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Escola da A.P.E.L.

Portugal, Funchal

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Portuguese
Fees €1,750 - 2,750
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1978
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Japanese Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages English, Portuguese, Spanish, German
Strengths Languages, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Cultural and Language, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Escola da APEL is a private Catholic school in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, delivering a diverse international curriculum alongside national options. It has been an IB World School since 2015 and offers the Diploma Programme (DP) with DP1 activities such as Maths Boot Camp and DP2 initiatives including Extended Essay Week. In addition to the IB, the school provides the Cambridge IGCSE and a Japanese Curriculum, reflecting a broad approach to learning. The Trajeto Pedagógico (Educational Pathway) for 2026/2027 is published by Year Directors during Official Opening Week, with further study plans available through Calameo links for 2025/2026. The school operates as a non-profit entity with small class sizes, experienced staff, and modern facilities, delivering strong results in national exams and university placements. Extracurriculars include theatre trips, gallery visits, Eco-Schools projects, and a range of language and cultural clubs that promote intercultural understanding. Nearby facilities support sport, arts, and community engagement.

Caminho dos Saltos, nº 6 (alternatively Rua do Til, nº 69), 9050-219 Funchal, Ilha da Madeira, Portugal

The Essentials

Escola da A.P.E.L. has instruction in English, Portuguese.

Location
Caminho dos Saltos, No. 6, 9050-219 Funchal, Ilha da Madeira, Portugal. The school is in Funchal on Madeira Island, Portugal. The postal code is 9050-219.

Stages
The school has International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP1/DP2) for the later years of secondary education. The school has Scientific-Humanistic tracks, Professional tracks, Education and Formation tracks, and International Education.

Type
The school is a private Catholic school.

Additional learning support
The school has Online School Support.

Country affiliation
Portugal

Religious affiliation
Catholic

School day structure
The school operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 21:00. The Secretariat is open from 9:00 to 17:30.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Cantina is available at the school; meals must be reserved in advance. If a student or guardian wishes to lunch in the Cantina, the meal must be reserved by December 5.

Governance and Ownership
Catholic private non-profit educational association (APEL - Associação Promotora do Ensino Livre). Founded July 21, 1978; operates as a non-profit entity with recognized public utility. Director General is Pe Fernando Gonçalves; Director Pedagógico is Dr. Gonçalo Faria; Director Financeiro is Dr. José Vieira.
Fees

Annual tuition at Escola da A.P.E.L. ranges from EUR 1,750 to EUR 2,750 for 2026/27.

Application / Enrollment fee
- Enrollment fee (Matrícula): EUR 185 for Científico‑Humanísticos, Cursos de Educação e Formação (CEF) and Cursos Profissionais. EUR 400 for the IB Diploma Programme. These enrollment fees include the mandatory school insurance.

Tuition (by programme) — monthly, per term and per academic year
- Billing structure: the school charges a recurring monthly tuition (mensalidade) and treats the full obligation as an annual fee (anuidade) for the school year. Tuition may be paid in full or in instalments as described below.

- Científico‑Humanísticos / Cursos de Educação e Formação (CEF) / Cursos Profissionais:
- Monthly instalment: EUR 175 per month.
- Academic year (standard calculation based on the school's 10 monthly instalments, September–June): EUR 1,750 per year (EUR 175 × 10).

- IB Diploma Programme:
- Monthly instalment: EUR 275 per month.
- Academic year (standard calculation based on the school's 10 monthly instalments, September–June): EUR 2,750 per year (EUR 275 × 10).

- Per‑term amounts: the school issues the annual obligation and offers payment in 10 monthly instalments (September–June). The school does not publish fixed “term” invoices separate from this monthly/annual structure; therefore per‑term totals correspond to the sum of the monthly instalments that fall in that term or to the agreed annual amount if paid in full. The monthly amounts above are the basis for any per‑term calculation.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment options for the annual tuition:
- Pay the anuidade in a single annual payment (the school may agree a discount for single annual payment).
- Pay in 10 monthly successive instalments from September to June; each monthly instalment is considered due by the 8th day of the month.

- Late payment and non‑compliance:
- From the 10th day of each month a penalty of 1% per day is applied to the overdue instalment.
- Failure to pay any instalment makes all remaining instalments immediately due; the school may propose a payment plan but may ultimately consider the contract resolved for just cause if non‑payment persists, which can result in the student losing enrolment.

- Surcharge for late enrolment: any enrollment made outside the prescribed period is subject to a 10% surcharge on the enrollment fee.

Boarding fees
- Boarding: Not applicable. No boarding programme or boarding fee schedule is provided for the school's regular offer of programmes; tuition and enrolment fees above apply to day attendance.

Other costs and mandatory extras
- Lockers (Cacifos): EUR 25 annually (where applicable).
- Chromebooks / school devices: costs for repairs, replacement of equipment or replacement of accessories are charged to the family as incurred (no single blanket device fee is specified; costs depend on repair/replacement needs).
- School insurance: included in the enrollment fee (matrícula).
- Manuals / digital materials: use of digital manuals and associated device/software licences is governed by a specific regulation; families may be liable for conditions and costs described in that regulation.

Discounts
- The school may grant a discount for payment of the anuidade in a single payment; the amount and conditions of that discount are agreed with the school's Direction.
- A standing partner discount: members of certain partner associations (for example ACIF‑CCIM) are offered a 10% discount on monthly tuition for secondary, technical and IB programmes under the partnership arrangements referenced.

Refund and withdrawal policy
- Withdrawal during the school year: withdrawal or cancellation of enrollment during the school year does not give the right to a refund of amounts already paid and does not relieve the family from the obligation to pay instalments already due or still due.

Fee payment options (how families may pay)
- Bank transfer is used as a normal method for payment of monthly instalments; the necessary IBAN and bank details may be obtained from the school's accounting/administration services. The school's Tesouraria (cashier) operates during regular hours for in‑person payments.
- No standardized public listing of card or online payment providers (MBway, reference multibanco, card terminal, etc.) is published in the tuition rules; families should confirm available methods with the school's accounting/tesouraria.

Summary of the principal amounts (for database entry)
- Enrollment (matrícula): EUR 185 (regular programmes); EUR 400 (IB).
- Monthly tuition: EUR 175 (Científico‑Humanísticos / CEF / Cursos Profissionais); EUR 275 (IB).
- Annual tuition (standard 10‑month instalment basis): EUR 1,750 (regular programmes); EUR 2,750 (IB).
- Lockers: EUR 25 annually (where applicable).
- Late payment penalty: 1% per day from the 10th day following due date.

(End of fees overview)
Academics

Escola da A.P.E.L. teaches IB (DP), Japanese Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE.

Curriculum
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). DP1 includes Maths Boot Camp; DP2 includes Extended Essay Week. The Trajeto Pedagógico (Educational Pathway) for 2026/2027 is presented by Year Directors during the Official Opening Week (beginning September 28) and will be published on the Escola da APEL site. The Study Plan for 2026/2027 and the Trajeto Pedagógico for 2025/2026 are accessible via Calameo links on the site.

Exam Results
Nine in ten students (90%) entered one of their top three university options, corresponding to about 89% of those placed; 80% were placed in their top two options, well above the national average of 72.9%. Only a small number of 12th-year students did not enter public higher education, with some gaining placements at private or international institutions. Health-related placements account for 26% (Medicine accounts for about 10% of placements, with 8% in Medicine and the Basic Medicine cycle, and the rest in Veterinary and Dentistry). About 13% of placements are in Engineering.

Higher Education Progression
Placements into universities and higher education are strong, with the majority entering public higher education and a large share achieving top-three and top-two option placements; some graduates pursue private or international institutions.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Diploma Programme emphasises the development of the students' personal competences as a priority. Creativity, interculturality, imagination, intelligence, respect and consideration are central values promoted by the programme. The CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme offers opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities, including local and global environmental projects. The IB Learner Profile shapes students to be responsible, inquisitive, attentive and globally minded, and the programme fosters global citizenship and solidarity through active learning and community engagement. The school's mission emphasises integral and lifelong development and prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
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English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Diploma Programme is taught in English. Group 1 languages include Language and Literature: English (HL) and Portuguese (HL/SL); Group 2 language acquisition includes English B (HL), Portuguese B (HL/SL), Spanish ab initio (SL) and German ab initio (SL). Development of linguistic competences is a priority to understand the modern world, access a curriculum of excellence, and succeed in higher education. Escola da APEL has been an IB World School since 2015, providing an English-language education with a global perspective. The programme also includes English language and literature courses and an English B course to support language development and intercultural communication.

Mental Wellbeing
The Diploma Programme promotes holistic development and well-being by prioritising personal development and active learning. The CAS programme provides opportunities for creativity, activity and service, fostering personal growth, resilience and community involvement. The Vision and Mission emphasise integral and lifelong development and global citizenship, which supports students' well-being. The IB Learner Profile and international-minded approach contribute to caring, balanced and reflective learners as part of the educational experience.

Safeguarding
The school has a safety and risk prevention plan called ‘APELar à Segurança' developed with Civil Protection as a partner. It includes awareness sessions for the entire school community and updates to alarm systems, safety measures and evacuation procedures. A forthcoming simulacrum will mobilize the entire educational community and involve Civil Protection, firefighters and security forces, with activation of the 112 emergency number. The school has hosted a workshop on protection and care of minors for Catholic schools in Madeira, illustrating ongoing safeguarding initiatives.
Parent Experience

History
The Escola da APEL (Associação Promotora do Ensino Livre), a Catholic school, was founded on July 21, 1978, and began its activities on October 1, 1978. It was created in the mid-1970s in response to the urgent need for a private secondary-education establishment so that students finishing the 3rd cycle could continue in private education. Padre Mário Casagrande, a Dehonian priest, was the soul of this educational project. Initially focused on general secondary courses, it later expanded to professional pathways, including the 13th year via professional programs. The school operates as a non-profit entity of public benefit, with recognized usefulness, a stable and experienced teaching staff, small class sizes, modern facilities, and a strong track record of high results on national exams and university placements.

Community
The school's educational project emphasizes a personalized, humanist approach that links life, culture, and faith; participation and cooperation are central to the school's educational community; and it aims for education and leadership for change in the 21st century. It is a nonprofit organization with accreditation and a culture of high achievement, including a stable faculty and small classes with modern facilities and well-equipped laboratories, arts ateliers, and sports facilities. The school runs international and local projects such as Erasmus+, a Youth Club of Lovers of the World of Plants, Greengnorance, and Greenathon in VET, plus Eco Escolas and other initiatives. It publishes Edições APEL and hosts Campo de Férias APEL'ativas, a holiday program for children aligned with the school's community life. The IB Diploma Programme is taught in English since September 2015, and Catholic traditions and community events (such as the Capas blessing) are part of school life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is an IB World School since 2015 and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP). The Diploma Programme is a two‑year course that provides equivalence to the Portuguese 11th and 12th years. Creativity, interculturality, imagination, intelligence, respect and courtesy are core values promoted by the DP, with the development of personal competences a priority. Linguistic development is emphasized to understand the modern world, access a curriculum of excellence, achieve success in higher education and compete in the global job market, with a strong emphasis on research and a broad range of extracurricular projects.

Arts & Creative
The Diploma Programme includes extra‑curricular activities such as theatre trips and visits to local galleries and museums. Eco-Schools projects are also part of the programme, promoting environmental awareness. These activities enrich arts and culture beyond the classroom and foster creative engagement through culturally oriented experiences.

Cultural & Language
Group 1 consists of Studies in Language and Literature with English (HL) and Portuguese (HL/SL). Group 2 covers Language Acquisition with English B and Portuguese B, plus Spanish ab initio and German ab initio. Linguistic development is a central focus of the Diploma Programme to help students understand the modern world and access higher education, while intercultural understanding and global citizenship are also key aims of the DP.

Social & Hobbies
Students may participate in a range of extra‑curricular activities, including theatre trips, visits to local galleries and museums, and Eco-Schools projects. These activities support cultural and artistic engagement beyond the classroom and enable students to pursue arts, culture and environmental initiatives as part of the IB education.

Community & Service
Heritage Stewardship aims to promote employability, inclusion and social cohesion through an educational, participatory and intercultural approach to European heritage. Activities include preservation and investigation of European natural and cultural heritage, digitization of heritage, and entrepreneurship in the heritage sector. Go Green against Climate Change seeks to raise environmental awareness and entrepreneurship by developing educational tools and green skills, with STEAM‑based mobility and dissemination activities across partner countries. Eco Schools recognizes the school's long‑standing commitment to sustainability, evidenced by periodic Green Flag recognitions.

Leadership & Professional
Polo de Emprego offers school, vocational and career guidance, plus information and referrals for employment, training, internships and post‑placement support. It provides individualized support for active job searching, including CVs, cover letters, unsolicited applications, interview preparation and post‑placement follow‑up, and it informs about establishing own business ventures while cooperating with other entities to address local employment and training needs. SIG`APEL – Serigrafia, Impressão e Gravação provides serigraphy, printing and engraving services, operating as a practical school enterprise; additional capabilities include high‑quality printing on paper and PVC, brochures, calendars, business cards, posters, clothing prints, UV varnish and bottle labels. The school also offers Advanced International Business Management (Funchal/Atlântico) as part of its professional education offerings.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Campo de Férias APEL'ativas is a summer camp for children aged 4 to 13, running from 8:00 to 18:30 and organized at the school site with family access Online registration. The program emphasizes participation, development of social skills and safety, with activities structured in multi‑block daily plans and staff leadership to suit developmental levels. Activities include educational, cultural, artistic and recreational components, with a focus on well‑being, engagement and community links. The program also features sports such as capoeira, football, judo and jiu jitsu as part of its offerings, all contributing to physical health and social interaction; Eco-Schools activities support sustainable practices and the Green Flag is awarded for many years, recognizing ongoing environmental leadership.
Languages

Language Provision
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Languages taught and studied within the Diploma Programme include English (Language and Literature HL) and Portuguese (Language and Literature HL/SL). In Language Acquisition, English B (HL), Portuguese B (HL/SL), Spanish ab initio (SL), and German ab initio (SL) are offered. The program emphasizes linguistic development as part of its IB framework, supporting students' global understanding and preparation for higher education.
School Events
The school has not added events
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