Carlucci American International School of Lisbon vs The Lisboan International School

	C Carlucci American International School of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal	T The Lisboan International School Lisbon, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,128 - 23,532	Fees / year €13,450 - 23,450
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 739	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1956	Opened 2025
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 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 The Lisboan is in Lisbon, Portugal, in the Alcântara district. The campus address is R. Maria Luísa Holstein, 1300-388 Lisboa, Portugal.
Stages	Stages EC3 through High School	Stages Open from FS1 to Year 10. Founded in September 2025.
School type	School type Non-profit, non-denominational, college-preparatory day school offering an American program (EC3–12) and the IB Diploma.	School type British international school
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 —
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 The Core Enrichment Programme takes place at the end of each school day.
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. Tuition fees (Quarterly or Annual options) - Early Childhood (EC3 & EC4) and Kindergarten: Quarterly EUR 3,032; Annual EUR 12,128. (These Early Childhood / Kindergarten figures include lunch.) - Grades 1–2: Quarterly EUR 3,515; Annual EUR 14,060. - Grades 3–5: Quarterly EUR 3,908; Annual EUR 15,632. - Grades 6–8: Quarterly EUR 4,439; Annual EUR 17,756. - Grades 9–12: Quarterly EUR 5,883; Annual EUR 23,532. 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 fee - A non-refundable application fee of EUR 250 is required to start the admissions process. Enrolment fee (registration / acceptance) - A non-refundable one‑off enrolment fee of EUR 2,500 applies for new students when paid by 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026 the enrolment fee for new students is EUR 3,000. The school requires payment of the enrolment fee to secure an offered place. Tuition fees — 2025/26 (annual and termly; three terms per year) Primary school (annual / termly ×3): - Nursery: EUR 11,950 / EUR 3,983. - Reception: EUR 11,950 / EUR 3,983. - Year 1: EUR 13,950 / EUR 4,650. - Year 2: EUR 13,950 / EUR 4,650. - Year 3: EUR 15,950 / EUR 5,317. - Year 4: EUR 15,950 / EUR 5,317. - Year 5: EUR 16,950 / EUR 5,650. - Year 6: EUR 16,950 / EUR 5,650. Secondary school (annual / termly ×3): - Year 7: EUR 17,950 / EUR 5,983. - Year 8: EUR 17,950 / EUR 5,983. - Year 9: EUR 17,950 / EUR 5,983. - Year 10: EUR 19,950 / EUR 6,650. - Year 11: EUR 19,950 / EUR 6,650. - Year 12: EUR 21,950 / EUR 7,317. - Year 13: EUR 21,950 / EUR 7,317. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is expressed as an annual amount and divided into three termly instalments (Termly Fee × 3). Food service can be charged per term and is invoiced on the first day of each term. Re‑enrolment charges for current students are applied in March and are deducted from the following year's tuition. New offers must be secured (acceptance form and enrolment fee) within the timeframe set by admissions (payment of the enrolment fee secures the place). Boarding fees - The Lisboan does not list any boarding provision or boarding fees; the school operates as a day school and transport options are discussed as local public transport and potential future bus services. No boarding charges apply. Other costs and typical additional charges - Food service (meal plan) charged per term: EUR 500 (2025/26). - Re‑enrolment (current students, charged every March and deducted from next year's tuition): EUR 1,000. - Items commonly billed separately or noted as additional costs include uniforms, school trips (co‑curricular and city trips), optional co‑curricular activities provided by external providers, transport (when provided), BYOD / laptop requirement for Year 7 and above, and mandatory exam charges (IGCSE, IB or other external exam fees where applicable). Some items such as school books, certain curriculum trips and specified exams for the 2025/26 year are included in tuition as noted by the school. Refund information - The application fee is non‑refundable. The enrolment fee is non‑refundable. The re‑enrolment fee charged in March is non‑refundable and will be deducted from the following year's tuition. No other refund terms for tuition are specified in the published fee summary. Fee payment options - The application fee can be paid online through the school's application portal. Detailed payment instructions for the enrolment fee and other invoices are provided by the admissions team when an offer is made; families are required to follow the admissions instructions to transfer the enrolment fee and complete enrolment. Specific payment methods (credit card vs. bank transfer) are managed through the school's admissions/payment process.
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 Early Years focus on play, curiosity, and foundational skills, continuing into Primary with a broad and balanced curriculum. The Cambridge International framework guides the curriculum in Senior School, culminating in IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. In Senior School, the IB Diploma Programme is taken in Years 12 and 13. IGCSE subject options include English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages, Design and Technology, Art and Design, Music, and Physical Education. At the end of Year 11, students sit the Cambridge International Education IGCSE examinations. Success provides a strong platform for progression to the IB Diploma Programme, A levels or vocational pathways. The Lisboan is part of the Artemis Education Family.
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 The IB Diploma Programme is recognised by leading universities worldwide. It develops critical and creative thinking, collaboration, independent research, self-management and communication, equipping students for higher education and for thriving in a rapidly changing world. Pathways beyond IGCSE include progression to the IB Diploma Programme, A levels or vocational pathways.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
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 The Lisboan is an international school for students aged 3 to 18. In 2026 the school serves ages 3 to 15 (Nursery through Year 10), with Year 11 opening in 2026, Year 12 in 2027, and Year 13 in 2028. The school follows the National Curriculum for England adapted for an international setting, delivering Cambridge IGCSEs and, from 2027, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Admissions are rolling with no application deadline; assessments may be conducted during the academic year. Applications are online and the six‑step process is: 1. Enquire; 2) Gather Documents (child's Passport, both parent/guardian passports, Vaccination Record, End of Year Report, Passport‑size Photo); 3) Application (online form and documents) with a €250 application fee; 4) Assessment (if applicable) to determine placement; 5) Offer by email with next enrolment steps; 6) Secure the place within 10 working days by submitting the Acceptance form, Parent/Guardian Contract, paying the enrolment fee, and signing The Lisboan Values and Data Protection Agreements. The Age Placement Guide maps birth dates to Nursery through Year 13 (examples include 1 September 2021–31 August 2022 = Nursery 3–4 yrs; 1 September 2020–31 August 2021 = Reception 4–5 yrs, etc.). The Lisboan is a member of COBIS and will work toward CIS and WASC accreditation. The application fee is €250 and the enrolment fee is €2,500 (until 31 March 2026; otherwise €3,000).
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 —
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.	Waitlist —
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