Edited by Giulia Ceccon · Chief Marketing Officer
Algarve is home to 15 international schools, offering families a range of curricula and price points to choose from.
Compare 8 international schools in Algarve, Portugal. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 8,571), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Colégio Santiago Internacional (CSI Tavira) is a coeducational independent school located in central Tavira in a 15th‑century building considered a historic landmark. Open to ages 3 to 18, it follows the English National Curriculum with bilingual instruction in English and Portuguese, adapted to meet each student's needs. The community includes more than 27 nationalities and about 130 students. The curriculum emphasizes mathematics and science, with the Arts and Sports component given significant emphasis, and a commitment to fostering an international culture and interest in other languages and cultures. The campus houses 16 classrooms plus facilities including a science laboratory, a music studio, a radio station, a computer room, an art room and a canteen offering healthy, sustainably sourced meals. Class sizes are capped at 18. A-levels are offered in Years 12 and 13. Extracurriculars include Tennis Club, Ballet, Portuguese Arts & Crafts, Egyptian Arabic Classes and Homework Club, supporting personal development alongside academics.
Barlavento International Primary School provides an English-language international primary program for children aged 3 to 11, based on the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum of England, adapted for an international community living in Portugal. The campus sits in the Algarve countryside near Lagos, with extensive outdoor space, forest schools, wildlife areas, fruit and vegetable gardens, and two large shaded play areas. Four bright classrooms, a library, an IT room and a large sports hall with a stage support a range of activities, from daily lessons to performances and sports. The curriculum combines core English, Maths and Reading with Portuguese, Mindfulness, Gardening and Drama, delivered through thematically linked topics such as Our Wonderful World and Mission to Mars. Lunchtime clubs include yoga, art and chess, and the school collaborates with link-schools worldwide to nurture an international community focused on wellbeing, curiosity and responsible citizenship. Here families feel welcome.
Located in the cultural heart of the Algarve, Montalvo International School offers a British international education for students aged 11 to 17. The school follows the British Curriculum, with Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), iGCSEs ( Years 10–11) and AS/A Levels (Years 12–13). Students prepare for examinations as a clear pathway to universities and higher education. The Loulé campus occupies a historic building dating back to the 1890s and aims to be a Centre of Excellence for Years 9 to 13, providing a dedicated learning hub with on-site teaching and all necessary facilities within the welcoming surrounds of the town. A focus on language immersion and cultural exchange is central to the programme, with Portuguese language study embedded in community involvement. The Montalvo Partnership Program will develop to enhance language and cultural immersion. In addition to academics, the school emphasizes extracurriculars and well-being as part of a holistic education for all.
Educan, Algarve is a private international day school in Portugal delivering the Pearson Edexcel International British Curriculum for learners aged 5 to 16. The core program runs in the morning, with core subjects taught from 9:00 to 13:00 and a hands-on approach that fosters practical understanding. In the afternoons, clubs run from 14:00 to 15:30, offering language options such as Portuguese, Dutch, Mandarin, French and Russian, along with Mindfulness, Art & Design, Science Experiments, Cooking, Engineering, Computing and Physical Education. Tutoring by experienced teachers supports all students, and a Pearson Edexcel Qualifications guide helps families understand the qualifications offered. Interactive projects, including an Annual Science Project, promote scientific thinking and collaboration. Extra-curricular activities extend learning beyond the classroom, with sessions from 2pm to 3:30pm. The school emphasizes student wellbeing, autonomy, and cross-cultural communication through its varied language and activity options. Students benefit from a supportive environment that welcomes international families.
Brave Generation Academy - Algarve is a hybrid international school in Portugal offering British IGCSEs and A-Levels, American, and Portuguese+ curricula for learners aged 12 to 18. It combines online study with in-person Hubs guided by Learning Coaches, with 24/7 access to a digital platform and Hubs in Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé, Tavira, Vila Sol, and Madeira (Funchal) or online. Curricula are accredited and internationally recognized; the Portuguese+ track uses Portuguese materials and assessments, includes Exames Nacionais preparation, and enables direct entry to Portuguese universities while allowing study abroad. Higher Education is delivered through Unique Pathway Degree Programmes in Business Management, Computing Science, Hospitality, and Sports. Founded in Cascais in July 2022 by Tim and Lidia Vieira, the network has expanded beyond Europe to Africa, the USA and Asia, aiming to democratize access to international education through learner-centered hubs. Learners benefit from flexible pathways and a supportive community.
Aspire International School Algarve is an independent international school for ages 3 to 18, delivering a British-style curriculum throughout the school. In the Early Years, AIS Algarve follows the Early Years Foundation Stage with Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception, and provides weekly Portuguese language exposure alongside Jolly Phonics for literacy. Primary education follows the English National Curriculum, with small class sizes and specialist teachers in Art, ICT, PE, Performing Arts and Music, plus English as an Additional Language support. The Secondary programme follows the British National Curriculum from Key Stage 3 through iGCSEs and A levels, with iGCSEs taught to Pearson Edexcel and A levels offered with Edexcel accreditation. The curriculum includes PSHE and Mindfulness and a balanced programme of sports, arts and clubs. The campus between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago features outdoor areas, a cap of 12 per class, with Portuguese language integrated through Portuguese Push.
Vilamoura International School, founded in 1984 as Colégio Internacional de Vilamoura, is a private international school in the Algarve serving ages 3 to 18. The school offers two curricula: Portuguese Studies following the Portuguese national curriculum and English Studies based on a British international framework. The English pathway follows the British National Curriculum in Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, culminating in IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. The Portuguese pathway includes national examinations in Grades 9 and 12. CIV is a Cambridge International Examination centre and an Alliance Française centre, reflecting a bilingual, multilingual approach. Early language learning includes Portuguese, English and French, with opportunities to study Spanish, German and Russian as extracurricular activities. English-exposure students receive EAL support to help integrate. The campus spans 27,000 m² with outdoors, science labs, Music and Art rooms, ballet studio, gymnasiums, astroturf field and multiple courts. CIV is part of Inspired Education.
Aljezur International School offers a British curriculum tailored to life in the Western Algarve. Ages 11 to 18 study together in small groups, with Years 7–9 emphasizing experiential learning and tutor bonds, and a two-year Cambridge track leading to IGCSE examinations before progressing to AS and A Levels. The school operates as a Cambridge International Examination Centre, and is the Algarve's only open Cambridge exam centre, welcoming internal and external candidates. The campus occupies a converted farmhouse on seven hectares of protected land, with an organic vegetable garden, resident animals, and a three-hectare river valley that supports sustainability projects. Lessons incorporate UNESCO, Oxfam, Amnesty International and National Geographic resources to enrich inquiry. A stage-not-age philosophy enables earlier IGCSE entry where appropriate, and tutorial support for AS and A Level qualifications. Outdoor theatre, a school band, community service, and leadership opportunities accompany strong academics. This fosters global-minded, responsible learners for life.
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