Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Porto
Summary: If you''re moving to Porto with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you''ll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Porto
Porto, is a vibrant city that has become increasingly popular among expats and digital nomads, thanks to its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly locals. While not as large as some of the world's major metropolises, Porto offers a selection of international and bilingual schools to cater to the needs of expat families. Among the most popular are Oporto British School and the International School of Porto (CLIP), which are known for their high-quality education and diverse student bodies. Here is a list of international and bilingual schools in and around Porto that are within a 40-minute drive from the city center.
Oporto British School (OBS)
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 13
Location(s): Porto
Website: www.obs.edu.pt
Oporto British School is one of the oldest British schools in mainland Europe, offering a British-style education that leads to IGCSEs and A-Levels. The school boasts a strong academic record, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, a library, and sports fields. OBS is known for its supportive, international community and commitment to fostering global citizenship among its students.
International School of Porto (CLIP)
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Porto
Website: www.clip.pt
CLIP, or the International School of Porto, offers an international education with English as the primary language of instruction. The school follows a curriculum that is aligned with the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, although it does not offer the IB Diploma. CLIP provides a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on technology integration, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding. The campus includes modern classrooms, sports facilities, and arts spaces.
Colégio Luso-Internacional do Porto (CLIP)
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Vila Nova de Gaia
Website: www.clip.pt
Colégio Luso-Internacional do Porto, not to be confused with the International School of Porto, is situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto. This school offers a bilingual education in Portuguese and English, following the Portuguese national curriculum alongside international elements. CLIP is known for its focus on developing bilingual, bicultural individuals who are prepared for both local and global challenges.
Oporto International School (OIS)
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Senhora da Hora
Website: www.ois.pt
Oporto International School, located in Senhora da Hora, offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). With a diverse student body representing over 40 nationalities, OIS emphasizes a global perspective and intercultural understanding. The school's facilities include science labs, art studios, a theater, and sports complexes.
Colégio Alemão do Porto (Deutsche Schule zu Porto)
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Porto
Website: www.dsporto.de
Colégio Alemão do Porto, also known as the German School of Porto, provides a German-based education with instruction in German and Portuguese. The school offers the German Abitur as well as the Portuguese national diploma, preparing students for higher education in Germany, Portugal, or elsewhere. The school is equipped with modern facilities and promotes a multicultural environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
French School of Porto (Lycée Français International de Porto)
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Porto
Website: www.lfip.pt
The French School of Porto, or Lycée Français International de Porto, is part of the AEFE network of French schools abroad. It offers a curriculum based on the French education system, with French as the primary language of instruction. The school prepares students for the French Baccalaureate and promotes a multilingual and multicultural education. Facilities include a library, computer labs, and sports areas.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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