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St. Dominic's International School

Portugal, Lisbon

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €11,500 - 22,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 668
Type Co-educational
Opened 1975
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Mandarin
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

St. Dominic's International School is an IB World School in Portugal offering the full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) for students aged 3 to 18. The Primary Years Programme runs Nursery to Grade 5 as a transdisciplinary, inquiry‑based programme organized around six themes. The Middle Years Programme covers Grades 6–10, using Global Contexts and including Service as Action and the Personal Project across eight subject groups. The Diploma Programme is for Grades 11–12, with core elements Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Action and Service and the Extended Essay, alongside a range of DP courses. The campus sits in a green setting about 25 kilometres from Lisbon. Facilities include 82 classrooms, two libraries, science, technology and computer labs, art, music and drama rooms and two multi‑use gymnasiums for football, basketball, volleyball, tennis and badminton. The SDIS Educational Garden supports outdoor learning, complemented by an arts program and EAL support for international students.

R. Maria Brown 311A, 2785-816 São Domingos de Rana, Portugal

The Essentials

St. Dominic's International School has 668 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
Rua Maria Brown, Outeiro de Polima, 2785-816 São Domingos de Rana, Portugal. Alvará No. 2178 of 10/09/1975 was issued by the Ministério da Educação e Cultura. St. Dominic's International School is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global network of schools.

Stages
The Junior School comprises eight grade levels including the Early Years (Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception). The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Type
St. Dominic's International School is an IB World School offering the full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Additional learning support
Personalised programmes to support students with learning difficulties and for students who are new to the English language.

Country affiliation
Portugal

Religious affiliation
Catholic (Dominican Sisters)

School day structure
Junior School Day runs from 8:20 to 15:30 with eight 40‑minute periods and a 60‑minute lunch; Senior School Day runs from 8:40 to 15:50 with eight 40‑minute periods and a 60‑minute lunch.

Bus service
School bus service is available for registered students; bus routes cover Lisboa Este–Bobadela, Expo, Miraflores, Linda-a-Velha and Oeiras; Lisboa/Algés–Areeiro, Restelo and Algés; Lisboa–Praça de Espanha, Alto dos Moinhos, Alfornelos, Queluz and Massamá; Cascais–Cascais, Qta. da Marinha, Qta. da Bicuda, Aldeia de Juzo; Estoril–Alcabideche, Estoril, Parede and Carcavelos; Odivelas–Odivelas. Barraqueiro Transportes operates the service; enrolment is for the full year and requests after September 15 are subject to availability.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Day school; a school bus service is available for registered students for the full year.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required for all students; items are purchased at El Corte Inglés in Lisbon. Junior School (Nursery–Grade 5) wear the full uniform at school and on outings, with a mandatory PE uniform. Senior School (Grades 6–10) wear the full uniform at school and on specified field trips; BYOD applies from Grade 6; Grades 11–12 dress smart casual.

Food Options
Gertal coordinates all meals served at the school; there is a Refectory and a Tuck Shop on campus.

Governance and Ownership
Part of International Schools Partnership (ISP).
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Dominic's International School ranges from EUR 11,500 to EUR 22,000 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees

- A Registration fee (annual) and a one‑time Capital Levy are payable when a place is confirmed. The Capital Levy is €5,000 (one‑off). The school requires payment of the Registration Fees, comprising the Annual Registration and the applicable Capital Levy, to confirm admission.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term)

- Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual €11,500 — Per term €3,833 (annual ÷ 3).
- Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual €11,800 — Per term €3,933 (annual ÷ 3).
- Kindergarten 3 (age 5): Annual €13,000 — Per term €4,333 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 1 (age 6): Annual €14,200 — Per term €4,733 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 2 (age 7): Annual €14,400 — Per term €4,800 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 3 (age 8): Annual €14,600 — Per term €4,867 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 4 (age 9): Annual €14,900 — Per term €4,967 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 5 (age 10): Annual €15,000 — Per term €5,000 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 6 (age 11): Annual €17,100 — Per term €5,700 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 7 (age 12): Annual €17,200 — Per term €5,733 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 8 (age 13): Annual €17,400 — Per term €5,800 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 9 (age 14): Annual €20,500 — Per term €6,833 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 10 (age 15): Annual €20,500 — Per term €6,833 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 11 (age 16): Annual €22,000 — Per term €7,333 (annual ÷ 3).
- Grade 12 (age 17): Annual €22,000 — Per term €7,333 (annual ÷ 3).

(Note: the school invoices three times per year; the per‑term figures above are the annual fee divided by three and are shown to give per‑term amounts consistent with the school's termly billing structure.)

First‑year total for new families

- For a new enrolment the first year total includes the one‑time Capital Levy plus the annual tuition. Example: Kindergarten 1 first‑year total €11,500 (annual tuition) + €5,000 (Capital Levy) = €16,500.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Termly payment schedule: Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3 payments are required; the school publishes specific due dates for each term (Term 1 due 1 July 2026; Term 2 due 1 December 2026; Term 3 due 1 March 2027). An annual payment option is available with an advanced‑payment discount of 5% if paid prior to the school's published deadline. Late payments incur staged interest/penalties (for example 5% for 30–60 days late; 10% for 60–90 days late; more than 90 days may incur 10% plus possible legal proceedings). The school invoices and requires payment by the stated due dates.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- St. Dominic's operates as a day school; it does not publish boarding provision or boarding fees for this campus.

Other costs and fees

- IB examination fees (for IBDP and certain external examinations) are not included in the tuition and are charged separately for candidates in the relevant grades.
- International sports, cultural and academic trip costs are not included in tuition and are invoiced separately when arranged.
- After‑school (extra‑curricular) activities led by external providers carry additional charges. Co‑curricular activities led by school staff are stated as free of charge.
- Annual bus service: bus registration is for the full year, withdrawal from the annual bus service is not allowed, and bus fees are treated as non‑refundable once paid. Routes are managed through the school's contracted transport partner.
- Uniforms: all uniform items are purchased at the designated supplier (El Corte Inglés, Avenida António Augusto Aguiar 31, Lisbon). Uniform purchase is an additional parental expense; the school does not publish fixed uniform pricing on its public pages.
- Summer school, supervision and incidental charges: summer‑programme fees and certain supervision charges (for example late pick‑up penalties) are charged separately as shown in the school's summer‑school materials.

Refunds and withdrawal policy

- One full term's notice (90 days) is required to withdraw a student during the academic year. If the required notice is not given, tuition for the following term will be charged in lieu of notice. Capital Levy, Tuition Fees, Registration Fees, and Annual Bus Fees are non‑refundable once paid. The school's published policy also states that any payments made for examinations or trips will first be used to settle outstanding tuition fees; refunds and pro‑rations are governed by the school's formal fee and withdrawal rules.

Fee payment options (published information)

- The school issues invoices and sets due dates and penalties; specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, credit/debit card, SEPA direct debit) are not published in detail on the publicly available fee pages. Parents receive billing information and invoice terms through the admissions and administration process.

Notes for families (practical points)

- Tuition fees are stated to include school materials, some local field trips and school accident insurance; they do not include major international trips or IB examination fees. Annual fees are reviewed and may change from year to year. Bus service must be registered for the full year and is billed separately. Sibling discounts are published in fee summaries (the school database summary shows typical sibling discounts of 5% for a second child, 15% for a third child and 25% for fourth and subsequent children).
Academics

St. Dominic's International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers the IB Continuum of education: PYP, MYP and DP. The Primary Years Programme is delivered Nursery to Grade 5 as a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach with six transdisciplinary themes. The Middle Years Programme covers Grade 6 to 10 and bridges PYP and DP, using Global Contexts and including Service as Action and the Personal Project, across eight subject groups. The Diploma Programme is for Grade 11 and 12, with core elements Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Action and Service and the Extended Essay, across six subject groups; DP Courses are offered as well. The school is authorized to offer the full IB Continuum.

Exam Results
The highest DP score awarded to a candidate has been 45. The number of Diploma candidates has more than doubled in the last four years, and the average DP grade has risen. Graduates have gained places at top universities including Monash University (Australia), Universidade Católica Portuguesa, KU Leuven (Belgium), the University of Kent, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, Imperial College London and the University of Coimbra.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have pursued higher education primarily at UK universities, with expanding options across Europe. Examples include Aberdeen University (Psychology); Brunel University London (Global Challenges with Innovation); City, University of London (Mathematics and Finance). Additional destinations include Durham University (Criminology), University of Edinburgh (Vet Medicine), University of Glasgow (Neuroscience), Imperial College London (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), and Universidade de Coimbra (Pharmacy Biomedical).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
St. Dominic's has a Pastoral Support programme that emphasises supportive relationships between students and staff, and among students. The Pastoral Care Programme includes the Tutor Programme, new student inclusion programmes, community and service projects, and sports competitions. Its three main objectives are to balance a student's cognitive, emotional and social life; develop self-reliance through self-confidence and self-awareness; and support and enhance the curriculum so learning extends beyond the classroom. The approach provides personalised attention to support academic and personal growth. Pastoral care fosters wellbeing and social development across the school.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support at St. Dominic's is a whole-school responsibility aimed at helping students achieve their full academic potential. An individualized approach is provided, tailored to each student's needs in the classroom and in small groups. An experienced team of psychologists and special education specialists delivers counselling and psychoeducational support. The school collaborates with local specialists, including speech and occupational therapists, to address specific needs. The team supports students across all grade levels, working with mainstream teachers, teaching assistants and parents to achieve the best possible outcomes.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support welcomes students from around the world, with an EAL department dedicated to integrating learners into an English-speaking environment. The four language skills—reading, writing, listening and speaking—are treated as interconnected in a holistic approach. After assessing each student's language needs, a programme is designed to support academic success, which may include in-class support, differentiated lessons and targeted English skills lessons. EAL classes are generally small, with EAL teachers working alongside class teachers to plan, teach and assess understanding of the curriculum. EAL assessment takes place during the first week to determine whether EAL classes are required, and EAL classes are available for students from Grade 1 to Grade 10.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a robust pastoral framework and the Learning Support team. The Pastoral Care Programme focuses on relationships, wellbeing and personal growth, including the Tutor Programme, new student inclusion, community and service projects and sports, to foster balance and resilience. The three aims are to balance cognitive, emotional and social life; develop self-confidence and self-awareness; and support and extend the curriculum beyond the classroom. The Learning Support team comprises psychologists and specialists who provide counselling and psychoeducational support and may collaborate with external professionals such as speech and occupational therapists to support wellbeing and learning. The combined pastoral and learning support aims help students develop self-confidence, resilience and holistic growth.
Parent Experience

History
1639 marks the beginning of the Irish Dominican Sisters' history in Portugal, when they came to the country due to persecution. They brought their philosophy of education and its values to Portugal in the 1600s, and St. Dominic's International School continues this tradition. The Dominicans, the Order of Preachers, are committed to education and base their philosophy on Veritas, the search for truth. On 15 January 2010, St. Dominic's International School was officially owned and managed by Veritas Educatio, SA, which established a Board of Governors. The school has been an IB World School since 1997, offering Diploma, Middle Years and Primary Years programmes.

Community
St. Dominic's is an IB World School in Portugal, offering holistic international education for students aged 3 to 18. The school has a diverse international community and inclusivity at its heart, with every person bringing value to the community. Learning is ageless and empowering, taking place in the classroom and beyond, guided by curiosity, questions, action, and shared findings, and we cooperate with our community to make connections.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The positive relationships between parents, students and teachers are the foundation of our learning environment. The PTA is a dedicated group of parents and staff who meet regularly to maintain open communication on matters affecting student well-being and development. The PTA organises social events that bring the community together, including the Welcome Barbecue, the Christmas Fair and International Day. These activities strengthen the school community and raise funds for important school projects. For more information about PTA opportunities, contact [email protected].
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus is a green, open‑air environment located about 25 kilometres from Lisbon and near the shore, providing a safe, peaceful setting that fosters community and enhances student life.

Sports Facilities
Two multi‑use gymnasiums and areas for football, basketball, volleyball, tennis and badminton.

Academic Facilities
82 fully equipped classrooms, two well‑resourced libraries, multiple science, technology and computer laboratories, and dedicated art, music and drama rooms.

Extra Curricular Facilities
SDIS Educational Garden project creates an outdoor green space for students; initially available to Junior School students for two half‑days per week.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). The MYP includes Service as Action and Personal Projects, with opportunities such as Model United Nations. The IB framework promotes inquiry, international-mindedness and collaboration across the curriculum.

Arts & Creative
The school's arts program is vibrant and central to school life. Drama includes theatre trips and performances at venues such as the Centro Cultural de Belém and Teatro Nacional D. Maria II. Visual Arts and Music activities include out-of-school workshops, museum visits, Jazz Concerts and IB Diploma Concerts with students from other international schools.

Cultural & Language
The school supports students from around the world through English as an Additional Language (EAL). EAL helps students integrate into an English-speaking environment and develop confidence in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Classes are generally small, with individual teacher support, and are available for students from Grade 1 to Grade 10.

Social & Hobbies
The after-school programme provides a balanced, holistic approach to personal development. It includes Creative Arts, Music, STEM & Innovation, Leadership and Personal Development, and SDIS SPORTS, encouraging teamwork and a sense of belonging. Co-curricular activities are taught by school teachers and outside coaches and are free of charge; extra-curricular activities may incur fees. Participation helps students build communication, collaboration and diverse friendships.

Community & Service
Creativity Action Service (CAS) is central to the Diploma Programme and involves students in creativity, action and service across local, national and international contexts. Examples include Habitat for Humanity in Braga, teaching at local schools and orphanages, organizing Street Stores for the homeless, helping the national food bank, reading for the elderly and joining international CAS trips, along with sporting events and musical and drama productions.

Leadership & Professional
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) brings together parents and staff to support student welfare and school projects and organises events such as the Welcome Barbecue, Christmas Fair and International Day. PTA activities foster open communication and community involvement. The IB MYP framework also emphasises Service as Action and collaborative projects, promoting leadership and international-mindedness.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The sports program is inclusive and fosters wellbeing, providing opportunities to learn sports, develop teamwork and belonging. The after-school program reinforces wellbeing through physical activity, social interaction and a health-focused approach to both body and mind. Participation in sports and clubs promotes healthy habits, resilience and lifelong wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
The language programs consist of EAL, Language Acquisition, and Language and Literature. English is the language of instruction in the Junior School (Nursery to Grade 5); Portuguese language is taught from Grade 1 to Grade 5. From Grade 1 to Grade 8, the school teaches Portuguese Language and Culture as host country language. Languages and Literature courses include English, Portuguese, Mandarin, Spanish and French.

Bilingual Teaching
The school teaches in English across the curriculum. English is the language of instruction in the Junior School (Nursery to Grade 5); Portuguese is taught from Grade 1 to Grade 5. All Junior School students have Portuguese and English. The school supports multilingualism and translanguaging.
Reputation

Accreditations
IBO, CIC, ECIS, NEASC
Admissions

Admissions
The school has an open admission policy and accepts students with a broad range of academic ability and learning needs. All applications are reviewed prior to confirming availability to ensure the resources to support the student, with focus on student wellbeing within the International Baccalaureate Programmes. Expression of Interest: submit the requested information to be contacted by a member of the admissions team. Visit to the Campus and Meeting with Admissions Team: during the school tour you meet a member of the teaching staff and, where possible, a student of a similar age; if applying to Grade 6 or above, a placement test may be requested during your visit or at your child's current school. Students not fluent in English or with special educational needs may be referred to Learning Support professionals. Offer Email: after the visit the application is reviewed to confirm availability; placement is offered according to space and the date of your application. Registration Forms, Documents and Fees: to complete registration and secure a place, you will receive and complete forms including Registration details, Health Questionnaire, School Consents, Rules and Regulations, Tuition Fees; it is important to disclose any health or learning concerns to avoid difficulties, and a Registration fee payment is required. Registration Confirmation: on receipt of the completed forms and payment of the Annual Registration and the applicable Capital Levy, the School will confirm admission.
School Events
The school has not added events
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