Most popular international schools in Algarve

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.

Annual fees

€5,950 – 13,950

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

IB (DP), British Curriculum

Vale Verde International School is an international school in Luz-Lagos, Portugal, serving students aged 5 to 18 in the Western Algarve. The Primary program is bilingual (60% English, 40% Portuguese), with core literacy, numeracy and science taught in English. The Cambridge curriculum guides the Secondary School from Year 7 to Year 13, leading to Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS and A Levels, with Pearson Edexcel IGCSE also offered. The Cambridge Pathway extends from Year 1 to Year 13, and Cambridge Checkpoint assessments monitor progress at the end of Year 6 and Year 9. Vale Verde is an ABRSM examination centre for practical and theory music exams, with on-site music lessons available in the evenings and at weekends. After-school clubs include Chess, Capoeira, Animation, Volleyball, Football, Arts & Crafts, and Portuguese and French. The school hosts a diverse community with 27 nationalities represented and has limited facilities for students with special educational needs.

Annual fees

€7,143 – 12,408

Ages

5 to 18 years

Curriculum

Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE

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.

Annual fees

€5,615 – 8,378

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels

NOAP is a Dutch day school in the Algarve near Silves delivering fully Dutch-language education for primary and secondary students aged 3 to 14. The school follows the Dutch curriculum and is affiliated with NOB (Dutch Education Abroad) and approved by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. By collaborating with the Dutch Education Inspectorate, NOAP ensures Dutch compulsory education requirements are met, allowing seamless reintegration if a pupil returns to the Netherlands. For families staying in Portugal, the curriculum places emphasis on Portuguese and English language studies to support progression into the Portuguese and international school systems. The campus is set in a rural area among orange trees, offering small class sizes and personal attention. After-school care (BSO) runs 15:15–17:30 for 4–12-year-olds, at least once per week. Portuguese language and culture lessons are integrated into daily learning. The NOAP Foundation administers the school; statutes are filed with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK 75752123).

Annual fees

€5,500 – 6,500

Ages

3 to 14 years

Curriculum

Dutch Curriculum

Eden Montessori International School in Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal, serves children from ages 3 to 12. The school uses a Montessori curriculum for Pre-School and Elementary levels and, since 2024, blends Montessori pedagogy with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Eden is a Candidate School for the PYP and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. The school operates a bilingual environment in English and Portuguese, fostering language development from early childhood. Programs include Children's House (3–6 years) and Lower and Upper Elementary (6–12 years), plus Extracurricular activities and aftercare for ages 3–12. The Montessori framework centers on Practical Life, Sensorial, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Cultural subjects, with integrated study of ecology, chemistry, anatomy, art, music, physical education, reading, drama, history, and geography. Extracurriculars include swimming, forest school, horse riding, arts and crafts, dance, and music, reinforcing independence, hands-on learning, and a love of learning in a diverse bilingual setting.

Annual fees

€6,340 – 9,115

Ages

3 to 12 years

Curriculum

Montessori Curriculum, IB (PYP)