Best days of our lives

Making the decision to relocate to Portugal often stems from a desire for a better quality of life, a more laid-back lifestyle, and a secure environment for your family to flourish. At Triennial Properties we are committed to helping you turn this dream into a reality by assisting you in finding the perfect home. However, even after securing your dream property, there are other important considerations to address, particularly when it comes to your children's education.

Choosing the right school for your little ones is a significant decision that can greatly influence their development and future prospects. In Portugal, there are several schooling options available to expatriate families, ranging from preschool to university education. Here's a breakdown of the educational landscape in Portugal:

Early Childhood Education:

• For children from 4 months to 3 years, creches are available.
• Kindergartens are an option for children aged 3 to 6.
• Free public kindergartens (Jardim de Infância) exist, but private childcare is common, with monthly fees averaging around €350 - €500.

Compulsory Education (Ages 6-18):

• Portuguese education becomes compulsory from the age of 6.

There are four school levels:

• Years 1 – 4 (Ensino Básico, 1º ciclo) focus on Portuguese, Maths, Science, and Art.
• Years 5 and 6 (Ensino Básico 2º ciclo) introduce subjects like English, History, and Geography of Portugal.
• Years 7 - 9 (Ensino Básico 3º ciclo) expand the curriculum with a second foreign language and more subjects.
• Years 10 – 12 encompass secondary/high school, allowing students to choose their area of study.

Public Schools:

• Access to public schools depends on your location.
• Public schooling is free, but parents must cover the cost of books and supplies.
• Class sizes can be large, typically ranging from 20 to 30 students.
• The education system in public schools leans towards academic studies.

Private Schools (Colégios):

• Private schools follow the Portuguese curriculum and system.
• Tuition fees for private schools vary widely, ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 per year.
• Private schools are known for their rigorous education standards.

International Schools:

As more expatriates are moving to Portugal, including the Algarve, international schools are becoming increasingly available to cater to diverse educational needs. These schools offer various curricula, often in English, providing a valuable option for families seeking a global education for their children.

International schools in Portugal offer a dual Portuguese and international curriculum. These schools are often taught in English, making them suitable for expat children who do not speak Portuguese. Fees for international schools can also vary.

An international school is often a good option for older children who do not speak Portuguese and there are a number across the Algarve:

• Eden Montessori International School in Albufeira is the first of its kind in Portugal, offering authentic Montessori education in both English and Portuguese for children aged 3 to 9.
• Nederlands Onderwijs offers complete primary and secondary education for children 4 to 16 and follows the Dutch curriculum. Yearly fees: €4,400 to €6,000.
• Educan, offer micro-classes with an inquiry-based learning method and follows a personalised curriculum for children aged 3 to 16.
• Barlavento International Primary School is a family school that has been providing high-quality education to children aged 5 to 11 since 1975. Yearly fees are around €6,000.
• Algarve International School follows the British curriculum with GCSE and A-Levels available.
• Colégio Santiago Internacional is an independent, open-admission and co-educational school. It follows the English National Curriculum for children aged 5 to 18. Yearly fees: €4,648 to €7,093.
• Nobel International School Algarve is the oldest and largest private school group offering a co-educational school for pupils aged 3 to 18. Yearly fees: €5,149 to €16,985.
• Vale Verde International School implemented one of the first bilingual programmes and has a reputation for innovative teaching methods and world-class facilities for children aged 5 to 18. Yearly fees: €6,100 to €11,050.
• Vilamoura International School is the most prestigious educational institute for children aged 3 to 18. It encompasses the Portuguese National, British (adapted) National and Cambridge International curricula. Yearly fees: €5,720 to €10,820.
• Aljezur International School is for children aged between 10 and 18. Based in seven acres of protected land near Aljezur it welcomes students of all nationalities and backgrounds from ages 11 to 18. Yearly fees: €6,600 to €6,600.
• Eupheus International School Algarve is a Pre Prep, Preparatory and Lower Secondary school for 3 to 14-year-olds south of Loulé. Yearly fees: €6,000 to €13,000.
• Deutsche Schule Algarve is a bilingual (German/Portuguese) international school for children aged 5 to 18.

Higher Education:

• Public universities and polytechnics in Portugal offer higher education at reasonable rates, usually not exceeding €1,000 per year.
• Private universities have higher tuition fees, typically ranging from €350 to €750 per month.

Ultimately, choosing the right educational path for your family in Portugal is a crucial decision, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. We understand the importance of not only finding your dream home but also ensuring that your children receive a quality education to help them thrive and become well-rounded individuals.