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Taught languages Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Mandarin
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL) is a nonprofit, non-denominational day school serving students from age 3 through 18. It offers both the American curriculum (EC3–12) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, under a Portuguese Ministry of Education license that authorizes awarding the American High School Diploma and the IB Diploma. English Language Arts and Mathematics align with the Common Core, Science follows the Next Generation Science Standards, and Social Studies uses the C3 Framework. Portuguese is taught from Grade 1 to 9 in Native/Fluent Speakers and Portuguese as a Foreign Language tracks. CAISL is affiliated with the U.S. Office of Overseas Schools. The Linhó campus hosts Pre‑School to High School with science labs, arts spaces, 400-seat theatre, a main library, and athletics facilities including a soccer field, fields, basketball courts, a track, indoor gym, and a fitness room. CAISL offers Model United Nations and arts, athletics, and service programs.
R. António dos Reis 95, Linhó, 2710-301 Sintra, Portugal
Gallery
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The Essentials
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon has 739 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.
Location
Rua António dos Reis 95, Linhó, Sintra 2710-301, Portugal. Linhó is in the Sintra municipality near Lisbon. CAISL operates an extensive bus service serving Cascais and Lisbon, with routes designed around major metro and train corridors; the fleet includes large 50-seat buses and smaller vans, and bus service carries an additional fee.
Stages
EC3 through High School
Type
Non-profit, non-denominational, college-preparatory day school offering an American program (EC3–12) and the IB Diploma.
Additional learning support
Learning Support; English as an Additional Language (EAL); Foundations of English Language (FoE); Counseling; Enrichment/Extension programs; Educational/Health Plans as needed.
Country affiliation
United States (CAISL is supported by the U.S. Office of Overseas Schools and offers an American curriculum).
Religious affiliation
Non-denominational
School day structure
A typical school day starts at 8:20 and finishes at 3:45.
Bus service
CAISL offers an extensive bus service serving Cascais and Lisbon, with routes designed around major metro and train corridors. The fleet includes large 50-seat buses and smaller vans; buses pick up students at home when possible. The service carries an additional fee.
Diving Deeper
Boarding Arrangements
Not offered.
Uniform Requirement
There is no school uniform.
Food Options
CAISL is served by an on‑campus kitchen with a catering partner, Thomas Franks, and offers three daily lunch options: a main dish, an international dish, and a vegetarian option (the main dish alternates between meat and fish). Lunch is included for Early Childhood and Kindergarten; from Grade 1, lunch is optional with an additional fee. A snack bar provides light meals and beverages.
Governance and Ownership
CAISL is governed by Fundação Escola Americana de Lisboa (FEAL), a not‑for‑profit foundation under Portuguese law.
Fees
Annual tuition at Carlucci American International School of Lisbon ranges from EUR 12,128 to EUR 23,532 for 2026/27.
One‑time fees (charged on application/enrolment) - Application fee: EUR 100. - Registration fee (one‑time, mandatory, non‑refundable): EUR 600 per child. - Building fee (mandatory, non‑refundable while payable): EUR 1,953 per year; payable annually for the first five years a student attends (begins in Grade 1 unless payment is requested earlier in writing). Once payment begins the amount is fixed for the five years it is due.
Optional and ancillary fees (Quarterly or Annual options where shown) - Lunch (Grades 1–12): Quarterly EUR 303; Annual EUR 1,212. Lunch for Early Childhood and Kindergarten is included in tuition. Lunch fees, if purchased, are billed with tuition invoices and cancellations must be made in writing and become effective the following quarter. - Transportation (per route): One‑way Quarterly EUR 454; One‑way Annual EUR 1,816. Round trip Quarterly EUR 908; Round trip Annual EUR 3,632. Occasional ridership charged at EUR 17 one way. Transport is charged per route and cancellations or route changes require advance notice; cancellations become effective the following quarter. - After‑Hours Care / After‑School Childcare (Grades EC3/4–5) — Quarterly / Annual options: - 1 day/week: Quarterly EUR 85; Annual EUR 340. - 2 days/week: Quarterly EUR 156; Annual EUR 624. - 3 days/week: Quarterly EUR 217; Annual EUR 868. - 4 days/week: Quarterly EUR 264; Annual EUR 1,056. - 5 days/week: Quarterly EUR 300; Annual EUR 1,200. Occasional use (drop‑in) = EUR 30 per day. Cancellations must be made in writing and take effect the following quarter. - Required instructional books and sports uniforms for team sports are included in tuition; some optional school store purchases, specific musical instruments beyond those provided, and optional extracurricular activity fees may incur additional charges billed separately.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid quarterly or annually. Tuition is invoiced as follows: - For new students: the 1st quarter (or the quarter in which the student enters) is invoiced at the time of initial registration; subsequent quarters are invoiced approximately one month before the due date. - For returning students: re‑registration and initial payment deadlines are set in the re‑registration schedule (example dates in the schedule show re‑registration forms and a June payment deadline for the 1st quarter/annual option). Subsequent quarter due dates are published on the annual schedule. - Specific quarter due dates shown in the published schedule include (examples for the year shown): 2nd Quarter due November 6; 3rd Quarter due January 29; 4th Quarter due April 23. Failure to pay the 1st quarter by the deadline cancels the reserved place and invoiced amounts remain due. Individual payment plans may be arranged with the Accounts Manager. - Discounts: 3% reduction on tuition paid in full by the published early‑payment deadline (example: on or before June 15 in the schedule) and 3% reduction on the building fee if paid with the annual tuition by that date. Sibling discounts apply: 15% reduction on Tuition & Building Fee for a third concurrently enrolled child, and 25% reduction for a fourth and subsequent concurrently enrolled child (applied to the youngest children). Early payment discounts are not refundable.
Refunds, cancellations, early withdrawal and related policies - The First Quarter fees (Tuition and Building Fee, if applicable) of attendance are owed as a condition of registering or re‑registering and are not refundable under any circumstances. Failure to pay the 1st quarter by the due date results in loss of the child's place while the invoiced amounts remain due. - Late admission (entry during a quarter): the fee to reserve the place is the full quarter's tuition plus the Registration Fee and the full year's Building Fee if applicable. - Early withdrawal: written notification of intent to withdraw must be given by the published deadlines approximately one month before the next quarter's payment date; failure to provide required written notice results in the full next quarter's fees being due. Any attendance during a quarter results in that full quarter's fees being due. Example deadlines from the schedule are Oct 2 (for 2nd quarter), Dec 18 (for 3rd quarter), and Mar 25 (for 4th quarter). - Refunds for early payments (including discounted annual payments) are not provided; early‑payment discounts will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Payment method and billing contact information - Payments are requested in Euros by bank transfer to the school's bank. Bank details published for payments include: Bank: Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD); IBAN: PT50 0035 0786 0006 6142 5304 8; NIB: 0035 0786 0006 6142 5304 8; SWIFT CODE: CGDIPTPL. - Individual payment plans and questions about invoicing, late payment, or discounts are handled by the Accounts/Business Office; account contact details are provided with the fee schedule and billing information.
Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are listed.
Notes on inclusions and obligations - The published tuition amounts indicate items included in tuition such as technology and online learning resources, Portuguese and English language support, a personal laptop beginning in Grade 1, many extracurricular activities, required instructional books and sports uniforms for team sports, art supplies and most musical instruments. Additional optional items and services are billed separately per the schedule.
Academics
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon teaches American Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
CAISL teaches an American curricular program from EC3 through High School under a permanent license from the Portuguese Ministry of Education, including permission to award the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, both recognized worldwide. The program follows U.S. standards: English Language Arts and Math align with the Common Core, Science with the Next Generation Science Standards, and Social Studies with the C3 Framework. Portuguese is taught to all students from Grade 1 through Grade 9, with a Native/Fluent Speakers track aligned to the Ministry curriculum and Portuguese as a Foreign Language designed for non-Portuguese speakers. CAISL follows American Education Reaches Out (AERO) resources to support curriculum development and uses frameworks across K–12 for English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Information Technology, and Portuguese. Curriculum is organized by level: Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and High School.
Student Teacher Ratio
High School class sizes are small, with no more than 20 students per class. The High School includes Grades 9-12 with a maximum of 60 students per grade.
Exam Results
CAISL has been an IB World School since 2002. In 2025, IB results show an average DP score of 34.3 with a 98% pass rate, and 26 bilingual diplomas awarded from 58 candidates (57 awarded the IB Diploma). SAT results for 2025 show an average composite of 1267 from 58 test-takers (Reading & Writing 640; Math 627). MAP results indicate CAISL averages above U.S. and international comparison groups in Reading and Math.
Higher Education Progression
College destinations for CAISL graduates include USA: Boston College, Georgetown University, Northeastern University, SUNY Binghamton University, Texas Christian University, and the United States Military Academy; UK: Goldsmiths, King's College London, Lancaster, Loughborough, University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester, University of the Arts London, University of Warwick; Portugal: ISCTE, Univ. Católica, Univ. Lisboa, Univ. Nova de Lisboa; Netherlands: Amsterdam University College, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Leiden University College, Utrecht University, University of Amsterdam; Other: IE University (Spain), McGill University (Canada), RWTH Aachen University (Germany), Aarhus University (Denmark), Malmö University (Sweden).
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
CAISL provides counseling and guidance to support students' social and emotional development. The Counseling Department serves Grades 1–12 with a team of four counselors, including three certified clinical psychologists; counseling is available in individual and group formats and involves close collaboration with parents. Information is treated confidentially, and counselors help families access local resources when needed.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
CAISL offers Learning Support for students with mild learning difficulties, with small-group instruction, regular progress monitoring, formal accommodations, executive functioning skills development, and literacy support. The program is designed for students who can function in a regular classroom setting; CAISL does not provide services for severe learning or behavioral problems. Educational/Health Plans are written when there is a relevant evaluation or medical condition and reviewed annually.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the medium of instruction in all classes. English as a Language (EAL) classes are available in small groups to support students whose first language is not English; ESL can be delivered through immersion, sheltered classes, or monitoring. Admission testing is used for non-native English speakers, with progression plans and monitoring (including WIDA assessments) to move students to mainstream English instruction; high school entry for non-native speakers requires demonstrated English fluency.
Mental Wellbeing
CAISL offers personal counseling to support emotional and social well-being for students in Grades 1–12, with a team of counselors available for individual or group sessions. Counselors work with students to develop healthy strategies and maintain confidentiality while coordinating with families as needed.
Safeguarding
CAISL has a Child Protection Policy with annual staff training and a formal process for safeguarding students. Recruitment follows rigorous child-protection standards, including background checks and verification of criminal records for staff, contractors, and volunteers. A designated Child Protection Officer oversees safeguarding and there is a Child Protection Handbook and a formal reporting process for suspected abuse or neglect.
Parent Experience
History
CAISL began in 1956 when Anthony McKenna founded a school with a big vision: bringing American education to Portugal, starting with 9 students in a small apartment in Pedrouços. In 1984 the Portuguese Ministry of Education officially recognized the school's educational program. In 1998 the Linhó campus was established, uniting the divisions on a purpose-built learning environment. CAISL is governed by the Fundação Escola Americana de Lisboa Board of Trustees, composed of three members: one appointed by Visteon Portuguesa and two appointed by the U.S. Embassy to Portugal, who set policy and long-term direction while day-to-day operations are delegated to school leadership. By 2026 CAISL has grown from 9 students to more than 700, marking 70 years of operation.
Community
CAISL is a truly international school community where every student is known, supported, and valued. At the start of the 2025–2026 school year, CAISL enrolled 755 students representing 62 nationalities. All of our faculty are fluent English speakers, and about 70% of core subject teachers are native speakers or program carriers. The CAISL community includes everyone who shares an interest in the success of our learners.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Support Group (PSG) is made up of CAISL parents who promote a sense of belonging and mutual support across the school community. The PSG organizes activities for CAISL families and staff, as well as some adults-only activities during the school days. The group brings together a significant number of parent volunteers and functions without a hierarchical structure; they meet at least once a month and charge no fees, and any school parent is welcome to attend. There is no required process to join; to be added to the mailing list, write to psg@caisl Lisbon.org, or simply join the next meeting. Next meetings and activities usually occur on the first Tuesday of every month. Event samples include Welcome Back BBQ, Movie Night/Matinee, Teacher Appreciation, Seasonal Decorations, Trekking, and a Book Club.
Facilities
Facilities Overview
CAISL's campus serves Pre-School through High School with dedicated classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces designed to support academic and extracurricular programs. The space includes a Pre-School and Elementary area with age-appropriate classrooms and direct playground access, and Middle School and High School spaces with subject-specific classrooms, science labs, and student gathering areas. Outdoor athletics facilities include a professional-sized soccer field, two multi-purpose fields, three outdoor basketball courts, and track-and-field facilities, complemented by an indoor gymnasium and a smaller gym for younger students with a fitness room. The arts and music spaces feature dedicated art rooms and music classrooms, a theatre that seats over 400, a main library with extensive resources, and technology resources across the campus.
Sports Facilities
CAISL offers extensive athletics facilities: outdoor spaces include a professional-sized soccer field, two multi-purpose fields, three outdoor basketball courts, and track-and-field facilities, plus a baby gym for preschool. Indoor spaces include a gymnasium configurable for two basketball courts or three volleyball courts, a smaller gym for younger students, and a fitness room with machines and free weights.
Academic Facilities
Middle School and High School provide specialized classrooms, labs, collaborative spaces, and student gathering areas to support deeper learning and university preparation. Students have access to subject-specific classrooms, science labs, and central atriums serving as social hubs. Pre-School and Elementary spaces include dedicated classrooms with in-class bathrooms and direct playground access, with elementary students receiving Art, Music, and Physical Education instruction.
Extra Curricular Facilities
CAISL offers after-school activities and clubs across grades, with registration after the start of the school year and the ability to filter by grade and day. Igniting Passions highlights Arts and Athletics programs, including concerts by Choir and Orchestra, and weekly Open Mic events. The program includes Arts & Crafts, Ballet, Basketball, Ceramics, Chess, Chinese language and culture clubs, percussion groups, choir, theatre, and many other after-school activities supported by dedicated Fine Arts spaces such as music classrooms, art rooms, a 400-seat theatre, and the main library. The campus hosts MUN programs and a range of after-school opportunities through Beyond the Classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Academic & Intellectual
CAISL offers a broad range of after-school programs that extend academic exploration and intellectual growth. The Model United Nations program builds research, diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking skills, with Junior MUN and Iberian MUN conferences and opportunities to participate in THIMUN events. Middle School participates in Week Without Walls, traveling to historical, cultural, and scientific sites to deepen understanding. Technology is integrated across the curriculum, with coding, robotics, and AI exploration, including the use of virtual reality to tackle real‑world problems.
Arts & Creative
CAISL's Fine Arts program includes Music, Visual Arts, and Drama, taught by specialist teachers from Early Childhood onward. Visual Arts begin in Elementary and continue through Grade 12, with a String Orchestra and Choir developing in the upper years and drama electives such as Musical Theater, One Act Plays, and Theater Studies, plus ISTA Theater Festival participation for High School Drama. The school also offers a range of after‑school arts activities and clubs, including Film Makers Club, Experimental Art Club, Sewing/Clothing design, and other offerings such as Guitar, Drums, and Piano, with public performances throughout the year.
Cultural & Language
Portuguese Language & Culture is an activity to improve Portuguese speaking through elements of Portugal's history and culture, meeting twice a month with field trips to sites such as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Portuguese Club is also offered as a fee‑based language club to support language practice.
Social & Hobbies
CAISL offers a wide range of after‑school activities led by teachers or external partners, including debate, science, technology, and chess. In Middle and High School, lunchtime and after‑school clubs encourage leadership, collaboration, and exploration of interests across diverse topics. Examples of student clubs and activities include Dungeons & Dragons, Girl Scouts, Lego Club, Scrapbooking, Sewing Club, DJing, Piano, and Minikinos Stop Motion Film Making.
Community & Service
Community Service at CAISL is central to growth, with the Secondary Community Service Club organizing bake sales, fundraising, Banco Alimentar drives, and housing projects with Associação DOMUS. High School Honor Societies such as National Honor Society, Tri‑M, the Thespian Troupe, and the Honorable Art Society include service components and engage in fundraising and other service activities. Independent Service Projects and Service Learning connect classroom goals to community needs, such as migration symposia and fundraising for water in South Sudan. Parent participation through the Parent Support Group also contributes to service activities like Banco Alimentar and charitable knitting projects.
Leadership & Professional
The MUN program develops leadership, global awareness, and self‑confidence, with Junior MUN and Iberian MUN as major events and participation in THIMUN conferences. CAISL hosts IMUN, an Iberian MUN conference, and senior students often take on leadership roles such as chairs or Secretaries General. In addition, CAISL supports leadership development through clubs and initiatives like Next Gen Leaders (Startwise) as part of its after‑school offerings.
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
CAISL's Athletics program focuses on participation, team development, and sportsmanship, with after‑school teams in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and baseball for younger students and high school teams traveling to European tournaments. The program emphasizes safe competition, fitness, and multicultural experience as part of its mission. Field trips and Outdoor Learning experiences, including farm visits, planting, and environmental activities, supplement physical and outdoor wellness. Kidding Around Yoga and other wellness activities are offered as part of after‑school options to support physical and mental well‑being.
Languages
Language Provision
All CAISL classes are taught in English, with Portuguese Native Language and Portuguese as a Foreign Language offered throughout the grades. Portuguese is required for all students through Grade 9. Portuguese Native Language follows the Ministry of Education curriculum for its levels, while Portuguese as a Foreign Language is designed to help students develop functional proficiency before moving to the Native/Fluent program. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) support is provided to assist non-native English speakers.
Bilingual Teaching
Bilingual teaching is provided in Early Childhood, with English as the primary language of instruction and Portuguese introduced through immersion. In Early Childhood, two teachers work together, one fluent in English and one in Portuguese, with both often bilingual. The English-language instruction extends to most grades, while Portuguese is taught as a Native/Fluent Language and as a Foreign Language throughout the grades. ESL support is available for non-native English speakers.
Immersion Programs
English is used as the language of instruction in Early Childhood with Portuguese introduced through immersion. In EC, two teachers work together, one fluent in English and one in Portuguese, and both are often bilingual, providing an English-Portuguese immersive experience. ESL support helps non-native English speakers access the regular curriculum.
Reputation
Awards
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Accreditations
CAISL is fully accredited and operates with a permanent authorization to offer an American curricular program for EC3 through 12th grade; CAISL is authorized to award an American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, both accepted worldwide including for entry into Portuguese universities. CAISL is authorized by the IB Organization to offer the IB Diploma Program and is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education. CAISL is the only “assisted school” in Portugal from the U.S. Department of State. Memberships include American Education Reaches Out, Association of Private and Cooperative Educational Institutions (Portugal), Independent Schools Management, International Schools Theater Association, Mediterranean Association of International Schools, National Association of Independent Schools, National Honor Society, The Educational Collaborative for International Schools, and Virtual High School Learning.
Admissions
Admissions
CAISL accepts applications year-round with rolling admissions and welcomes new students at any point during the school year. Starting at the beginning of the school year is often ideal, but not essential. The three-step application process is: First Step—Submit Application: an online form, required documents (school records for the last three years, standardized testing results, and any additional reports), and an application fee of 100 Euros; applications are reviewed only when complete. Second Step—Application Review: decisions are made by a team that includes a member of the Admissions Team, the appropriate Principal (Elementary or Secondary), and the Director; space in the grade/program and the student's academic and behavioral records inform the decision; if a class is full, no new enrollments are accepted until a spot opens; the availability of specialized programs (Learning Support, English as an Additional Language, Nursing/Medical care, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program) also affects eligibility. Third Step—Enrollment: when a place becomes available, enrollment requires an Enrollment Contract, a Registration Agreement (updated annually in February), copies of valid identification for the student and the parents, billing information, and proof of payment of the required fees; three mandatory fees to secure a place are: a one-time Registration Fee of 600 Euros, a Building Fee of 1,953 Euros per year (payable for the first five years), and one quarter of the annual Tuition (amount varies by grade); details are in the Fee Schedule.
Scholarships
CAISL Scholarship is not available for new students at this moment. It is a merit-driven award that also considers financial need. Applications are accepted from students currently attending Grades 4 through 7 and entering Grade 5 through Grade 8. The Scholarship covers all required fees (tuition, building fee, registration fee, and transportation), but lunch is not included. The scholarship is awarded for one academic year with the expectation that recipients will continue to meet requirements for subsequent years through graduation from the High School in Grade 12. For information about all school fees, refer to the Fee Schedule. Questions can be directed to admissions@caislisbon.org or +351 219 239 800.
Waitlist
WAIT POOL: If there is no space in the grade or program or the applicant is eligible but space is not available, the student may be placed in the Wait Pool for the school year; updates will be requested if the family remains interested; it is impossible to predict when space will become available; when space opens, all Wait Pool applicants are reconsidered and offers are made based on the submitted academic/behavioral records. PRIORITY LIST: 1) Current CAISL re-enrolling students; 2) Students whose parents are US Government employees; 3) Students from American or American International Schools; 4) Students from schools whose primary language of instruction is English; 5) Students from bilingual schools or linguistically unable to attend a school whose instruction is in Portuguese; 6) Students from schools whose instruction language is Portuguese.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
Where is Carlucci American International School of Lisbon located and what ages does it serve?
CAISL is located at Rua António dos Reis 95, Linhó, Sintra 2710-301, Portugal, in the Sintra municipality near Lisbon. It is a non-profit, non-denominational day school serving students ages 3 through 18 (EC3–High School).
What curriculum does CAISL follow and what diplomas can students earn?
CAISL delivers an American curricular program aligned to U.S. standards and is authorized to award both the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. English Language Arts and Math align with the Common Core, Science with the Next Generation Science Standards, and Social Studies with the C3 Framework, with Portuguese taught from Grade 1 through Grade 9 in separate tracks.
Is CAISL co-educational and what are the school hours?
Yes, CAISL is a co-educational day school. A typical school day starts at 8:20 and finishes at 3:45.
What one-time fees are charged when applying or enrolling?
The application fee is EUR 100, and there is a one-time, mandatory, non-refundable Registration Fee of EUR 600 per child. In addition, a Building Fee of EUR 1,953 per year is payable annually for the first five years a student attends (payment begins in Grade 1 unless requested earlier in writing).
What fees should I expect for lunch, transportation and after-school care?
Lunch for Grades 1–12 is optional and billed at Quarterly EUR 303 or Annual EUR 1,212; lunch is included for Early Childhood and Kindergarten. Transportation per route is One-way Quarterly EUR 454 / Annual EUR 1,816 or Round trip Quarterly EUR 908 / Annual EUR 3,632, with occasional ridership charged at EUR 17 one way. After-Hours Care for EC3/4–Grade 5 has Quarterly/Annual options ranging from Quarterly EUR 85 (1 day/week) to Quarterly EUR 300 (5 days/week), with corresponding annual amounts noted in the fee schedule.
How does the admissions process work and what are the usual requirements?
CAISL accepts applications year-round with rolling admissions and uses a three-step process: submit a complete application and required documents with the application fee, undergo an application review that considers academic and behavioural records as well as program availability, and complete enrollment with required contracts, ID, billing details and payment of required fees. Admissions decisions consider space in the grade/program and eligibility for specialized services like Learning Support or EAL, and new student registration requires payment of the Registration Fee, Building Fee and one quarter of the annual tuition when a place is offered.
What happens if the grade I want is full — is there a waitlist or priority system?
If a grade or program is full the student may be placed in the Wait Pool for the school year and will be reconsidered when space opens, although timing cannot be predicted. The school uses a Priority List for offers (re-enrolling students first, then US Government employees, students from American or English-instruction schools, then bilingual or Portuguese-instruction schools).
Is a scholarship program available for new international families?
The CAISL Scholarship is not available for new students at this moment; it is a merit-driven award that also considers financial need and currently accepts applicants only from students already attending Grades 4–7 who will enter Grades 5–8. The scholarship covers all required fees (tuition, building fee, registration fee, and transportation) but does not include lunch and is awarded for one academic year with expectations for continued eligibility thereafter.
What are typical class sizes and student-teacher ratios in the High School?
High School classes are small, with no more than 20 students per class. The High School is organized so that each grade contains a maximum of 60 students to support personalized instruction.
How do CAISL students perform on external exams like the IB and SAT?
In 2025 CAISL's IB Diploma average score was 34.3 with a 98% pass rate, and 26 bilingual diplomas were awarded from 58 candidates (57 students were awarded the IB Diploma). SAT results for 2025 show an average composite score of 1267 (Reading & Writing 640; Math 627), and MAP results indicate CAISL averages above U.S. and international comparison groups in Reading and Math.
Where do CAISL graduates go to university?
CAISL graduates attend universities worldwide, including institutions in the USA (e.g., Boston College, Georgetown University, Northeastern University), the UK (e.g., King's College London, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester), Portugal (e.g., ISCTE, Universidade Católica, Universidade de Lisboa), the Netherlands (e.g., University of Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam), and other countries such as McGill University (Canada) and IE University (Spain). These examples reflect the school's college-preparatory focus and international destinations.
What facilities does the Linhó campus offer for academics and the arts?
The Linhó campus includes dedicated classrooms, subject-specific science labs, collaborative spaces, a main library, art rooms, music classrooms, and a theatre that seats over 400. Middle and High School spaces include specialized classrooms and central atriums that serve as social hubs to support deeper learning and extracurricular activities.
What sports and athletics facilities are available on campus?
Outdoor athletics facilities include a professional-sized soccer field, two multi-purpose fields, three outdoor basketball courts and track-and-field facilities, plus a baby gym for preschool. Indoor facilities comprise a gymnasium configurable for two basketball courts or three volleyball courts, a smaller gym for younger students, and a fitness room with machines and free weights.
What kinds of after-school clubs and extracurricular activities are offered?
CAISL offers a broad range of after-school activities across grades, including Arts & Crafts, Ballet, Basketball, Chess, Choir, Orchestra, theatre, Film Makers Club, Robotics, Chinese culture clubs, and many others. The school runs MUN programs (Junior MUN, Iberian MUN, THIMUN participation), regular Open Mic events, concerts and public performances, and extracurricular registrations are available after the start of the year.
Does CAISL offer leadership and service learning opportunities for students?
Yes, leadership is fostered through programs like Model United Nations, Next Gen Leaders, student clubs and roles such as chairs or Secretaries General at conferences, and Middle/High School leadership initiatives. Community Service is central, with clubs organizing bake sales, food drives, housing projects and independent service projects that connect classroom learning with community needs.
How does CAISL support students' wellbeing and counseling needs?
The Counseling Department serves Grades 1–12 with a team of four counselors, including three certified clinical psychologists, offering individual and group counseling and collaborating closely with parents. Counselors maintain confidentiality, help students develop healthy strategies, and assist families in accessing local resources when needed.
What support is available for students with learning differences or limited English?
CAISL provides Learning Support for students with mild learning difficulties through small-group instruction, formal accommodations, progress monitoring and executive-function skills development, but does not provide services for severe learning or behavioral problems. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is offered in small groups with placement and progression monitored (including WIDA assessments), and high school entry for non-native speakers requires demonstrated English fluency.
What safeguarding measures does the school have in place?
CAISL has a Child Protection Policy with annual staff training, background checks and criminal-record verification for staff, contractors and volunteers, and a designated Child Protection Officer who oversees safeguarding. There is a formal reporting process and a Child Protection Handbook to guide staff and families in responding to concerns.
Is there a school uniform or boarding at CAISL?
There is no school uniform at CAISL. Boarding is not offered; CAISL is a day school only.
Who governs CAISL and how can parents get involved in the school community?
CAISL is governed by Fundação Escola Americana de Lisboa (FEAL), a not-for-profit foundation; the Board of Trustees includes appointments from Visteon Portuguesa and the U.S. Embassy to Portugal. Parents can join the Parent Support Group (PSG), which meets at least once a month (usually the first Tuesday), requires no formal joining process and welcomes any school parent; to be added to the PSG mailing list write to psg@caisl Lisbon.org.
What are the tuition fees at Carlucci American International School of Lisbon?
Annual tuition at Carlucci American International School of Lisbon ranges from EUR 12,128 to EUR 23,532 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.
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