Monthly €2,085. (Exams not included). Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing frequency options: annual (September), termly (payments due in September, December and April) or monthly (payments spread over September–June). - Invoicing timing: school tuition invoices are issued by the 5th business day of the month in which they fall due; other charges are invoiced separately (within 10 business days of the following month). Parents/guardians should review invoices and raise queries within 48 hours. - Payment methods accepted: ATM reference (as shown on the invoice), direct debit, education tickets and bank transfer. Direct debit is normally collected mid-month (debited by the 12th each month for 2025/26 statements). If a direct debit fails, payment will be requested by ATM reference or bank transfer. - Overdue invoices: for the 2025/26 schedules, overdue invoices will incur an interest charge of 5% over the total amount due. - Sibling discount: families with three or more children enrolled receive a 10% discount on the annual tuition applicable to the third-youngest child onwards. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered at PaRK International School campuses; there are no boarding fees in the school fee schedules. (PaRK IS references access to boarding at other Inspired schools but does not list boarding charges for its Lisbon campuses.) Mandatory charges and other regular fees - Global study / digital platform and related charges (invoiced annually in October): - Grades 4–5: Global Study Platform + Inspired AI + MDM — €75. - Grades 6–10: Global Study Platform + Inspired AI + Inspired Metaverse — €100. - Grades 11–12: Global Study Platform + Inspired AI + Inspired Metaverse + sweatshirt — €145. - Examination and assessment charges (invoiced annually as indicated): - IGCSE exams (Grade 10): €160. - AS level exams (Grade 11): €200. - A level exams (Grade 12): €300. - IB exam fees (Grade 12): €900. - Vocational programme (Grade 10, one-time when incurred): €50. - Other charges (examples and typical invoicing): - Extracurricular activities: termly commitment; fees vary by activity (see activity catalogue). - Transport: varies by route; invoiced termly (Nov, Jan, Apr); specific route prices vary. - School trips (internal/ external): termly invoicing; example internal trip fee shown as €24. - Student replacement card: €7 (when incurred). - Translation of documents: €0.10/word (when incurred). - Food service (Grades 6–12): €145 monthly (when incurred); for younger years food service is included in tuition and discounted in December/April as noted. - Supervision period (6:00 pm–6:30 pm): €70 monthly (when incurred) for 1-year-olds to Grade 5; late-collection penalties also apply. - English Second Language tuition (examples): Grades 1–5: €540 (5h/week); Grade 6 (6.5h/week): €660 (termly invoiced); Grades 7–8 (9h/week): €840 (termly invoiced). - Wellbeing individual support (Grades 6–12): €45/hour (monthly when incurred). - iPad acquisition for Grades 4–5 (Apple iPad Air 11" Wi‑Fi 128GB with keyboard, pencil and 1 year insurance): shown as €1,131 or an alternative entry figure €377 (invoice options listed); iPad rental (Grades 4–5): €105 (termly). Refund information and non-refundable charges - Enrolment fees for new students are non-refundable. Re-enrolment fees for current students are non-refundable and are charged in April. Registration and re-enrolment notes in the fee schedule indicate these items are non-refundable as specified. - Extracurricular activities require a full-term commitment; if a student withdraws or discontinues participation during the term, the full term fee remains chargeable (exceptions apply only if the activity is cancelled or minimum numbers are not met). Fee payment options and administrative notes - Accepted payment methods: ATM reference (on invoice), direct debit, education tickets, bank transfer. Direct debit is the standard monthly collection method; failed direct debits will be re-requested by ATM reference or bank transfer. - Invoicing and review: invoices are issued in advance according to the chosen billing frequency; parents/guardians must review invoices and notify the finance office within 48 hours if corrections are required. - Overdue handling and administrative charges: for 2025/26 schedules, overdue invoices attract a 5% interest charge; other administrative fees (for example, contract-change requests) are set out in the fee schedules.	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 The school has guaranteed entry to Inspired Boarding Schools. Inspired boarding provides 24-hour pastoral support and exclusive access to state-of-the-art facilities for sports and academics after school, within a welcoming home-from-home environment.	Boarding arrangements Day school; a school bus service is available for registered students for the full year.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The uniform is mandatory for all students from the 1-Year-Old groups to Grade 10. IB Diploma and A Levels students (Grades 11-12) follow a smart casual dress code for daily wear and use the PaRK IS formal uniform for specific school events. For Physical Education, all students wear the Sports 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 Healthy and nutritionally-balanced meals are provided by our catering partner Go Natural. Menus are updated monthly; vegetarian options and a salad bar are available; meals are prepared by a chef and approved by a nutritionist, with accommodations for allergies.	Food options Gertal coordinates all meals served at the school; there is a Refectory and a Tuck Shop on campus.
House system	House system The PaRK IS House System has four Houses: Hillary & Tabei, Cousteau & Andresen, Vasco da Gama & Mother Teresa, and Armstrong & Johnson. From Grade 1 onward, students are allocated to a House and participate in cross-age activities and competitions.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership PaRK International School is an Inspired School, part of Inspired Education Group, a leading global network of premium schools. This affiliation provides access to international best practices and collaboration with other Inspired schools worldwide, including global exchange programmes.	Governance and ownership Part of International Schools Partnership (ISP).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details PaRK International School provides a bilingual education from Early Learning through Grade 4, followed by the Cambridge International Pathway from Grade 5, including the IGCSE, A Levels, and the IB Diploma Programme. The curriculum integrates technology and 21st-century skills across the subjects. Academic stages include Early Learning (Ages 1-5), Junior School (Grades 1-5), Lower Senior School (Grades 6-8), Cambridge IGCSE (Grades 9-10) and the IB Diploma Programme or A Levels (Grades 11-12). The school operates on three campuses in Lisbon: Alfragide, Praça de Espanha, and Restelo. In 2025, IBDP results were strong with an average score of 35, 29% of students scoring 38 points or more, and a top score of 45.	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 —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IBDP exam results 2025 show an average score of 35, with 29% of students scoring 38 points or more, and a top score of 45.	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 PaRK IS provides individualised university and careers counselling from Grade 10. One in three Inspired students secures a place in Russell Group or Ivy League universities. About 90% of Inspired students are accepted to their first-choice university. The school offers an SAT pathway with an official SAT centre on campus and partner SAT prep providers, Arete Education and The Classroom Door, for additional admissions support.	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 Nsouli Scholars is an Inspired initiative enabling up to 50 students at any one time to attend Inspired schools on full scholarships. The programme supports access to academics, arts and sports, and PaRK IS participates in this global programme. In 2022, Inspired's IB Diploma Average Point Score was 35 (world average 31.98), with 27% of A Level grades being A*, illustrating the level of exceptional performance within Inspired schools.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The Well-Being Department creates a respectful, safe and happy environment across PaRK IS's three campuses. The school supports students' social and emotional development, focusing on self-knowledge, self-regulation, social relationships and decision-making. The Social Skills Programme runs bi-weekly for Grades 1 to Senior School. The Fellowship Programme engages students in Grades 5 to 12 in community service. A dedicated psychology team supports Learning Diversity Students, and safeguarding, mindfulness and inclusion initiatives are part of the wellbeing framework. External speakers are invited throughout the year to enrich students' experiences.	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) PaRK IS has a specialised psychology department and dedicated teams for Learning Diversity Students. The resources support inclusive practices and targeted support for diverse learning needs. Support is embedded within the Well-Being framework across the three campuses.	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 The school provides bilingual education from Early Learning through Grade 4. From Grade 5, PaRK IS follows the Cambridge International Pathway, including IGCSE, A Levels and the IB Diploma Programme. The education is multilingual, helping students become proficient in more than one language.	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 Mental wellbeing is a core focus of the Well-Being Department across three campuses. The department provides a psychology team, mindfulness and social-skills initiatives, and safeguarding. External speakers contribute to wellbeing and resilience education throughout the year. The wellbeing programme supports students' confidence and resilience alongside their academic journey.	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 Safeguarding is integrated into the Well-Being framework and managed across PaRK IS campuses. The Well-Being Department coordinates safeguarding alongside mindfulness, fellowship and social-skills initiatives to foster a safe school culture.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview PaRK IS operates across three Lisbon campuses: Alfragide (ages 1 to 18), Praça de Espanha (ages 1 to 10), and Restelo (ages 1 to 10). Alfragide is the largest campus and features brand-new modern buildings on an extensive site. The Alfragide campus has technology-enabled classrooms with cutting-edge technology and sound-blocking features. The campus includes an auditorium, music studios and an arts hub, and has labs and a MakerSpace Room. The Alfragide campus offers multi-sport facilities including a pavilion, gymnasium, football field, exterior basketball court and multi-use rooftop spaces. The Extracurricular Activities at Alfragide include visual arts, dance, martial arts, team and individual sports, personal development activities, and PaRK Music Academy with six studios and two rehearsal rooms, with some activities run off-campus through partners.	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 The Alfragide campus offers multi-sport facilities including a pavilion, gymnasium, football field, exterior basketball court and multi-use rooftop spaces.	Sports facilities Two multi‑use gymnasiums and areas for football, basketball, volleyball, tennis and badminton.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Technology-enabled classrooms are fully equipped with cutting-edge technology and sound-blocking features. Auditorium, Music Studios and Arts Hub are on site. Labs and MakerSpace Room are available for science and technology work.	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 Extracurricular activities include visual arts, dance, martial arts, team and individual sports and personal development activities. The PaRK Music Academy provides six fully equipped studios and two rehearsal rooms. Some activities take place off-campus with partners.	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 Open since 2003, PaRK IS began with O Parque Taguspark; a second sponsored school in Lisbon opened about a year later. The first non-sponsored school, O Parque Belém, opened in 2006, followed by the Restelo Primary School in 2008 and a Cascais campus in 2010. In 2016, O Parque Bilingual Schools became PaRK International School, opening Grade 7 in Lisbon; Praça de Espanha campus opened in 2017. PaRK IS joined Inspired in 2018; a new Alfragide campus opened in 2019, and IB Diploma Programme certification was awarded in 2020; the first IB Diploma cohort graduated in 2022, with Cascais closing that year to make way for King's College School, an Inspired school.	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 The PaRK IS community operates across three Lisbon-area campuses: Alfragide, Praça de Espanha and Restelo. The Well-Being Department creates a respectful, safe and happy environment across all campuses, supporting physical, emotional and mental health, with a Social Skills Programme, the Fellowship Programme, a specialised psychology team, and mindfulness initiatives; external speakers are invited during the year. The Buddy System welcomes new students and the four Houses structure fosters belonging and character development through cross-age activities, with values such as fair play, teamwork, citizenship, responsibility, and resilience. As an Inspired School, PaRK IS benefits from international practices and collaboration, including global exchange opportunities within Inspired."	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 —	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 PaRK IS offers co-curricular clubs including The Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Model United Nations, Business Club, Drama Club, Visual Arts Club, Yearbook & Journalism Club, Chess Club, Performance and Band Club, and Choir Club. From Grade 5 onwards, students can take part in MyTime activities, choosing options to develop creativity and curiosity. The Personal Development & Technology strand includes Aloha (maths and mental arithmetic), Book Club, Creative Writing, The Inventors - STEM activities, Minecraft for Education, Coding, Why Lab (Science), Sewing Atelier, Photography and Study Room. Activities occur at lunchtime, after school, and sometimes evenings or weekends, varying by campus.	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 Performing Arts extracurricular activities include Dance classes (Creative Dance, Ballet, Hip Hop), Drama and Musical Theatre. The PaRK Music Academy offers study in instruments and voice, including singing, choir and music production, with ABRSM certification available. Visual Arts are supported by Porta Amarela workshops across all campuses, promoting creativity through arts and crafts, music and performance. The school hosts music events and performances throughout the year to showcase student talents.	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 Model United Nations is among the co-curricular clubs. PaRK Choir is open to students from Grade 1 and up, with weekly rehearsals after school and performances at campus and community events. The school emphasises multilingual learning in a bilingual environment, with Portuguese and English used for communication. These activities contribute to international engagement and cultural awareness across PaRK IS.	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 MyTime is available from Grade 5, once a week, offering a range of activities including sport, art, music, drama or technology. The Chess Club, Book Club and Creative Writing provide social and recreational engagement, alongside Dance classes and PaRK Music Academy. Choir activities connect students across campuses, with performances at campus and community events. These activities occur during lunchtime, after school or occasionally evenings and weekends.	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 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 —	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 PaRK IS offers a wide range of sports and martial arts across three campuses, including Capoeira, Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Taekwondo, plus team sports like Basketball, Football, Volleyball and Rugby, and individual sports such as Fencing, Indoor Climbing, Parkour, Tennis, Swimming, Padel, Skateboarding, Roller-skating, Surfing, Fitbox, Fitness Club, Gymnastics and Yoga. Football and Gymnastics are offered by Sporting Club Portugal with a tailor-made PaRK Academy. Swimming lessons take place at partner facilities Joaquim Chaves Fitness and Holmes Place. The PaRK Music Academy and Performing Arts programmes provide opportunities for creative and physical activity that support wellbeing.	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 English and Portuguese are the core languages, with a bilingual Early Learning environment from age 1 and a Grade 1–4 bilingual programme blending the National Portuguese Curriculum with Cambridge International Curriculum. By the end of Grade 4, students are bilingual in comprehension, speaking, reading and writing, and Grade 5 onwards is taught fully in English at the Alfragide campus. Additional languages are available: in Grades 7–8, Spanish or French is studied as an Additional Language; in Grades 9–10, students may choose Spanish or French as a Second Language in IGCSE; IB Diploma options may include School-Supported Self-Taught languages in a Language A other than Portuguese or English.	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 PaRK IS Praça de Espanha provides a truly bilingual education in English and Portuguese from age 1, with two highly qualified educators in each classroom. The Early Learning programme creates a bilingual environment where one teacher speaks only Portuguese and another only English, enabling natural language acquisition. The bilingual approach uses a project and play based method with a Reggio Emilia inspired philosophy, supporting exploration in both languages across maths, science, reading and writing. The Junior School (Grades 1–4) combines elements of the National Portuguese Curriculum with the Cambridge International Curriculum, strengthening bilingual skills and preparing students for the fully English taught programme from Grade 5 at the Alfragide campus.	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 From age 1, PaRK IS Praça de Espanha offers immersion in English and Portuguese. The Early Learning environment uses two teachers, one speaking Portuguese and one English, to support language immersion. The approach relies on project and play based learning with a positive discipline and a Reggio Emilia inspired practice to develop literacy and communication in both languages. By Grade 5, students transition to the fully English taught curriculum at the Alfragide campus.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations IBO, Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel, UCAS, Learnfire, official SAT centre	Accreditations IBO, CIC, ECIS, NEASC
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquiry Form: Fill in the Enquiry Form to apply to any of our campuses (Alfragide, Praça de Espanha or Restelo). This form should also be completed if you wish to book a visit or to learn more about PaRK International School. 2. Application Form: Complete the Application Form sent by our team. If applying to Junior School onwards, upload the latest school reports in the Open Apply portal or send them to our Admissions team. 3. Campus Meeting: After the application forms are complete, book a meeting with the campus of your choice (Alfragide, Praça de Espanha or Restelo) at a convenient date and time. This meeting can be a campus visit or an online meeting, depending on the family's preference. 4. Registration Fee: If you would like to continue with the admissions process, there is a non-refundable €100 Registration Fee. 5. Interview: Interview with the Psychologist (from Grade 1 onwards). For IGCSE and IB / A Levels applicants, if necessary there may be an extra interview with the Deputy Head of Academics or IB / A Levels Coordinator to discuss IGCSE and IB / A Levels subject choices, respectively. 6. Evaluation: From Grade 5 onwards, there is an Evaluation following the interview - an online, age-related objective assessment test (GL Cognitive Ability Test 4). There can also be an online language assessment test (English or Portuguese) at this stage if required. 7. Offer Letter: Each student's admission is determined by the School Board with the advice of the respective Head. The decision is communicated by email to the parents along with the necessary steps to complete the enrolment, including the payment of the enrolment fee. Based on this, the child will be given a conditional or unconditional offer (conditional offers may require the parents to agree to booster lessons in English prior to admission to PaRK IS). 8. Formal Registration: The official registration takes place in June. At that time, the Parent/Guardian needs to deliver the required documents for the student's process. Your child is now a PaRK IS student!	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 Nsouli Scholars Programme: The Nsouli Scholars Programme is a global initiative that enables 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend any of Inspired's prestigious schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. The endowment honours Nadim Nsouli. In recognition of Mr Nsouli's Lebanese heritage and Inspired's commitment to inclusivity, several scholarships will be awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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