About Us
Astoria International School in Lisbon
A Bilingual International School
Astoria International School is a private school in Lisbon, Portugal, with almost 20 years of educational experience, welcoming children from 4 months of age through to Grade 9. The school offers bilingual education in English and Portuguese from Nursery, progressing to trilingual and multilingual instruction as students advance.
We are recognised for our innovative teaching approach, with a strong focus on academic excellence, social-emotional skills, and active learning. Our facilities are located in a central and peaceful area of Lisbon, designed to stimulate autonomy and student well-being
Educational Stages
AIS offers the following educational stages:
– Nursery: from 4 months to 1 year old
– Daycare: from 1 to 3 years old
– Kindergarten: ages 3 to 6
– Primary School (1st Cycle): Years 1 to 4, ages 6 to 10
– Lower Secondary School (2nd Cycle): Years 5 and 6, ages 10 to 12
– Upper Secondary School (3rd Cycle): Years 7 to 9, ages 12 to 15
Each stage is part of an uninterrupted educational pathway designed to ensure consistency in pedagogy, values, and language development.
A Progressive Multilingual Approach
At our school, multilingual education follows a clear and intentional progression, designed to support long-term language development rather than early overload.
Our students begin with bilingual learning in English and Portuguese, progress to a trilingual model with the introduction of German, and later expand into a fully integrated multilingual approach that includes French.
This gradual pathway ensures linguistic confidence, academic continuity and strong preparation for international environments.
mission and values
The school’s mission is to provide child-centred education guided by five core values:
- Resilience
- Sincerity
- Integrity
- Competence
- Responsibility
These values are embedded into daily school life through the school’s cooperative learning model, student participation in school governance, and a focus on social-emotional development alongside academic performance.
teaching methodology
The school’s pedagogical model draws on two internationally recognised frameworks:
- The Modern School Movement (Movimento da Escola Moderna), a Portuguese cooperative learning approach that emphasises democratic classroom environments, student agency, and collaborative project work.
- Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, used as the basis for differentiated instruction, ensuring that each student’s unique learning profile is respected and nurtured across all subjects and stages.
This dual framework positions Astoria as a school that goes beyond standardised instruction, with an explicit commitment to personalised education.
VISIT US
Come and discover an international school in Lisbon that brings together pedagogical innovation, academic excellence, and a family-like environment. Our team will be delighted to show you the facilities, explain our educational approach, and guide you through every step of the enrolment process.
A space designed to learn and grow
Our facilities are an extension of our philosophy, combining functionality, comfort and care.
We have more than 600 m² of thoughtfully planned indoor space and 450 m² of safe and stimulating outdoor areas. Our school school offers flexible learning environments that include spacious classrooms, a library, a laboratory, an arts studio and dedicated sports areas.
Together, these spaces create a daily rhythm where focus and curiosity coexist with creativity, movement and moments of pause.
School Facilities
The Astoria International School campus in Lisbon covers:
– Over 600 m² of interior learning space
– 450 m² of outdoor areas, fully supervised and age-appropriate
The campus includes spacious classrooms, a library, a science laboratory, an arts studio, and dedicated sports facilities.
All spaces are designed to balance structured academic work with creative exploration and physical activity.
Accreditations and Partnerships
Astoria International School holds the following accreditations and institutional affiliations:
– Cambridge Assessment International Education students sit Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Checkpoint assessments
– Trinity College London: English language certification available to students
– ECiS (European Council of International Schools): Institutional membership
– Recognition as an intercultural school
– Eco-Schools: Environmental education programme accreditation
These affiliations place AIS within a recognised international education network and provide students with externally validated credentials from primary age onwards.
Enrolment Form
Pre-Registrations Open
The enrollment of new students can be done throughout the year in accordance with current legislation.
After the family fills out the enrollment form, AIS will send an email to schedule a visit with the Psychology and Guidance Department, where the AIS educational project and admission conditions will be presented.
The student’s enrollment will be completed after an in-person visit to the school, upon completion and signing of the necessary documentation for enrollment at AIS.
The enrollment fee includes the cost of school insurance.
In the event of withdrawal/transfer of the student to another educational institution, the enrollment fee will not be refunded.
Enrollment, which grants the status of a student at Astoria International School, implies acceptance of the legal rights and duties applicable under the Internal Regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Astoria International School located?
Astoria International School is located at Avenida Almirante Gago Coutinho nº 73, 86 and 88, Lisbon, Portugal (Areeiro district), close to the city centre.
From what age can children enrol at Astoria International School?
Children can enrol from 4 months of age in the Nursery programme. The school offers continuous education through to Grade 9 (age 14–15).
Is Astoria International School a bilingual school?
Yes. AIS is a bilingual school (English and Portuguese) from Nursery through Year 2 of Primary, becoming trilingual (adding German) in Years 3–4, and fully multilingual (adding French) from Year 5 of Lower Secondary.
Is Astoria International School accredited by Cambridge?
Yes. AIS is a bilingual school (English and Portuguese) from Nursery through Year 2 of Primary, becoming trilingual (adding German) in Years 3–4, and fully multilingual (adding French) from Year 5 of Lower Secondary.
What is the teaching methodology at Astoria International School?
AIS uses a combination of the Modern School Movement and Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences framework to deliver differentiated, student-centred education.
Does Astoria International School follow the Portuguese national curriculum?
Yes. AIS follows the Portuguese national curriculum enriched with international content, multilingual instruction and internationally recognised assessment frameworks such as Cambridge Assessment.
How do I enrol my child at Astoria International School?
Enrolments are accepted throughout the year. Families complete a pre-registration form online, after which the school schedules a visit with the Psychology and Guidance Department. Enrolment is finalised after an in-person visit and completion of the required documentation.