Carlucci American International School of Lisbon vs United Lisbon International School

	C Carlucci American International School of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal	U United Lisbon International School Lisbon, Portugal
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,128 - 23,532	Fees / year €11,800 - 24,000
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 IB (DP), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum)
Pupils	Pupils 739	Pupils 615
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1956	Opened 2020
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
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 Located in central Lisbon at Avenida Marechal Gomes da Costa No 9, 1800-255 Lisbon, Portugal. The campus is centrally located in downtown Lisbon, next to the Park of Nations (Parque das Nações).
Stages	Stages EC3 through High School	Stages K-12 school for children aged 3-18.
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 day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Over 50 nationalities are represented.
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 —
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 —
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Not offered.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement There is no school uniform.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options CAISL is served by an on‑campus kitchen with a catering partner, Thomas Franks, and offers three daily lunch options: a main dish, an international dish, and a vegetarian option (the main dish alternates between meat and fish). Lunch is included for Early Childhood and Kindergarten; from Grade 1, lunch is optional with an additional fee. A snack bar provides light meals and beverages.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership CAISL is governed by Fundação Escola Americana de Lisboa (FEAL), a not‑for‑profit foundation under Portuguese law.	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 ULIS provides an international educational program in English for ages 3–18. In Early Years and Primary, IEYC and IPC frameworks guide the curriculum. In Middle School, the IMYC framework shapes learning. The High School program culminates in the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. Portuguese is taught as a second language to ensure students reach an adequate level of Portuguese for life in Portugal.
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 IB Diploma Programme results for 2024: average total score 32.2 with an 89.7% overall pass rate. Four students scored 40 or above, with a high score of 42. The average grade across subjects was 5.1 and the TOK/EE matrix averaged 1.8, with no core components failing.
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 progress to a broad range of international universities worldwide. Destinations include University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, Brown University, UC Davis, King's College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Amsterdam, University of Toronto, ESCP Business School, The University of Auckland, IE Business School, and EHL.
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 CAISL provides counseling and guidance to support students' social and emotional development. The Counseling Department serves Grades 1–12 with a team of four counselors, including three certified clinical psychologists; counseling is available in individual and group formats and involves close collaboration with parents. Information is treated confidentially, and counselors help families access local resources when needed.	Social & emotional learning ULIS embeds social and emotional learning in its approach. The educational philosophy is holistic and aims to develop the whole child through high standards and a range of extra-curricular activities. Emotional intelligence is a key aspect of learning, arising from a happy and stimulating environment rather than exams alone. The school emphasises global citizenship, empathy, collaboration and personal reflection as part of education.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) CAISL offers Learning Support for students with mild learning difficulties, with small-group instruction, regular progress monitoring, formal accommodations, executive functioning skills development, and literacy support. The program is designed for students who can function in a regular classroom setting; CAISL does not provide services for severe learning or behavioral problems. Educational/Health Plans are written when there is a relevant evaluation or medical condition and reviewed annually.	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning support is provided for students who need it. The school recognises that children develop at different rates and offers extra opportunities for growth for those who require it, while continuing to support those who may struggle at times.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the medium of instruction in all classes. English as a Language (EAL) classes are available in small groups to support students whose first language is not English; ESL can be delivered through immersion, sheltered classes, or monitoring. Admission testing is used for non-native English speakers, with progression plans and monitoring (including WIDA assessments) to move students to mainstream English instruction; high school entry for non-native speakers requires demonstrated English fluency.	English as an additional language ULIS provides an international educational program in English from age 3 to 18. The language of instruction is English, and Portuguese is taught as a second language.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing CAISL offers personal counseling to support emotional and social well-being for students in Grades 1–12, with a team of counselors available for individual or group sessions. Counselors work with students to develop healthy strategies and maintain confidentiality while coordinating with families as needed.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is central to ULIS, described as a safe and thriving community where wellbeing and support for everyone is paramount. Emotional intelligence is cultivated as part of the learning experience, supporting resilience and collaborative skills.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding CAISL has a Child Protection Policy with annual staff training and a formal process for safeguarding students. Recruitment follows rigorous child-protection standards, including background checks and verification of criminal records for staff, contractors, and volunteers. A designated Child Protection Officer oversees safeguarding and there is a Child Protection Handbook and a formal reporting process for suspected abuse or neglect.	Safeguarding There is a Canal de Denúncias (whistleblowing channel) listed on the site for reporting safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview CAISL's campus serves Pre-School through High School with dedicated classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces designed to support academic and extracurricular programs. The space includes a Pre-School and Elementary area with age-appropriate classrooms and direct playground access, and Middle School and High School spaces with subject-specific classrooms, science labs, and student gathering areas. Outdoor athletics facilities include a professional-sized soccer field, two multi-purpose fields, three outdoor basketball courts, and track-and-field facilities, complemented by an indoor gymnasium and a smaller gym for younger students with a fitness room. The arts and music spaces feature dedicated art rooms and music classrooms, a theatre that seats over 400, a main library with extensive resources, and technology resources across the campus.	Facilities overview The campus is located in central Lisbon's Park of Nations and comprises 6,500 sqm of outdoor spaces and play areas. The urban campus blends innovative learning environments with green spaces and is designed to support 21st-century learning across classrooms, shared hubs, science and technology labs, STEAM and maker spaces, a library and media center, performance and arts spaces, and outdoor sport facilities. The campus has expanded since its origins in 2019, with a 2024 renovation of a historic electronics factory and a 2025 expansion including a new sports hall and auditorium.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities CAISL offers extensive athletics facilities: outdoor spaces include a professional-sized soccer field, two multi-purpose fields, three outdoor basketball courts, and track-and-field facilities, plus a baby gym for preschool. Indoor spaces include a gymnasium configurable for two basketball courts or three volleyball courts, a smaller gym for younger students, and a fitness room with machines and free weights.	Sports facilities Outdoor play areas and sports facilities are set within a green environment, with a new sports hall opened in 2025 as part of campus growth.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Middle School and High School provide specialized classrooms, labs, collaborative spaces, and student gathering areas to support deeper learning and university preparation. Students have access to subject-specific classrooms, science labs, and central atriums serving as social hubs. Pre-School and Elementary spaces include dedicated classrooms with in-class bathrooms and direct playground access, with elementary students receiving Art, Music, and Physical Education instruction.	Academic facilities State-of-the-art science and technology labs, dedicated STEAM and maker spaces, light-filled classrooms and collaborative hubs, a multifunctional library and media center, and performance/arts spaces including a flexible auditorium support the curriculum. The campus also features Maker Space facilities for hands-on work.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities CAISL offers after-school activities and clubs across grades, with registration after the start of the school year and the ability to filter by grade and day. Igniting Passions highlights Arts and Athletics programs, including concerts by Choir and Orchestra, and weekly Open Mic events. The program includes Arts & Crafts, Ballet, Basketball, Ceramics, Chess, Chinese language and culture clubs, percussion groups, choir, theatre, and many other after-school activities supported by dedicated Fine Arts spaces such as music classrooms, art rooms, a 400-seat theatre, and the main library. The campus hosts MUN programs and a range of after-school opportunities through Beyond the Classroom.	Extra curricular facilities The extra-curricular program includes music lessons (individual and group), additional language classes, art, design & technology, drama, tennis, football, basketball, eco club, chess and Model United Nations, among other activities via the United Lisbon Academy.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History CAISL began in 1956 when Anthony McKenna founded a school with a big vision: bringing American education to Portugal, starting with 9 students in a small apartment in Pedrouços. In 1984 the Portuguese Ministry of Education officially recognized the school's educational program. In 1998 the Linhó campus was established, uniting the divisions on a purpose-built learning environment. CAISL is governed by the Fundação Escola Americana de Lisboa Board of Trustees, composed of three members: one appointed by Visteon Portuguesa and two appointed by the U.S. Embassy to Portugal, who set policy and long-term direction while day-to-day operations are delegated to school leadership. By 2026 CAISL has grown from 9 students to more than 700, marking 70 years of operation.	History United Lisbon International School is a modern K-12 international school in central Lisbon. It is a member of the Dukes Education family of schools. Founded around 2020, ULIS delivered its first IB graduates in 2024 and is an accredited IB World School as well as a candidate school for NEASC. The school centers its program on five pillars—Technology, Global Citizenship, Entrepreneurship, Performing Arts, and Sports—supported by a state-of-the-art Maker Space and modern facilities, including science laboratories and art spaces, with over 6,500 square meters of outdoor space. The campus hosts a diverse community with over 50 nationalities and more than 600 students as of January 2024.
Community	Community CAISL is a truly international school community where every student is known, supported, and valued. At the start of the 2025–2026 school year, CAISL enrolled 755 students representing 62 nationalities. All of our faculty are fluent English speakers, and about 70% of core subject teachers are native speakers or program carriers. The CAISL community includes everyone who shares an interest in the success of our learners.	Community ULIS cultivates a safe and thriving school community that aims to develop the whole child into a well-rounded, confident citizen known for collaboration and integrity. The community includes more than 50 nationalities, creating a truly international atmosphere. The school partners with local clubs and institutions, such as the Lisbon Racket Centre and Sporting Athletic Club, to enrich student life. Being a member of the Dukes Education family provides access to international exchange, summer camp opportunities, and cross-school collaboration.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Support Group (PSG) is made up of CAISL parents who promote a sense of belonging and mutual support across the school community. The PSG organizes activities for CAISL families and staff, as well as some adults-only activities during the school days. The group brings together a significant number of parent volunteers and functions without a hierarchical structure; they meet at least once a month and charge no fees, and any school parent is welcome to attend. There is no required process to join; to be added to the mailing list, write to psg@caisl Lisbon.org, or simply join the next meeting. Next meetings and activities usually occur on the first Tuesday of every month. Event samples include Welcome Back BBQ, Movie Night/Matinee, Teacher Appreciation, Seasonal Decorations, Trekking, and a Book Club.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual CAISL offers a broad range of after-school programs that extend academic exploration and intellectual growth. The Model United Nations program builds research, diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking skills, with Junior MUN and Iberian MUN conferences and opportunities to participate in THIMUN events. Middle School participates in Week Without Walls, traveling to historical, cultural, and scientific sites to deepen understanding. Technology is integrated across the curriculum, with coding, robotics, and AI exploration, including the use of virtual reality to tackle real‑world problems.	Academic & intellectual The United Lisbon Academy provides programs that extend academic learning into real-world applications. The Maker Space teaches coding, robotics, 3D printing and Minecraft to develop digital literacy and problem-solving. Venture Tracks 2.0 connects middle and high school students with entrepreneurship projects, enabling teams to develop real-world solutions and present to companies in demonstrations and investor events. The Inventors and Happy Code programs offer hands-on engineering, arts and creativity and STEAM activities to foster innovation.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative CAISL's Fine Arts program includes Music, Visual Arts, and Drama, taught by specialist teachers from Early Childhood onward. Visual Arts begin in Elementary and continue through Grade 12, with a String Orchestra and Choir developing in the upper years and drama electives such as Musical Theater, One Act Plays, and Theater Studies, plus ISTA Theater Festival participation for High School Drama. The school also offers a range of after‑school arts activities and clubs, including Film Makers Club, Experimental Art Club, Sewing/Clothing design, and other offerings such as Guitar, Drums, and Piano, with public performances throughout the year.	Arts & creative The Performing Arts are integrated through the Music Academy, which runs Kindergarten to Grade 12 and offers individual, group and ensemble instruction, with exams and diplomas issued by the Music Teachers Board. Students learn to sing and play instruments, with a structured pathway to certification. Arcade Dance Center provides street and performance dance across age groups, with styles including Creative Dance, Ballet, Hip Hop, Popping and Whacking. Fencing is offered to Grade 1 through Grade 12 as a modern sport emphasizing technique, discipline and sportsmanship.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Portuguese Language & Culture is an activity to improve Portuguese speaking through elements of Portugal's history and culture, meeting twice a month with field trips to sites such as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Portuguese Club is also offered as a fee‑based language club to support language practice.	Cultural & language Language Academy with Speakwell provides language teaching with native or bilingual teachers and CEFR-aligned materials, including a nonbinding assessment before starting. The school has a Global Citizenship pillar that emphasizes cultural awareness, empathy and responsibility toward local and global communities. The current and future collaboration with the United Lisbon Edu Hub enriches learning in arts, entrepreneurship, shadowing and internships.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies CAISL offers a wide range of after‑school activities led by teachers or external partners, including debate, science, technology, and chess. In Middle and High School, lunchtime and after‑school clubs encourage leadership, collaboration, and exploration of interests across diverse topics. Examples of student clubs and activities include Dungeons & Dragons, Girl Scouts, Lego Club, Scrapbooking, Sewing Club, DJing, Piano, and Minikinos Stop Motion Film Making.	Social & hobbies A broad range of after-school activities complements the curriculum, including football at the Academy with Sporting CP for ages 4–17, acrobatic gymnastics, and cycling. The Music Academy and Arcade Dance Center offer ongoing artistic opportunities, while language and entrepreneurship programs provide additional social and creative outlets. Partnerships with local clubs, such as Lisboa Racket Centre for tennis and paddle, extend extracurricular options beyond the classroom.
Community & service	Community & service Community Service at CAISL is central to growth, with the Secondary Community Service Club organizing bake sales, fundraising, Banco Alimentar drives, and housing projects with Associação DOMUS. High School Honor Societies such as National Honor Society, Tri‑M, the Thespian Troupe, and the Honorable Art Society include service components and engage in fundraising and other service activities. Independent Service Projects and Service Learning connect classroom goals to community needs, such as migration symposia and fundraising for water in South Sudan. Parent participation through the Parent Support Group also contributes to service activities like Banco Alimentar and charitable knitting projects.	Community & service Global Citizenship fosters cultural awareness, empathy and responsibility toward local and global communities. The school connects students to real-world experiences through internships and shadowing opportunities via the United Lisbon Edu Hub and the Dukes network, which also provides career counselling and university guidance. The diverse community includes students from around 50 countries, reflecting a globally-minded educational environment.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The MUN program develops leadership, global awareness, and self‑confidence, with Junior MUN and Iberian MUN as major events and participation in THIMUN conferences. CAISL hosts IMUN, an Iberian MUN conference, and senior students often take on leadership roles such as chairs or Secretaries General. In addition, CAISL supports leadership development through clubs and initiatives like Next Gen Leaders (Startwise) as part of its after‑school offerings.	Leadership & professional Entrepreneurship is a pillar that encourages students to think creatively, take initiative and solve real-world problems. Venture Tracks 2.0 enables middle and high school students to develop projects, work with companies and present solutions in Demo Day and Investor Day. Through the Dukes education family, students gain access to internship and college counselling services and broader career development opportunities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing CAISL's Athletics program focuses on participation, team development, and sportsmanship, with after‑school teams in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and baseball for younger students and high school teams traveling to European tournaments. The program emphasizes safe competition, fitness, and multicultural experience as part of its mission. Field trips and Outdoor Learning experiences, including farm visits, planting, and environmental activities, supplement physical and outdoor wellness. Kidding Around Yoga and other wellness activities are offered as part of after‑school options to support physical and mental well‑being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports form a core pillar, emphasizing physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship through a variety of athletic programs. The campus includes over 6,500 square meters of outdoor space to support sports and outdoor activities in an urban setting. The academy's partnerships, including with Sporting CP and local sport centers, provide structured opportunities for football, tennis, cycling and other physical activities.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision All CAISL classes are taught in English, with Portuguese Native Language and Portuguese as a Foreign Language offered throughout the grades. Portuguese is required for all students through Grade 9. Portuguese Native Language follows the Ministry of Education curriculum for its levels, while Portuguese as a Foreign Language is designed to help students develop functional proficiency before moving to the Native/Fluent program. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) support is provided to assist non-native English speakers.	Language provision English is the language of instruction for all schooling ages (3–18). Portuguese is taught as a second language. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and Intensive English Learning (IEL) are available to support students with English-language needs, with IEL arranged if required and sometimes at the parent's expense. Additional language classes are offered through the extracurricular program.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Bilingual teaching is provided in Early Childhood, with English as the primary language of instruction and Portuguese introduced through immersion. In Early Childhood, two teachers work together, one fluent in English and one in Portuguese, with both often bilingual. The English-language instruction extends to most grades, while Portuguese is taught as a Native/Fluent Language and as a Foreign Language throughout the grades. ESL support is available for non-native English speakers.	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in English; Portuguese is taught as a second language.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs English is used as the language of instruction in Early Childhood with Portuguese introduced through immersion. In EC, two teachers work together, one fluent in English and one in Portuguese, and both are often bilingual, providing an English-Portuguese immersive experience. ESL support helps non-native English speakers access the regular curriculum.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations CAISL is fully accredited and operates with a permanent authorization to offer an American curricular program for EC3 through 12th grade; CAISL is authorized to award an American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, both accepted worldwide including for entry into Portuguese universities. CAISL is authorized by the IB Organization to offer the IB Diploma Program and is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education. CAISL is the only “assisted school” in Portugal from the U.S. Department of State. Memberships include American Education Reaches Out, Association of Private and Cooperative Educational Institutions (Portugal), Independent Schools Management, International Schools Theater Association, Mediterranean Association of International Schools, National Association of Independent Schools, National Honor Society, The Educational Collaborative for International Schools, and Virtual High School Learning.	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 Enquire: submit an Enquiry form; responses provide information about eligibility and spaces. Visit: schedule a campus tour (in person or virtual). Apply for a Place: complete the online application for each student and submit required documents, including school transcripts; an application fee is payable online. Prepare your documents: passport-sized photo; academic transcripts from the past two years and the current year (official translations if not in English or Portuguese); documentation for special needs (if applicable); copies of student and parents' IDs. Assessment and Interview: depending on age, assessments and/or family interviews may be required; remote assessments are available for overseas applicants. Receive an Offer: after review, the admission decision is communicated by email; if accepted, an offer to join is issued. Enrolment: secure your child's place by completing the enrolment process, signing the enrolment contract, and paying the enrolment fee; confirmation within 10 working days. Prepare for the First Day: admissions team will assist with preparations. Rolling admissions: applications are accepted year-round, depending on space availability. Language: language proficiency requirements vary by grade level per CEFR; English language support is available for non-native speakers.
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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