From the U.S. to Portugal: How We Chose the Right School for Our Kids

When we first started planning our move to Portugal, we, like many expat families, considered enrolling our children in an international school. It seemed like the easiest route—after all, international schools cater to foreign families and often use English as the primary language of instruction, which could ease the transition for our kids. But after speaking with several families during our scouting trip, we quickly realized that enrolling our children in a Portuguese school from the start would be the best option for their long-term growth.

The reasoning was simple: The younger children are, the easier it is for them to pick up a new language. Immersion in a Portuguese school would allow our kids to learn the language naturally and quickly, and it would give them the chance to connect with their peers in a way that an international school might not. Armed with this advice, we shifted our focus to finding the right Portuguese school—one that would not only meet our educational standards but also align with our values.

We began by seeking recommendations from other expat families, asking about secular schools that offered strong academics and a welcoming environment for international families. One school consistently stood out from the rest: it was praised for its excellent reputation, emphasis on community, and collaborative approach to education. After chatting with several families who had children there, we felt confident that this school was the right fit for us.

We took the next step by contacting the school to inquire about enrollment. Since we were still living in the U.S. at the time, the process was done remotely, and it included a video interview with both of our children. Even though I was excited, it felt surreal to be making such an important decision from across the ocean. But as soon as we received the green light, we knew it was time to start preparing for our big move.

After arriving in Portugal on our visas, we finally had the chance to visit the school in person. The school year was winding down, but we were eager to see the space where our children would be spending their days. As luck would have it, we ran into one of the English teachers right when we arrived. She was incredibly welcoming and offered to give us a tour of the school. She walked us through the classrooms, explaining how the day-to-day routines would unfold for each age group, and gave us a detailed overview of what to expect.

Once the tour was over, she took us outside to the playground where we were able to meet some of the other children. Even though most of the students didn’t speak English and my kids didn’t know Portuguese, the children immediately came up to them, gave them hugs, and made them feel included. It was a small moment, but it was huge for us. I could see the excitement on my kids' faces as they played with the other children, and I realized then that this was the kind of school environment I had always dreamed of for them—a place where they would not only learn but feel embraced and supported.

That warm welcome was the final confirmation we needed: we had chosen the right school. The genuine care and openness of the community, the emphasis on making children feel safe and valued—it all made us certain that this was the perfect place for our family’s next chapter.

A Collaborative, Supportive Approach to Education

One of the biggest surprises for us was how deeply ingrained the concept of collaboration is between parents and teachers in the Portuguese school system. In the U.S., the relationship between teachers and parents was often more formal, and while communication was frequent, there was less emphasis on a true partnership. Here, however, the Portuguese school’s approach is more team-oriented. Teachers view the parents as key allies in the educational process, creating a seamless flow of information and shared responsibility for the child's development.

For example, my oldest child’s teacher regularly suggests activities to support his learning at home. If he needs improvement in a particular area—like fine motor skills or handwriting—she will send home resources and ideas for us to practice together. This level of involvement makes me feel like we are all working toward the same goal: helping my child succeed. It’s truly a “teamwork” approach, where both parents and teachers are actively involved in supporting the child’s progress.

This parental collaboration also extends to how the school ensures parents stay informed. Children bring home their workbooks regularly, allowing us to review what they are learning and sign off to acknowledge that we’ve seen their progress. The teacher may even offer comments on areas where the child is excelling or where more attention is needed. It’s an open, ongoing dialogue that keeps everyone on the same page, which has been invaluable for us as parents navigating a new school system.

School Uniforms: Practical, Comfortable, and Relaxed

The difference in school uniforms here is also striking. In the U.S., my kids’ school uniforms consisted of khakis and collared shirts—clothes that were often uncomfortable and difficult to keep clean after a day of outdoor play. But here in Portugal, the uniforms are much more relaxed and designed with comfort in mind. The children wear T-shirts and sweatpants or shorts, which are much easier to move in, especially since they are encouraged to be active throughout the day. The emphasis is on practicality over aesthetics, which seems like a refreshing change.

The best part? These uniforms are not only more comfortable, but they also help foster a sense of equality among the children. There’s less pressure to conform to a certain appearance, and the focus remains squarely on the students' behavior and abilities, not their clothes.

School Lunches: A World of Difference

When it comes to school meals, the differences are truly eye-opening. Back in the U.S., my kids’ school lunches were filled with processed foods like pizza, chicken nuggets, chips, juice boxes, and cookies. There was little focus on nutrition or fresh ingredients. But at our Portuguese school, the food is incredible. Every meal is made fresh daily, with a focus on healthy, nutritious, and locally sourced ingredients.

Lunch always includes a hearty soup, fresh-baked bread, and a full meal—often featuring fish and traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) and caldo verde (green soup). Fresh vegetables and fruits are a staple, and children are taught about the importance of eating healthy, balanced meals. Snacks throughout the day vary from fresh-baked bread with butter to fruit salad to cookies and milk. It’s a far cry from the processed snacks that were common back in the U.S., and my kids absolutely love the food.

The lunch experience itself is more like a restaurant-style service, where the food is brought to the students at their tables. There’s no rush through a cafeteria line; instead, the children sit down, enjoy their meal, and socialize with their friends. It feels less like “eating to get through the day” and more like an opportunity to relax, savor their food, and engage in community.

The Real Cost of Education

Another notable difference is the cost of education. In the U.S., we were paying nearly $3,500 a month for preschool for both of our children—an amount that seemed to only rise each year. The quality of education was decent, but it came with a hefty price tag. Here in Portugal, the cost is significantly lower. Both of our children are enrolled in a private school that costs less than $1,000 a month combined. While we do opt to include extracurricular activities like music, dance, and karate, even with those additions, the overall cost is still a fraction of what we paid in the U.S. The affordability of education here has allowed us to provide our children with opportunities for enrichment without the financial strain that we experienced back home.

Extracurricular Activities and Community Involvement

Speaking of enrichment, extracurricular activities here are abundant, and we’ve been impressed by the range of options available. My kids take music, dance, and karate, but there are also many other offerings, from theater to sports. Each year, new activities are introduced, so we’re excited to see what they will choose in the future. The school also organizes performances and recitals where children can showcase what they’ve learned in their extracurricular classes. It’s a great way for them to build confidence and celebrate their talents.

Another standout aspect of Portuguese schools is their emphasis on community involvement. The school regularly organizes field trips that offer educational experiences beyond the classroom. These trips include visits to petting zoos, hospitals, and even local authors and science experiments. The children are exposed to a wide variety of learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom instruction, and it’s clear that the school prioritizes a well-rounded education.

The more time we spend at this school, the more I realize how different the approach is here in Portugal compared to what we experienced in the U.S. From the warm, welcoming community to the emphasis on collaboration, comfort, and nutrition, it’s clear that this is a place where our children can thrive, not just academically but socially and emotionally as well. We’re so grateful for the decision we made and excited to see how they continue to grow in this wonderful environment.