CA

Carlucci American International School of Lisbon

Rua António dos Reis 95, Linhó, 2710-301 Sintra, PortugalAges 3–18~740 studentsFounded 1956
🇺🇸 American curriculumEnglishPortuguese
Middle States Association (MSA)CISIB Authorised
Annual fees from
€11,716 – €22,736
Nationalities
57+
Max class size
Campus size
740 students

About the school

The oldest American school in the Iberian Peninsula, founded in 1956. The only school in Portugal with direct support from the US Department of State Office of Overseas Schools. Graduates earn a full American High School Diploma recognised by US universities worldwide, with the option to also earn the IB Diploma. Student body reflects a genuinely diverse international community — 32% American, 21% Portuguese, 47% from 55+ other nations. Campus includes a 450-seat fully equipped theatre, dedicated arts centre, two AstroTurf football fields, and over 100,000 sq ft of exterior sports facilities.

Key highlights

  • US State Department-sponsored school — unique status in Portugal
  • Founded 1956 — oldest American school in the Iberian Peninsula
  • 57 nationalities — 32% American, 21% Portuguese, 47% international
  • 450-seat theatre, arts centre, two AstroTurf pitches
  • 1:1 laptop programme from Grade 1, included in fees
  • American High School Diploma + optional IB Diploma
  • Partnership with the Gulbenkian Foundation
  • Extensive bus network across greater Lisbon area
US State Department-sponsored school

CAISL is the only school in Portugal officially sponsored by the US Department of State Office of Overseas Schools — a designation held by fewer than 200 schools worldwide.

Curriculum & qualifications

PrimaryAmerican College-Preparatory
SecondaryAmerican High School Diploma
Sixth formIB Diploma
Language of instructionEnglish, Portuguese
Age range3–18 years

What families say

“The American curriculum made the transition seamless. Our kids didn't miss a beat academically.”

American family, relocated for work — Grade 8

“Excellent college counselling. Our son got into his first-choice US university with strong support from the school.”

Canadian family, 1 child — Grade 12

Things to know before applying

What families tell us — the things the school's own website won't say

Strengths
  • Only school in Portugal sponsored by the US Department of State
  • Oldest American school in the Iberian Peninsula (est. 1956)
  • American High School Diploma recognised by US universities worldwide
  • Optional IB Diploma alongside American curriculum
  • Genuinely diverse student body — 57 nationalities
  • 450-seat fully equipped theatre and dedicated arts centre
  • 1:1 laptop programme from Grade 1, included in fees
  • Extensive school bus network across greater Lisbon
  • Partnership with the Gulbenkian Foundation
  • Strong extracurriculars: Model UN, robotics, orchestra, musical theatre
Consider carefully
  • Sintra location requires a car or school bus — not public transport accessible
  • Building fee (€1,953/year for 5 years) adds significant cost on top of tuition
  • Smaller student body (~740) than some other international schools
  • Best fit for US-bound students — less suited for UK/European university pathways
Portugal Nest practical note

CAISL is located in Sintra — a beautiful area but not easily accessible by public transport. Factor in the school bus service or a car when choosing where to live. The building fee (€1,953/year for the first 5 years) is easy to miss when comparing headline tuition figures — make sure you include it in your total cost calculation.

Annual fees 2025/26
€11,716 – €22,736
First year ~€14,169 inc. one-off fees
Tuition €11,716–€22,736/year + €1,953/year building fee (first 5 years). Registration fee €500 (one-off). Sibling discount: 15% third child, 25% fourth+ child on tuition and building fee.
Waitlist applies — apply 1+ years ahead
Contact the school as early as possible to register interest.

Contact details

Address
Rua António dos Reis 95, Linhó, 2710-301 Sintra, Portugal

Rua António dos Reis 95, Linhó, 2710-301 Sintra, Portugal

Key facts

TypePrivate, non-profit
Ages3–18
Students~740
Nationalities57+
Max class size
School busCheck with school
BoardingNo — day school

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