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Deutsche Schule Algarve

Portugal, Algarve

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, Portuguese
Fees €6,468 - 7,062
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 190
Type Co-educational
Opened 1996
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum German Curriculum
Taught languages Portuguese, English, French
Typical class size 16
Strengths Sport, Languages, STEM
Clubs Cultural and Language, Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

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.

Sitio do Lobito, 8300-054 Silves, Portugal

The Essentials

Deutsche Schule Algarve has 190 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in German, Portuguese.

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
Diving Deeper

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at Deutsche Schule Algarve ranges from EUR 6,468 to EUR 7,062 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Deutsche Schule Algarve teaches German Curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.

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.
Wellbeing

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.
Parent Experience

History
The Deutsche Schule Algarve (DSA) is a state-recognized German school in the heart of the Algarve. As a private institution with an international profile, it offers a holistic education from Grundschule through to the Abitur, including the German International Abitur (DIA), a qualification with international recognition. The school is part of the German Auslandsschulen network as a cooperating school with Deutsche Schule Lissabon. German is the language of instruction, Portuguese is the everyday language, and English and French are taught, with Erasmus and other international projects enriching the curriculum. Since 2025 the school has been run by a family-led leadership team, combining pedagogical experience with business expertise.

Community
The DSA provides a personal learning atmosphere with small class sizes, individualized support, and close cooperation among teachers, learners and parents, creating a family-like community. It is an intercultural school community set in the sunny, nature-rich, and safe Algarve and emphasizes social cohesion. The curriculum is multilingual: German as the language of instruction, Portuguese as the living language, and English and French taught, complemented by international projects such as Erasmus. The staff includes qualified teachers and personnel from Germany, Portugal and other countries, led by a German-Portuguese dual leadership team (Desirée Dauber and Maria A. Ferreira). The DSA is integrated into the global network of German overseas schools as a cooperating school with Deutsche Schule Lissabon.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Elternvertretung an der DSA: A living school requires dialogue between parents, teachers and the school leadership. We place great importance on open, constructive collaboration with the parents and welcome their active involvement in school life. The Elternverein regularly contributes to school life: in recent years, engaged parents have helped organize the Christmas and Summer festivals, the Open Day, and a Careers Day for the secondary level. Parents who wish to contribute are welcome to contact the school leadership.
Facilities

Academic Facilities
The Deutsche Schule Algarve teaches a German curriculum and offers the German International Abitur (DIA), a qualification with international recognition. Classes are small, and the learning atmosphere is personal and focused. German is the language of instruction, with English and Portuguese as mandatory foreign languages, and language learning is reinforced through intercultural learning. Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten, Präsentationstechniken and digitale Kompetenzen are systematically developed. The school is integrated into the network of German Auslandsschulen through cooperation with Deutsche Schule Lissabon.

Extra Curricular Facilities
From Monday to Thursday, 14:30 to 17:00, parents can book afternoon modules that mainly include remediation in German, mathematics, or English, targeted homework supervision, and French clubs. The modules include French clubs (Französisch-AGs) and additional enrichment options. There is a Schulpraktikum (school internship) in Klasse 9 lasting 14 days, supervised by the school. The school operates as a full-day program with extended afternoon options.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The German international curriculum forms the academic backbone and ensures standardization for Deutsche Auslandsschulen, enabling seamless transitions to German and international schools. In Grundschule (grades 1–4) learning is built on differentiated instruction and open formats such as weekly plans, learning stations, and workshop-based teaching. German is the instruction language, complemented by English and Portuguese as mandatory foreign languages; from the second grade there are native-speaker and foreign-language groups to support language development. From grade 3 English and experimental work are added, and the program emphasizes creative, natural-science and physical education alongside core subjects, developing language skills and independent learning.

Arts & Creative
Creativity is integrated into the daily program, with music and art included in the timetable, alongside general studies, sport and swimming. Creative, science and physical education are emphasized, and from grade 3 English and experimental work are added to the curriculum. The school encourages project- and workshop-based learning to develop hands-on, collaborative problem solving.

Cultural & Language
German and Portuguese are part of daily school life from the start; in German and Portuguese classes, there are native-speaker and foreign-language groups from the second grade to support language development. Language learning is reinforced outside classroom time through play, projects and after-school activities. The language of instruction in secondary levels follows the German framework, with German as the language of instruction and English and Portuguese as mandatory foreign languages.

Social & Hobbies
Outside of class, language learning occurs naturally through play, projects and after-school Arbeitsgemeinschaften (clubs). Social education is as important as academic learning, with an emphasis on respectful interactions, responsibility for oneself and others, and a strong sense of community across grades.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The timetable includes sport and swimming as part of daily activity, and the program emphasizes a holistic approach to education with creative, science and physical learning. Social education reinforces respectful conduct, responsibility, and community across the school community.
Languages

Language Provision
German is the instruction language, with Portuguese used as the everyday language of life at school. English and Portuguese are compulsory foreign languages; French is taught as a foreign language. English begins in Grade 3 in the primary years. The curriculum follows the KMK guidelines for German Auslandsschulen, and the school provides the German International Abitur (DIA) in upper secondary.

Bilingual Teaching
German is the language of instruction, with Portuguese used as everyday language. English and French are taught as compulsory foreign languages. The school fosters intercultural learning through international projects such as Erasmus. It offers education from Grundschule through Sekundarstufen I & II up to the Abitur and the German International Abitur (DIA).
Admissions

Admissions
01 First contact & consultation: DSA is open to children of all nationalities. Willingness to follow instruction in German and Portuguese is required, and targeted language support is offered if needed, especially for entry to Grade 1 or for transfer students. We welcome early contact from interested families and provide insights into our school concept, helping you choose the appropriate grade level.

02 School tour & interview: After submitting the necessary documents (see checklist) and subject to appointment availability, you will be invited to an individual meeting with school leadership, digitally or on-site. The meeting provides an opportunity to ask questions about classroom life, assessment methods, and the overall learning approach. If desired, you can also arrange a tour of the school and meet with staff.

03 Educational admission interview: Before enrollment we conduct a short getting-to-know-your-child interview. An assessment of language abilities may also be conducted as needed. The interview helps determine appropriate support measures and next steps.

04 Enrollment: After a positive response, the enrollment documents are provided. Enrollment becomes binding only after signing the school contract. The contract secures the place and confirms the start arrangement for the upcoming term.
School Events
The school has not added events
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