Carlucci American International School of Lisbon vs King's College School Cascais
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon and King's College School Cascais are both in Lisbon, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon also offers American, and King's College School Cascais also offers Bespoke, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are close, at €12,128 - 23,532 for Carlucci American International School of Lisbon and €11,754 - 21,750 for King's College School Cascais. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon takes pupils from 3 to 18, and King's College School Cascais from 1 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 739 and 720 pupils. Typical class sizes are 20 at Carlucci American International School of Lisbon and 18 at King's College School Cascais.
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.
Location
King's College School, Cascais is located in Cascais, Portugal, in the Lisbon area. The school operates on two campus sites: Early Learning School & Primary School (up to Year 2) at Rua Cesário Verde, 395, Cascais 2750-657, and Primary School (from Year 3) & Senior School at R. Doctor Manuel Antonio Costa Matos, 164, Cascais 2750-290. The new campus was inaugurated in September 2025 and sits on a 40,000 sqm site, with boarding facilities for up to 50 students aged 13–18.
Stages
Stages
EC3 through High School
Stages
Early Years Foundation Stage (Age 1–4); Cambridge International Curriculum through Year 11 (Age 5–16); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Years 12–13 (Age 17–18). Enrolling Now: Early Years Foundation Stage (Age 1) – Year 12 (Age 17).
School type
School type
Non-profit, non-denominational, college-preparatory day school offering an American program (EC3–12) and the IB Diploma.
School type
Private international school with boarding facilities (Boarding House for up to 50 students aged 13–18).
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
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.
Additional learning support
Tracking of student progress with interventions to support academic and personal development; wellbeing and pastoral support are part of the school approach.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United States (CAISL is supported by the U.S. Office of Overseas Schools and offers an American curriculum).
Country affiliation
Portugal
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Non-denominational
Religious affiliation
—
School day structure
School day structure
A typical school day starts at 8:20 and finishes at 3:45.
School day structure
—
Bus service details
Bus service details
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.
Bus service details
—
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
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.
Fee details
Application / Registration & Enrolment Fees - Registration (first-time applicants, per family): EUR 250. - Enrolment (paid at acceptance): Early Years–Year 6: EUR 2,000; Year 7–Year 11: EUR 5,000; Boarding enrolment (where applicable): EUR 5,000. Enrolment fees are non-refundable and include annual student insurance where indicated. - Re‑enrolment fee (charged annually in April to confirm place): EUR 580 (non‑refundable).
Tuition fees by year group (annual and termly) - Early Years 1 – Early Years 4: Annual EUR 11,754; Termly (x3) EUR 3,918. - Years 1 – 2: Annual EUR 15,576; Termly (x3) EUR 5,192. - Years 3 – 5: Annual EUR 17,502; Termly (x3) EUR 5,834. - Years 6 – 9: Annual EUR 18,300; Termly (x3) EUR 6,100. - Years 10 – 11: Annual EUR 21,750; Termly (x3) EUR 7,250. (IGCSE exam entry fees are additional per subject as noted below.)
Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing options: School fees are invoiced either annually (September) or in three terms (August, December and April) per academic year; exceptions apply for boarding students. Invoices are issued by the 5th business day of the month in which they fall due (September invoices may be delayed). Specified charges are invoiced separately by the 10th business day of the following month. - Deposit / timing at enrolment: 50% of the Tuition and Boarding fees must be paid at the time of enrolment; the remaining 50% is due by 1 September. - Overdue invoices: Overdue amounts incur interest of 5% over the total amount due. - Sibling discount: 10% tuition discount for the third child; 25% for the fourth child (and onwards) applied to the youngest children.
Boarding fees and terms (where applicable) - Full boarding (annual): EUR 23,965 (this is additional to tuition). - Weekly boarding (annual): EUR 19,950 (this is additional to tuition). - Mandatory health insurance for boarding students (annual): EUR 1,000; the school arranges a policy and all boarding students must have valid health insurance. Boarding fees cover accommodation (shared double room with private WC), cleaning, laundry, meals, Wi‑Fi, guided after‑school study and weekend activities as specified, but exclude tuition, uniforms, extracurricular activities, non‑educational residential trips and health insurance where noted.
Mandatory charges and other regular fees - EdTech VR (virtual reality platform, Y7–Y11): EUR 50 (one‑time October charge). - EdTech AI (personalised study support, Y3–Y11): EUR 50 (one‑time October charge). - Mobile Device Management (MDM, Y3–Y6): EUR 20 (invoiced). - IGCSE exam entry fees (Y11): EUR 160 per subject (one‑time charge in April). - Transport (KCS Coastal Route): morning & afternoon EUR 810 (termly — Nov, Jan, Apr); one way (morning or afternoon) EUR 405 (termly). - Supervision period (17:00–18:00): EUR 100 (monthly) where applicable. - Extracurricular activities: invoiced termly (Nov, Jan, Apr); fees vary by activity (catalogue). Residential trips: charged separately, on a case‑by‑case basis. - English language support (EAL) and Special Educational Needs support (SEN): EUR 35/hour (when applicable). - Miscellaneous: student replacement card EUR 15; document translation EUR 0.10/word; Yondr pouch replacement EUR 20. - iPad purchase option: Apple iPad Air 11" Wi‑Fi 128GB (with keyboard cover, pencil and 1 year insurance) EUR 1,131 (or a split option EUR 377 as referenced); iPad rental (model subject to availability) EUR 105 (termly).
Refund information - Registration, enrolment and re‑enrolment fees are identified as non‑refundable in the fee schedule (re‑enrolment is charged in April). There is no separate tuition‑refund clause detailed in the schedule beyond the stated non‑refundable items and the terms for extracurricular cancellations (full term charged if a student withdraws mid‑term).
Accepted fee payment methods - Payment options listed: ATM reference (as shown on the invoice), direct debit, education tickets and bank transfer. Direct debit collections are debited by the 12th of each month; if a direct debit fails the payment will be requested by ATM reference or bank transfer.
(Fees and terms above correspond to the published Fees schedule for the 2025/26 academic year.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
—
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
Blended curriculum combines Cambridge International Primary and Secondary curricula, including IGCSEs, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. A bilingual Portuguese-English pathway is available up to Year 5. In Years 12 and 13 (ages 17–18), students may choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and A-Levels. The school is a candidate IB World School pursuing authorization to offer the IB Diploma Programme.
Student teacher ratio
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.
Student teacher ratio
—
Exam results
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.
Exam results
—
Higher education progression
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).
Higher education progression
Graduates have access to specialist university counselling. Over 90% of Inspired graduates go to their first-choice university, and about one in three join Russell Group or Ivy League universities. Destinations include universities such as University of St Andrews, University of Strathclyde, Warwick University, and numerous leading institutions worldwide.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
—
Gifted and talented
The school offers a broad enrichment programme with weekly co-curricular clubs across sports, arts and academics. There is a Signature Enrichment Programme and weekend enrichment for boarders, plus specialist coaching to support top university destinations.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
—
Academic calendar
—
Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
—
Social & emotional learning
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
—
English as an additional language
—
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
—
Mental wellbeing
—
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
—
Safeguarding policy
—
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
—
Facilities overview
—
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
—
Sports facilities
—
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
—
Academic facilities
—
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
—
Extra curricular facilities
—
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
—
History
—
Community
Community
—
Community
—
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
—
Parent teacher association
—
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
—
Academic & intellectual
—
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
—
Arts & creative
—
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
—
Cultural & language
—
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
—
Social & hobbies
—
Community & service
Community & service
—
Community & service
—
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
—
Leadership & professional
—
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
—
Lifestyle & wellbeing
—
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
—
Language provision
—
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
—
Bilingual teaching
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
—
Immersion programs
—
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
—
Awards
—
Accreditations
Accreditations
—
Accreditations
—
Admissions
Admissions
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.
Admissions
Early Years & Primary School 1. Application: An application is created on Open Apply, including uploading relevant reports. Prospective families book a General Tour of the School Campus, which can be in person or online. Prospective families who are following the Admission Process should pay the €250 registration fee per family (non-refundable).
2. Entry Assessments: EY2–EY4 applicants are invited to Stay & Play on campus, which includes a tour of the school. Years 1 & 2 applicants are invited to schedule an assessment with the Well‑being team. Years 3–6 applicants are invited to take an online entrance test to assess suitability for an academically selective school. If the applicant's results indicate readiness for the demands of King's College School Cascais, they will be invited to the Academic Interviews stage.
3. Academic Interviews: An academic interview with relevant staff is conducted, which includes a reading comprehension and maths skills activity.
4. Admission Decision: Applicants who demonstrate the relevant academic potential during the Academic Interview stage will receive either a Guaranteed Place Offer or a Conditional offer.
5. Enrolment: On the receipt of all necessary documentation and appropriate payment, and acceptance of terms and conditions, enrolment proceeds.
Senior School 1. Application: An application is created on Open Apply, including uploading relevant reports. Prospective Families book a group General Tour of the School to meet the Head of Senior School, and have a tour as part of this led by Senior School students. Prospective families who are interested in following the Admissions Process should pay the €250 Registration Fee per family (non-refundable).
2. Entry Assessments: Applicants are invited to take an online entrance test to assess their suitability to be part of an academically selective school. If the applicant's results from these entry assessments are deemed high enough to cope with the demands of such a school, they will be invited to the Academic Interviews stage.
3. Academic Interviews: An academic interview with relevant staff, which includes a reading comprehension activity. Students applying for a Boarding Place will meet the Head of Boarding.
4. Admission Decision: Applicants who demonstrate the relevant academic potential during the Academic Interview stage will receive either a Guaranteed Place Offer or a Conditional offer.
5. Enrolment: On the receipt of all necessary documentation and appropriate payment, and acceptance of terms and conditions, enrolment proceeds.
Scholarships
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.
Scholarships
The Nsouli Scholars Programme is an exciting global initiative that promises to transform lives by enabling 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend any of Inspired's prestigious schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. The ambition is that the scholarship will provide hundreds of children with an opportunity to receive a truly transformative education. This endowment honours Nadim Nsouli, who founded Inspired in 2013, in recognition of his Lebanese heritage; several scholarships will be awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin. The Inspired group includes top-rated day and boarding schools worldwide, providing access to a global network and opportunities across sports, the arts and exchanges. The Nsouli Scholars Programme is an investment in education and in shaping future leaders.
Waitlist
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.
