Compare German Curriculum International Schools in Portugal

Instructs in Portuguese, English

Ages 6 months - 10 years

Fees €4,950 - 6,050

Type Co-educational

Butterflies School in Beloura, Portugal, is a day school delivering bilingual education in Portuguese and English and following the Portuguese National Curriculum. English is treated as an equal language to Portuguese, with English- and Portuguese-speaking teachers in all classes. The school educates children from Nursery through Primary and blends project-based experiences with the Labs program and the Aloha Maths curriculum to enrich mathematical thinking and scientific inquiry. A German Section has been added as a German curriculum pathway, reflecting the school's commitment to multilingualism. Facilities combine bright indoor spaces with outdoor learning through Outdoor Discoveries, Mud Kitchen, Garden Patch, and Forest School activities. Key enrichment includes the Inventors Club and hands-on labs, plus extensive arts, science, and reading/writing in both languages. In 2024 the school moved to new, dedicated facilities in Quinta da Beloura, expanding its bilingual, child-centered, inquiry-driven approach. The environment supports curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning for families.

Location

The school is located in Sintra, in the Lisbon region of Portugal. The campus is in a spacious modern building. It is conveniently located 12 minutes from Sintra, 12 minutes from Cascais, 15 minutes from Estoril, and 30 minutes from Lisbon, making it accessible for families in the region.

Stages

Nursery (4 months to 2 years); Pre-School (3 to 5 years); Primary (6 to 10 years)

Type

Day school; bilingual education in Portuguese and English; follows the Portuguese National Curriculum

Country affiliation

Portugal

Application, registration and enrolment fees

- Registration fee (one-time, deductible from enrolment fee): EUR 250.
- Annual enrolment & insurance charge for new students: EUR 500.
- Annual enrolment & insurance charge for existing students (re-enrolment): EUR 425.
- School insurance premium (annual): EUR 50 (included in the first invoice). The insurance premium is not refundable.
- Collective equipment usage (primary years only): EUR 185.

Tuition fees by year group (monthly and annual amounts)

- Nursery (4 months until walking):
- Part-time (08:00–13:00): EUR 450 per month / EUR 4,950 per year.
- Full-time (08:00–17:00): EUR 550 per month / EUR 6,050 per year.

- Crèche (age 1–3 years):
- Part-time (08:00–13:00): EUR 550 per month / EUR 6,050 per year.
- Full-time (08:00–17:00): EUR 650 per month / EUR 7,150 per year.

- Pre‑school (3 to 5 years): EUR 700 per month / EUR 7,700 per year.

- Primary (1st to 4th grade): EUR 750 per month / EUR 8,250 per year.

Per-term and alternative payment schedules (how the school presents term/instalment options)

- Standard billing is presented as monthly fees paid in 11 equal instalments (September–June), with the July tuition paid in advance as separate instalments. The annual tuition amounts shown above correspond to those monthly x11 calculations.
- If tuition is paid using alternative schedules, the published discounts on monthly tuition apply as follows: 5% discount for whole-year payment, 3% discount if paid by semester, and 1.5% discount if paid by trimester. (Discounts are not cumulative; the highest applicable discount is applied.) You may calculate a semester or trimester instalment by dividing the annual fee by 2 (semester) or by 3 (trimester) and then applying the stated discount if you choose that payment option.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Monthly tuition must be paid at the beginning of the month, by the 5th of each month. If payment is late, a 9% late fee is applied. The school may pursue legal collection for unpaid fees. The July tuition is collected in advance (split into instalments settled in December and April).
- Annual tuition is divided into 11 equal monthly payments to be settled between September and June. Temporary absences do not entitle families to discounts on tuition. Holiday breaks are already included in tuition calculation; no extra discounts for holidays.

Boarding fees

- There is no boarding provision for Butterflies School; the school operates as a day nursery, preschool and primary school for ages approximately 4 months to 10 years.

Compulsory and additional service fees (monthly unless stated otherwise)

- Hygiene Plan (mandatory for Nursery & Crèche children still in nappies):
- Full-time: EUR 70 per month.
- Part-time: EUR 50 per month.
- Meal Plan (mandatory for all students except Nursery):
- Crèche: EUR 110 per month (annual catering amount divided into 11 instalments).
- Pre‑School: EUR 125 per month.
- Primary School: EUR 145 per month.
The meal plan covers morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack; the annual catering cost is divided into 11 instalments and interruptions to school activities do not entitle families to refunds or changes of these instalments.
- Extended service / after‑school care:
- Optional one-hour block (regular): EUR 30 per month.
- Occasional attendance: EUR 20 per day.
These options require a minimum number of participants and are committed for a full term when contracted.
- Swimming lessons (optional, for pre‑school and primary): fees announced in September; currently indicated as “to be advised.” Swimming runs October–June and requires a minimum commitment of one term; transport to/from the pool (if provided) is included where noted.
- Collective equipment usage for primary years: EUR 185 (annual).
- Textbooks, specific primary manuals and some activity-specific external costs are not included in basic tuition; basic consumable school supplies are included. Details and exact items are listed in the school's rules and fee documents.

Uniform and school supplies

- A relaxed-style uniform is mandatory for all students except nursery (Savannah Room). Uniform items can be purchased via TOGs (specified supplier). Basic consumable school supplies are included in tuition; primary school manuals may be charged separately.

Refunds and non-refundable amounts

- The registration fee (EUR 250) is a one-time, non-refundable fee (it is deductible from the enrollment fee). The enrollment fee and the registration fee are not refundable. The insurance premium (EUR 50) is not refundable. The meal-plan annual amount is divided into 11 instalments and interruptions to school activities do not entitle families to refunds or changes to those instalments.

Discounts and sibling reductions

- Sibling discounts on monthly fees: first sibling 10%; second sibling +15%. Discounts are not cumulative; the highest applicable discount is applied.

Accepted payment methods and payment instructions

- Accepted payment methods: bank transfer (send payment proof to admin@butterflieseducation.com) and employer education-voucher schemes via Coverflex or Edenred where applicable. Some employers with partnership protocols may offer special conditions; check with your employer. All payment proof should be emailed to the school administration as instructed.

What the published fees include

- Registration, enrolment and tuition fees include PE sessions, music, arts program, Cambridge English provision, LABs program (pre‑school and primary), summer school (except transport/activity extras), monitoring by the in‑house educational psychologist and basic consumable school supplies (primary manuals not included). Collective equipment usage is charged separately for primary.

Important administrative notes

- Tuition payments are due by the 5th of each month. If fees are unpaid at month-end the school may take further action, including legal steps. The school reserves the right to withhold re-enrollment until outstanding fees are settled. The school calendar and term structure determine instalment timing (annual tuition split into 11 instalments between September and June; July tuition paid in advance).

(Fees and terms above are those published for the current academic year in the school's fee schedule and rules documents.)

Curriculum

Butterflies follows the Portuguese National Curriculum with English treated as an equal language, enriched by project labs and the Aloha Maths program. The school uses bilingual immersion with English- and Portuguese-speaking teachers in all classes to support bilingual fluency. The curriculum is delivered from Nursery through Primary and includes the Labs program, the Inventors Club, and extensive outdoor learning. Nursery focuses on sensory, motor, cognitive, and social development through play-based activities, with exposure to English and Portuguese and weekly Outdoor Discoveries. Preschool emphasizes language, literacy, numeracy, and social skills in both languages, with Early Phonics, the Labs program, Aloha Maths, and the Inventors Club. Primary develops fluency in reading and writing in both languages, with Labs, Aloha Maths, and outdoor scientific investigations.

Gifted and Talented

The Inventors Club (5 years) guides children through creative tech challenges.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Unique Pedagogy emphasizes curiosity, autonomy, resilience, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, self-awareness, and leadership. The approach aims to create a bilingual educational environment that promotes the integral development of the child, stimulating the skills of each child while respecting well-being, individuality, and pace of development. Learning is supported through outdoor and indoor experiences that foster social interaction, creativity, and engagement.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English and Portuguese are taught through a bilingual immersion approach. English- and Portuguese-speaking teachers work in all classes in co-teaching duos, providing personalised attention and a supportive learning environment. Reading and writing skills are taught in both languages from early years, with exposure to English and Portuguese through songs, stories, and games; an Early Phonics Program begins at age five.

Mental Wellbeing

Well-being is respected as part of the child's development and integral to the school's approach.

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Deutsche Schule Algarve

Instructs in German, Portuguese

Ages 5 - 18 years

Fees €6,468 - 7,062

Pupils 190

Type Co-educational

The Deutsche Schule Algarve is a state-recognized German international school located in the Algarve. It offers a German curriculum for students aged 5 to 18, guiding Grundschule (grades 1–4) and Sekundarstufen I & II (grades 5–12), culminating in the German International Abitur (DIA). German remains the language of instruction, while Portuguese is the everyday language and English and French are taught as mandatory foreign languages. The school follows KMK guidelines for Deutsche Auslandsschulen and collaborates with Deutsche Schule Lissabon to ensure smooth transitions to German or international schools. Small class sizes foster a personal learning atmosphere, with differentiated instruction and open-learning formats. The timetable includes core subjects plus music, art, Sachunterricht, sport and swimming, and a focus on scientific work, presentation techniques and digital competencies. From 2025 the school operates under a family-led leadership team, continuing a strong intercultural and international project ethos, including Erasmus. A caring, internationally minded community.

Location

Sitio do Lobito, 8300-054 Silves, Algarve, Portugal

Stages

Primary school (Grades 1–4) and Secondary levels I & II (Grades 5–12, Abitur). German is the language of instruction; Portuguese is part of daily life from the start, with mother-tongue and foreign-language groupings from Grade 2 and English introduced from Grade 3. In Secondary levels I & II, German remains the instruction language, with English and Portuguese as mandatory foreign languages.

Type

German international school

Additional learning support

Individualized support in small groups

Country affiliation

Germany; German international school following KMK guidelines

Application / registration fee
- A one‑time registration/enrolment fee is required to finalize an application; payment of this fee makes the registration legally binding.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per half‑year)
- Offene Eingangsstufe (Grades 1–2): EUR 6,468.00 per year — EUR 3,234.00 per half‑year.
- Grades 3–4: EUR 6,732.00 per year — EUR 3,366.00 per half‑year.
- Sekundarstufe I (Grades 5–9): EUR 7,062.00 per year — EUR 3,531.00 per half‑year.
- Sekundarstufe II (Grade 10 / introductory phase): EUR 8,052.00 per year — EUR 4,026.00 per half‑year.
- Sekundarstufe II (Grades 11–12 / qualification phase): EUR 8,778.00 per year — EUR 4,389.00 per half‑year.

Optional / additional school costs
- Afternoon programmes (prices shown are per half‑year):
- Grundschule – Freizeitbetreuung and offers (children aged 4–6): EUR 405.00 (plus VAT where noted).
- Grundschule – Homework supervision / learning time: EUR 60.00 (VAT not charged).
- Grundschule – Projects and play offers from 16:00: EUR 40.00 (plus VAT where noted).
- Grundschule – Extra offers (sport, theatre etc.): EUR 140.00 (plus VAT where noted).
- Sekundarstufe – Homework supervision / learning time: EUR 190.00 (VAT not charged).
- Sekundarstufe – Extra offers (sport, theatre, robotics etc.): EUR 180.00 (plus VAT where noted).
- Sekundarstufe – Remedial / tutoring support: EUR 250.00 (plus VAT where noted).
- Lunch / midday meal: EUR 5.00 per meal.
- School bus service: a bus service is offered on specific routes; availability and pricing are handled via the school secretariat.
- School books and materials: the school can assist with book procurement; any costs for books/materials are charged separately.
- Uniforms: no compulsory school uniform fee is listed in the school's public information; there is no published uniform charge. (This statement is based on the school's published parent information and school regulations.)

Sibling discount
- A sibling discount of 5% applies from the second child in the same family.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Accepted billing schedules: monthly instalments (payments due by the 5th of each month), half‑year payment, or annual payment.
- New enrolments: for enrolments within a month, if registration occurs on or before the 15th of the month the full monthly instalment is due; if after the 15th, 50% of the monthly instalment is due for that month.
- Payment methods accepted: bank transfer to the school's business account, cash or cheque at the school office, and payment via the local “Tickets Ensino/Infância” scheme where applicable.

Refunds, cancellations and absence
- Absence: prolonged absence from school does not entitle parents to a refund of tuition for the corresponding period.
- Withdrawal / cancellation: a pupil's departure requires a written deregistration in accordance with the notice/cancellation period specified in the individual school contract. Fees already due under the contract remain payable according to the contract terms.

Boarding (residency) provision
- The school does not operate a boarding provision; education is provided on a day‑school basis and no boarding fees are charged. (This is based on the school's published organisational information and school documents.)

Notes on payment of optional offers
- Optional afternoon activities are invoiced separately (prices quoted above are per half‑year); VAT applies where indicated. Payment timing for these extras follows the school's invoicing terms.

Food Options

Lunch & catering: The Deutsche Schule Algarve offers all students the possibility of a warm lunch. Registration is straightforward directly in the school's cafeteria. Our midday meals focus on balanced and child-friendly dishes that provide a pleasant break in the school day.

Governance and Ownership

The Deutsche Schule Algarve is a private school financed by parental contributions, subsidies and donations. It is a state-recognised German school in the heart of the Algarve, offering education from Grundschule to the Deutsche Internationale Abitur (DIA). Since 2025, the school has been family-owned and led by a German–Portuguese dual leadership team. The leadership team includes Desirée Dauber (Germany) and Maria A. Ferreira (Portugal). The school operates as a cooperating school with the Deutsche Schule Lissabon and is part of the worldwide network of German Auslandsschulen. Parent representation and the student council are active parts of school life.

Curriculum

German Auslandsschulen curricula form the basis for teaching. The Grundschule covers Grades 1–4 and builds the foundation for independent, motivated learning in an international context, with German and Portuguese as part of daily life. From Grade 2, German and Portuguese are taught in mother-tongue and foreign-language groups, and English is added from Grade 3. The timetable includes core subjects plus music, art, Sachunterricht, sport and swimming, with differentiated instruction and open-learning formats. In Sekundarstufen I & II (Grades 5–12), German remains the language of instruction; English and Portuguese are mandatory foreign languages, and the curriculum includes core subjects, electives and project work with emphasis on scientific work, presentation techniques and digital competencies. The curricula align with KMK guidelines for Deutsche Auslandsschulen and enable seamless transitions to schools in Germany and worldwide.

Student Teacher Ratio

All year levels are single-track, and classes are small, with up to 20 students.

Exam Results

Grade 10 provides Abschluss & Übergang with dual function: Mittlerer Schulabschluss (MSA) for Realschule students and the introduction phase to upper secondary. Realschule students complete a German and Math/English exam plus an oral exam; Gymnasium students complete central written exams in German, Math and English, and the MSA is included in the Grade 11 promotion. Grades 11–12 form the Qualifikationsphase leading to Allgemeine Hochschulreife via Deutsche Internationale Abiturprüfung. The German International Abitur is worldwide recognized and opens doors to universities and labor markets in Germany and many other countries, with preparation emphasizing scientific work, self-organization, teamwork, project orientation, and presentation techniques.

Higher Education Progression

The German International Abitur is worldwide recognized and opens doors to universities in Germany and many other countries.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school pursues a holistic education concept. It emphasizes personal development, social competencies, and creative as well as athletic engagement. Small classes and a family-like atmosphere support learning with individualized attention. German is the language of instruction, Portuguese is used in daily life, and English and French are taught as subjects with intercultural projects such as Erasmus. This approach helps students grow into independent, reflective, and globally aware individuals.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school provides individualized support to students. Small classes and close collaboration between teachers, learners, and parents enable targeted, personalized learning. Language support is offered as needed, especially for entry into Class 1 or for transfer students. The DSA welcomes pupils of all nationalities. The Infomappe describes an inclusive environment where all participants are valued and can learn.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English and French are taught as part of the curriculum. German is the language of instruction, and Portuguese is used in day-to-day life, complemented by English and French courses. Targeted language support is offered when needed, particularly for new entrants. Erasmus and other international projects foster multilingual growth and intercultural experience. The school operates in a multilingual environment that supports learners across languages.

Mental Wellbeing

The school fosters a peaceful, respectful atmosphere that underpins well-being. The values-based culture emphasizes respectful and considerate interactions, creating a safe and inclusive community. Multilingual classes and a cooperative school community support belonging and student well-being. Vertrauenslehrer (trusted teachers) provide accessible support and are points of contact for student concerns. Inclusion and well-being are integral to the school's approach.

Safeguarding

Vertrauenslehrer (trusted teachers) are designated safeguarding contacts for students. Hausordnung (house rules) and Schulordnung (school regulations) are provided as key safeguarding and governance documents. Communication pathways and designated contacts (Ansprechpartner and Kommunikationswege) exist for reporting concerns. The Infomappe outlines inclusive values and clear responsibilities involving parents and students in safeguarding. The school's safeguarding framework is embedded in its documents and practices.

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Deutsche Schule Lissabon

Instructs in German

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees €8,141 - 9,238

Pupils 1060

Type Co-educational

Deutsche Schule Lissabon is a private German-Portuguese encounter school for ages 3 to 18, with about 1,060 students and around 145 teachers. It operates as a Deutsche Auslandsschule and offers the German International Abitur, with Hauptschulabschluss and Realschulabschluss awarded; Abitur is taken at the end of Grade 12 and is recognised for university admission in Portugal. Instruction is in German across Grundschule (primary) and Gymnasium (secondary). Grundschule Lisbon follows the Thüringen education plan, teaching Deutsch Sprachkompetenzraster for Grades 1–4, Sachunterricht, Mathematics, Portugiesisch as L1 and L2, Ethik/Religion, Sport, Musik, and Kunst, with English introduced in early grades. Gymnasium follows German curricula for Sekundarstufe I (Grades 5–9) and Oberstufe (Grades 10–12) with subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Deutsch, Englisch, Geografie, Ethik/Philosophie, Französisch, Geschichte, Portugiesisch, Informatik, Mathematik, Musik, Kunst, Physik. The school emphasises bilinguality between German and Portuguese and intercultural exchanges. Facilities include Lisbon and Estoril campuses, science labs, arts and sports facilities, a swimming pool, and ongoing earthquake reinforcement and expansion.”

Location

Lisbon campus: Largo Willy Brandt, 1600-891 Lisboa, Portugal; Estoril campus: Rua Dr. António Martins 26, 2765-194 Estoril, Portugal

Stages

Lisbon campus offers Kindergarten, Primary School (Grundschule) and Gymnasium (secondary); Estoril campus offers Kindergarten and Primary School

Type

Private German international school

Additional learning support

Inklusion (inclusive education) and Sozialpädagogik (social pedagogy) are provided to support students; Suchtprävention and Mobbing Intervention services are available

Country affiliation

Germany

School day structure

Gymnasium day: Monday to Friday, 08:00–15:55 with two 20-minute breaks; on Wednesdays there are after-school activities from 14:00–15:30 and 15:40–17:10; afternoon times vary by grade level (details in Jahresrundschreiben)

Bus service

Schulbustransport is available with lines L1, L3a, L3b, L4 and L5. 2025/26 prices are listed per line; enrollment is via Phidias online process and covers the full school year; transport charges are added to tuition; single trips require written parental authorization for Kindergarten, Primary and Gymnasium

Overview — applicable academic year 2025/26

- The school's annual tuition (Schulgeld) is charged on a 10-month basis and differs by campus and school level. Annual amounts (EUR) are as follows: EUR 8,141.00 for Kindergarten (Lissabon); EUR 9,143.00 for Kindergarten (Estoril); EUR 8,248.00 for Grundschule Lissabon (classes 1–4); EUR 9,238.00 for Grundschule Estoril (classes 1–3); EUR 8,258.00 for Gymnasium (classes 5–9); EUR 8,364.00 for Gymnasium (classes 10–12).

Tuition — per-month and per-term breakdown

- Standard monthly amount (when paid by the 10-month direct-debit option) equals the annual fee divided by 10. Monthly amounts (EUR):
- Kindergarten (Lissabon): EUR 814.10 per month.
- Kindergarten (Estoril): EUR 914.30 per month.
- Grundschule Lissabon (Kl. 1–4): EUR 824.80 per month.
- Grundschule Estoril (Kl. 1–3): EUR 923.80 per month.
- Gymnasium (Kl. 5–9): EUR 825.80 per month.
- Gymnasium (Kl. 10–12): EUR 836.40 per month.

- If the annual tuition is paid in three instalments (pro rata for 4 / 3 / 3 months), the three instalments are calculated as monthly × 4, monthly × 3 and monthly × 3. Example instalment amounts (EUR):
- Kindergarten (Lissabon): 1st instalment EUR 3,256.40; 2nd instalment EUR 2,442.30; 3rd instalment EUR 2,442.30.
- Kindergarten (Estoril): 1st instalment EUR 3,657.20; 2nd instalment EUR 2,742.90; 3rd instalment EUR 2,742.90.
- Grundschule Lissabon (Kl. 1–4): 1st instalment EUR 3,299.20; 2nd instalment EUR 2,474.40; 3rd instalment EUR 2,474.40.
- Grundschule Estoril (Kl. 1–3): 1st instalment EUR 3,695.20; 2nd instalment EUR 2,771.40; 3rd instalment EUR 2,771.40.
- Gymnasium (Kl. 5–9): 1st instalment EUR 3,303.20; 2nd instalment EUR 2,477.40; 3rd instalment EUR 2,477.40.
- Gymnasium (Kl. 10–12): 1st instalment EUR 3,345.60; 2nd instalment EUR 2,509.20; 3rd instalment EUR 2,509.20.

- A single annual payment in August is accepted; paying the full year in one payment receives a 1% discount on the tuition amount (discount applies to tuition only).

Application, registration and related fees

- Combined pre-registration and registration fee for new students: EUR 1,000.00 total. This is composed of a pre-registration fee of EUR 355.00 (refundable only if the school does not offer a place) and a registration fee of EUR 645.00 (payable upon acceptance). The full registration payment must be made within the stated payment deadline to complete enrolment; the registration fee is not refundable on withdrawal.

- Vorkurs (placement/preparatory course) including registration and participation: EUR 590.00; non-refundable.

- Guest students (staying longer than 5 days and not part of an exchange): EUR 1,000.00 (full registration procedure applies).

- Wiederanmeldung (re‑registration) fee for the next school year (introduced for 2026/27): EUR 300.00 (non-refundable annual re‑registration charge).

- Wiederaufnahmegebühr (fee for re‑admission of former students): EUR 355.00.

Sibling discount

- Sibling tuition discounts apply as social support when tuition is not fully covered by an employer or third party: 10% for the second child, 25% for the third child, 40% for the fourth and subsequent children. The discount is applied to the tuition of the pupil in the highest grade level and is not available for a child receiving a school scholarship; that child is counted for determining the sibling discount level.

Service and ancillary fees (examples and monthly rates where applicable)n
- After‑school / Anschlussbetreuung (per month, 10‑month basis): Kindergarten Lissabon and Grundschule Lissabon: EUR 35.00 per month (1 day/week), EUR 62.00 per month (2 days/week), EUR 101.00 per month (5 days/week); single‑day price EUR 19.00. Kindergarten/Grundschule Estoril: EUR 62.00 per month (5 days/week); single‑day price EUR 19.00. Late‑pickup fee EUR 26.00 per day.

- School meals (monthly, 10‑month basis): Gymnasium full meal EUR 121.70 per month; Kindergarten/Grundschule Lissabon full meal EUR 111.60 per month; Kindergarten/Grundschule Estoril full meal EUR 123.80 per month. Single complete meal prices are listed separately (e.g., EUR 7.40 or EUR 8.30 depending on campus).

- School bus (example line prices per month): Line L1 one‑way EUR 103.60 / roundtrip EUR 188.30; other lines vary (examples shown in school schedule). Single‑ride prices per line are also provided.

- PaS (Portuguese as a foreign language for late entrants; compulsory for certain grades): prices per half‑year are EUR 562.00 (classes 3–4) and EUR 879.00 (classes 5–10).

- Digital Fee (to cover student iPad direct costs): Gymnasium (grades 5–12) EUR 32.50 per month (10 months); Grundschule (grades 1–4) EUR 6.00 per month (10 months). The Digital Fee is invoiced annually through the tuition billing.

- Escola Virtual (online platform) licence fees for Gymnasium: EUR 10.15 per year for one subject; EUR 21.99 per year for two or more subjects (charged annually via the tuition invoice).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition billing options: (a) three instalments (pro‑rata split covering 4 / 3 / 3 months) with invoice/payment windows 01.10.2025–20.10.2025, 01.01.2026–20.01.2026 and 01.04.2026–20.04.2026; (b) monthly direct‑debit (10 monthly payments); or (c) single annual invoice due in August (payment deadline 31 August 2025) with a 1% tuition discount for that single payment.

- Absences (excused or unexcused) do not entitle to tuition or service refunds or reductions. Withdrawal from the school contract or enrolment during the school year does not entitle to refund of already paid amounts and obliges payment of due or remaining instalments; pro‑rata tuition may be charged for students admitted after the school year has started. The Board reserves the right to adjust fees and conditions if required.

Refund and cancellation terms (high‑level)

- The pre‑registration fee (EUR 355.00) is refundable only if the school does not offer a place. The registration fee portion (EUR 645.00) is not refundable upon withdrawal. Vorkurs fees are non‑refundable. Absences and mid‑year withdrawal do not entitle to refunds of tuition already paid; students registered at the school at the start of the school year are liable for the full year's fee unless otherwise specified.

Late payment and administrative charges

- A first reminder after a missed payment incurs a late penalty of EUR 30.00 per overdue invoice. A second reminder (20 days after the payment deadline) incurs an additional EUR 100.00 per overdue invoice. Failed direct‑debit entries incur an administrative charge of EUR 15.00; repeated failed direct‑debits can result in automatic change to the three‑instalment payment schedule. Outstanding tuition may lead to exclusion from school attendance and withholding of reports or re‑registration until accounts are settled.

Boarding / residential provision

- The school's published fees and services for 2025/26 list day‑school tuition and ancillary services (meals, after‑school care, transport, digital fees, language integration courses). No boarding/internat fees or boarding provision are listed in the 2025/26 fee schedule.

Accepted payment methods and account details

- Payment methods offered: direct debit (Lastschrift) via the monthly 10‑month option; payment at an ATM within the deadlines; or bank transfer. For bank transfer, the school provides an IBAN and BIC/SWIFT for EUR payments (example IBAN: PT50 0033 0000 0000 90576377; SWIFT/BIC: GENODED1BBE). Payers are asked to send proof of transfer to the school cashier e‑mail address for reconciliation.

Other practical notes on charges

- Class trip and excursion payments, AGs (extracurricular groups) and some service charges are invoiced separately according to the school's invoicing calendar; unpaid trip fees may attract administrative charges if not settled before departure. Price changes during the school year may be applied by the school's board if necessary.

(End of fee overview.)

Boarding Arrangements

After-school care is provided through the Kinderwelt program, running from 3:50 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on school days; lunch is included as part of the day.

Food Options

Lunch is provided as part of the school day, with a scheduled lunch period from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m.

Governance and Ownership

The school is a private German-Portuguese encounter school, with the Schulverein (School Association) as the school sponsor. It receives extensive financial, building and personnel support from Germany, and is funded by parental school fees.

Curriculum

German-language curricula are used across Grundschule and Gymnasium. Grundschule Lissabon follows the Thüringen education plan, with Sprachkompetenzraster – Deutsch for Grades 1–4; Sachunterricht; Schulinternes Curriculum Mathematik Klasse 1–4; Portugiesisch als Muttersprache; Portugiesisch als Fremdsprache; Ethik; Religion; Sport; Musik; and Kunst. Englisch is taught from the early grades as part of the language program. Gymnasium follows German curricula for Sekundarstufe I (Grades 5–9) and Oberstufe (Grades 10–12) with subject curricula including Biologie, Chemie, Deutsch, Englisch, Erdkunde, Ethik/Philosophie, Französisch, Geschichte, Portugiesisch, Informatik, Mathematik, Musik, Kunst, Physik and more; Deutsch Schulcurriculum Kl. 11–12 is in use. The Deutsche Schule Lissabon is a Deutsche Auslandsschule and offers the Deutsche Internationale Abitur; Hauptschulabschluss and Realschulabschluss are also awarded, with the Abitur taken at the end of Class 12 and recognized for university admission in Portugal. The school serves about 1,060 students with around 145 teachers, giving a student–teacher ratio of roughly 7:1; Sekundarstufe I commonly runs 3–4 parallel classes and the Oberstufe typically 3 parallel classes.

Student Teacher Ratio

About 1,060 students and 145 teachers, giving a student–teacher ratio of roughly 7:1; Sekundarstufe I is typically 3–4 parallel classes and Oberstufe about 3 parallel classes.

Exam Results

Abschlüsse include Hauptschulabschluss, Realschulabschluss, and Reifeprüfung (Abitur). The German Hochschul-Reifeprüfung is taken at the end of Class 12 and is recognized in Portugal for university admission.

Higher Education Progression

Approximately 65 students graduate with the Abitur each year, with roughly half pursuing university studies in Germany. Studien- und Berufsberatung supports college and career planning, including annual study fairs with German and Portuguese higher education institutions and talks by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (ZAV) and other German universities.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Personal and social competencies are central to the school's psychosocial work under the Bessere Schule - Besseres Leben initiative. The program aims to develop self-esteem, self-confidence, emotion regulation (including handling stress, anger, and frustration), and a sense of responsibility. The school emphasizes social skills such as conflict resolution, communication, civic courage, engagement, appreciation of friendship, and integration. It seeks a climate of tolerance and mutual respect in which every student feels respected, integrated, understood, and safe.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school recognises that students differ in development, learning, and behaviour and introduces appropriate measures to support pupils with special educational needs in their academic and social development. A psychosocial team includes a special education teacher (Sonderpädagoge) and an inclusion coordinator to provide counselling and guidance for inclusion and related projects.

Mental Wellbeing

The school operates a psychosocial team including school psychologists and social pedagogues to support student welfare and inclusion. The team includes the head of the psychosocial team and staff such as the school psychologist and the social pedagogue, with coordination for inclusion and systemic counseling. The program includes bullying intervention, substance-use prevention, and systemic counseling; students can access help from the school psychologist, the social pedagogue, the inclusion coordinator, the systemic family therapist, or Vertrauenslehrer when needed.

Safeguarding

A safeguarding-oriented support system is in place, including a school psychologist, a social pedagogue, an inclusion coordinator, a systemic family therapist, and Vertrauenslehrer. The school provides bullying intervention and other psychosocial services to protect and support students.

Admissions

Admission information for the Deutsche Schule Lissabon covers both German-speaking and non-German-speaking tracks across Kindergarten, Grundschule (primary), Gymnasium (secondary), and the Vorkurs (pre-course) for non-German speakers. Kindergarten (German-speaking): The pre-registrations for the 2026/27 school year are now open. About 50 kindergarten places are allocated each September in Lisbon. A child must be three years old by September 30 of the intake year and is expected to be diaper-free at entry. To register, complete the online Phidias admission form for the September intake. Pre-registrations received between November and January are reviewed, and an admission interview with the kindergarten management typically takes place during this period. A place is usually offered in February. Placement is not determined by the order of pre-registrations; criteria include German language skills, siblings at the school, citizenship of a German-speaking country, prior attendance at a German-language institution or another German international school, and whether the child is a son or daughter of a former DSL student. For questions contact the Admissions Officer Monday to Friday at +351 217 510 260 or [email protected] Out-of-year place requests should also be directed to the Admissions Officer. To learn more about the Kindergarten, click here. Voranmeldung via Phidias is described on the pre-registration page, and Kennenlernbesuch arrangements are available. Franciane Allnoch and Mona Nakhjiri (Kindergartenleitung) provide contact details for the Kindergarten and the Lisbon and Estoril campuses. .

Scholarships

Stipendien: The school offers two scholarships. Details are provided via links to the following PDFs: the Stipendium des Schulvereins der DSL and the Dr. Brüggemann-Stipendium. .

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Deutsche Schule zu Porto

Instructs in German, Portuguese

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees €2 - 5

Pupils 700

Type Co-educational

Deutsche Schule Porto is a private German school in Porto, operated by the Deutsche Schulverein zu Porto with involvement from the German Foreign Office and the German overseas representation. It offers a bilingual education from Kindergarten through Gymnasium, culminating in the International Abitur. The school serves ages 3 to 18 across three levels: Kindergarten, Grundschule (primary), and Gymnasium (secondary). Instruction is in German and Portuguese, with students developing language proficiency in German, Portuguese, English, and French. The Abitur is internationally recognized, and Portuguese universities recognize it as a university entrance qualification. The school has a history of more than 120 years and celebrated its 125-year anniversary in 2025. It provides a broad after-school program and a range of academic and cultural activities, including Jugend forscht regional science competitions, an interactive Shakespeare performance with the Calliope Theatre Company, and academic exchanges such as a seminar at FLUP with Master students in Transnational German Studies. Community initiatives include Amizade sem idade and a Solidaritätskonzert for REFOOD.

Location

The school is located at Rua Guerra Junqueiro, 162, 4150-386 Porto, Portugal. It sits between Rua do Campo Alegre and Avenida da Boavista in the western part of the city centre, not far from Rotunda da Boavista.

Stages

Kindergarten; Grundschule (primary); Gymnasium (secondary).

Type

Private German school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Approximately 93% of students have Portuguese as their mother tongue.

Additional learning support

Inklusionskonzept: Inclusive education with equal value for all students and staff. German is the primary language of instruction, and language learning is integrated. A multiprofessional team from primary didactics, special education, and psychology supports students and fosters inclusion.

Country affiliation

Germany; teachers are sent by the Federal Republic of Germany.

School day structure

School day runs from 08:15 to 17:50, with ten periods. Timings: 1) 08:15–09:00; 2) 09:05–09:50; 3) 10:05–10:50; 4) 10:55–11:40; 5) 11:55–12:40; 6) 12:45–13:30 (60-minute break); 7) 14:30–15:15; 8) 15:20–16:05; 9) 16:15–17:00; 10) 17:05–17:50.

Bus service

Bus service is available: take bus line 204 toward Foz (Casa da Música stop) at Rotunda da Boavista/Praça Albuquerque and alight after four stops at Planetário.

Application and enrollment fees
- First (initial) enrollment fee: EUR 620.00.
- Re-enrollment (returning student) fee: EUR 300.00.

Annual tuition (by school section) — full year and available installment amounts
- Kindergarten (per school year):
- 1st child: EUR 5,910.00 (single annual payment) / EUR 1,970.00 (3 installments) / EUR 591.00 (10 installments).
- 2nd child: EUR 5,615.00 / EUR 1,871.50 / EUR 561.45.
- 3rd child: EUR 5,024.00 / EUR 1,674.50 / EUR 502.35.
- 4th child: EUR 2,955.00 / EUR 985.00 / EUR 295.50.

- Grundschule (primary school) (per school year):
- 1st child: EUR 4,860.00 / EUR 1,620.00 / EUR 486.00.
- 2nd child: EUR 4,617.00 / EUR 1,539.00 / EUR 461.70.
- 3rd child: EUR 4,131.00 / EUR 1,377.00 / EUR 413.10.
- 4th child: EUR 2,430.00 / EUR 810.00 / EUR 243.00.

- Gymnasium (secondary school) (per school year):
- 1st child: EUR 5,400.00 / EUR 1,800.00 / EUR 540.00.
- 2nd child: EUR 5,130.00 / EUR 1,710.00 / EUR 513.00.
- 3rd child: EUR 4,590.00 / EUR 1,530.00 / EUR 459.00.
- 4th child: EUR 2,700.00 / EUR 900.00 / EUR 270.00.

Meals, supervision and extended-day services
- School lunch (annual): EUR 792.00 / EUR 264.00 (3 installments) / EUR 79.20 (10 installments).
- Morning supervision (08:00–09:00): whole-week rate EUR 309.00 / EUR 103.00 (3 installments) / EUR 30.90 (10 installments); daily price EUR 3.00.
- Afternoon programme (until 17:00) for Grundschule: EUR 1,140.00 / EUR 380.00 / EUR 114.00.
- Extended care (17:00–18:30) for Kindergarten/Grundschule (whole week): EUR 470.00 / EUR 156.67 / EUR 47.00. Options for part-week participation are offered with monthly rates (e.g., 3 days/wk EUR 37.50 monthly; 2 days/wk EUR 25.00 monthly; 1 day/wk EUR 12.50 monthly); daily price EUR 5.00.

Other fees and recurring costs
- Lockers: EUR 10.00 (one-off).
- Material / photocopy / consumables fees (annual): Kindergarten EUR 95.00; Grundschule EUR 130.00; Gymnasium EUR 80.00.
- Additional services and extracurricular activities (books, trips, excursions, theatre, cafeteria, after‑school activities, etc.) are billed separately and are excluded from discounts.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is set for one school year and may be paid in one single payment, three installments, or ten installments. Payments made in three or ten installments are collected by direct debit.
- For students admitted during the school year, tuition is calculated on the basis of the 10-installment plan; the tuition for the month of entry, the month of June and all months in between must be paid.

Refunds and cancellations
- No specific refund terms for tuition or enrollment fees are published alongside the fee schedule; additional services and extracurricular activities are charged separately.

Boarding / accommodation
- The school is organized as Kindergarten, Grundschule and Gymnasium and does not provide boarding facilities.

Fee payment options and bank details
- Accepted payment methods: cash, direct debit (Bankeinzug) arranged through the school office, or bank transfer. Payments in 3 or 10 installments require direct debit.
- Bank account details provided for transfers:
- NIB: 0010 0000 1247147 0001 05 (Banco BPI)
- IBAN: PT50 0010 0000 1247 1470 0010 5
- SWIFT/BIC: BBPIPTPL.

Notes on calculation and special billing rules
- Sibling discounts are already reflected in the different rates listed for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th children.
- Ancillary products and services (lockers, materials, extended-day care, extracurricular activities, trips and similar) are invoiced separately and are not subject to the tuition discounts.

If a parent requires a specific amount presented differently (for example monthly totals from a chosen installment plan) or needs any numeric clarification, use the amounts above to calculate the desired breakdown.

Uniform Requirement

Uniform is mandatory in the kindergarten. In primary school, students wear sports pants and a school T-shirt for physical education. There is no uniform in the Gymnasium.

Food Options

The Schulkantine offers daily freshly and on-site prepared, balanced meals with a vegetarian option; participation is voluntary. The school works with the catering company Gertal S.A. to provide meals, and brought meals can be heated in the microwaves provided.

Governance and Ownership

The Deutsche Schule Porto is an accredited German Auslandsschule (German overseas school). It is governed by the DSP School Association (Schulverein DSP) and is part of the network of German overseas schools, with ties to the Verband der Deutschen Schulen Iberien.

Curriculum

The Deutsche Schule Porto offers bilingual education from Kindergarten through the International Abitur. The school operates with three levels: Kindergarten, Grundschule (primary), and Gymnasium (secondary). Instruction is conducted in German and Portuguese, and students develop language proficiency in German, Portuguese, English, and French. The Abitur is internationally recognized, and Portuguese universities recognize the Abitur as a university entrance qualification. Graduates study at universities worldwide.

Student Teacher Ratio

Average class size is 21 students per class, with a maximum of 24 students per class.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates study at universities worldwide. The Abitur prepares students for national and international universities. The school provides Berufs- und Studienberatung (career and study guidance) and hosts academic exchanges, such as a seminar with FLUP (Faculty of Arts of the University of Porto).

Gifted and Talented

AGs and the after-school program include Talente entdecken with clubs such as music, theater, science clubs, robotics, sports, cooking, dance, debate club, and yoga. The after-school program is pedagogically designed, bilingual, and includes homework time, learning support, creative free time, and physical activity. In Grundschule, children experience a broad range of creative and athletic impulses; in the secondary grades, students deepen their talents or try new ones, often over several years.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social learning is a key element of the Grundschule's pedagogical concept. All participants in the educational process contribute to students' emotional stability, support their autonomy, and encourage individuality and responsibility. The Klassenleitungsstunde in early grades provides time to address organizational and social tasks, and the Ethik subject invites reflection on identity and relationships while exploring norms and cultures. Students can access Kindersprechstunde for confidential, solution‑oriented support when they are angry, sad, or dealing with conflicts. The school uses a No‑Blame approach to bullying and offers mediation and social projects to strengthen community, respect, and belonging.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school operates an inclusive system with a multiprofessional team drawn from primary education, special education, and psychology. All students and staff are valued equally and have access to the school's culture and community. German and Portuguese cultures are represented together in teaching, and language learning is universal, with German as the primary instructional language. The approach recognizes heterogeneity as an opportunity and connects internal collaboration with external partnerships when needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Language learning is embedded throughout the school, with German as the primary language of instruction. The school has bilingual education from kindergarten through the International Abitur, preparing students to engage with the world.

Mental Wellbeing

The school psychology and counseling team provide listening, guidance and support for students across all developmental stages, through confidential individual talks, preventive programs and group formats. They assist with academic, social or emotional challenges such as exam anxiety, conflicts, concentration difficulties, self‑esteem issues or personal burdens. The team also advises parents and teachers to foster well‑being and early identification of difficulties, and acts preventively with workshops and projects on mental health, media literacy, violence prevention and social group work. The aim is to promote well‑being within a connected system that supports cognitive, emotional and psychosocial development.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and child protection are integral to the school, with the school psychology team collaborating with teachers and families on safeguarding and crisis situations. The No‑Blame approach to bullying involves students as ‘experts for help' and mediation to resolve conflicts without punishment, supported by a mediation program and dedicated spaces for dialogue. The school emphasizes a safe environment built on trust, clarity and relationships.

Admissions

1. Pre-enrollment: For the 2026/2027 school year, pre-enroll your child if they will have turned 3 by December 31, 2026. Enrollment for transfers from other educational institutions to Deutsche Schule Porto is generally possible. Admission depends on available places and a language and scholastic assessment. We admit children with German, Portuguese or other heritage languages; in Kindergarten no German knowledge is required.
2. Information meeting: After pre-enrollment, you and your child are invited to a personal information meeting. The meeting provides an opportunity to learn about the school, ask questions, and meet staff. It helps assess fit and clarify any questions about the admission process. The information session supports a smooth onboarding into the school.
3. Application submission: The pre-enrollment form can be completed online. Through our secretariat you receive all documents required for the registration. The 2026/2027 enrollment forms include new enrollments in our kindergarten as well as transfers from other educational institutions. The secretariat coordinates the provision and collection of these documents.
4. Place allocation: After completion of the process, you receive a written acceptance. This acceptance confirms admission and makes you part of our school community. Admission depends on available places and the student's German language level. If accepted, complete the enrollment and join Deutsche Schule Porto.

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Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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