In Portugal, there are many schools not using Portuguese-language educational models. The most are English-language schools, but there are still several French schools around the country. Lycée Français Charles Lepierre, Lycée Français International and the Luso-Francês school are good examples of these. They have well-known reputations and their students receive outstanding academic training.
Schools in Portugal
In Portugal, it is mandatory to remain in education for 12 years. This is divided into a basic component (the first nine years of education) and a secondary component (the following three years).
Each school year is divided into three periods: September to Christmas, January to Easter, and Easter until the end of June.
Anyone wanting to give their children an international education can choose between Lycée Français Charles Lepierre in Lisbon, and Lycée Français International in Porto. In these schools, children follow the French educational curriculum. In the event a child needs to move, their course credits are as transferable to a school in France as in Portugal.
By studying under French and Portuguese teaching programs, students can apply to both French and Portuguese universities.
Lycée Français Charles Lepierre
Lycée Français Charles Lepierre opened in 1952 and is now one of the most well-known and sought after schools in Lisbon. Located next to Amoreiras shopping center, it offers pre-school facilities as well as basic and secondary education. Courses are taught according to the French national education curriculum. In this way, they are similar to other French language schools. However, their schedule also allows for equivalencies from the Portuguese curriculum. Their courses follow the body of knowledge and skills laid down by the Portuguese ministry of education.
With more than 2,000 students, the school teaches Portuguese, English, Spanish, German and Italian, in addition to French. Please note that in certain cases, you need to enrol children well in advance to ensure they get a space.
Lycée Français International in Porto
Situated next to the Parque de Serralves in Porto, Lycée Français International in Porto combines Portuguese and French education systems. It opened its doors in 1963 and now has more than 1,100 students, aged 3 to 18 years. As with Lycée Français Charles Lepierre in Lisbon, Lycée Français International in Porto is part of the AEFE (Agency for French Teaching Abroad) global network. As such, this school carriers out classes in the French language and follows the curriculum from the French government.
Its students study towards obtaining the baccalauréat. With this qualification, students can apply to study at universities in Portugal, France or any other country.
Luso-Francês School
Luso-Francês school is one of the most prestigious schools in Porto. The school is part of the Our Lady Franciscan Mission and was founded in 1936. This catholic school teaches students from preschool to the end of secondary education and is well-known for its workshops and extracurricular activities.
It is the only one of the three schools listed which follows the curriculum from the Portuguese Ministry of Education. It is also the only one eligible to be ranked on the list of the best schools in Portugal. In 2018, it was the 27th best school for classes up to year 9. It was also the fifth best for those with a full secondary education.
