St. Dominic's International School

Rua Maria Brown, Outeiro de Polima, 2785-816 São Domingos de Rana, CascaisAges 3–18~668 studentsFounded 1954

🌍 IBEnglishPortugueseFrenchSpanish

NEASCIB Authorised — PYPIB Authorised — MYPIB Authorised — DP

Annual fees from

€7,500 – €15,000

Nationalities

52+

Max class size

Campus size

668 students

About the school

The only school in Portugal authorised to deliver all three IB programmes — PYP, MYP and IB Diploma — making it the most complete IB school in the country. Founded by Irish Dominican Sisters with roots going back to 1639, St. Dominic's is one of the oldest educational institutions in Portugal. Now a fully secular international school welcoming all faiths, with 52+ nationalities and 12+ religions represented in the student body. For families committed to the IB pathway from early childhood through to university entry, this is the purest and most consistent option available in Portugal.

Key highlights

Only school in Portugal with all three IB programmes — PYP, MYP and Diploma
IB authorised continuously since 1994/1997 — one of the longest-standing IB schools in Portugal
Founded 1954 — roots tracing back to 1639 Dominican educational tradition
52+ nationalities, 12+ religions — genuinely diverse and inclusive community
12 nationalities in the teaching staff
Non-selective admissions — accepts children of all abilities and backgrounds
Fees lower than most Lisbon-area international schools — strong value for full IB
NEASC accredited alongside full IB authorisation

Portugal's only full IB Continuum school

St. Dominic's is the only school in Portugal authorised to deliver all three IB programmes — PYP, MYP, and the IB Diploma. Your child can follow a single, coherent educational philosophy from nursery all the way to university entry.

Curriculum & qualifications

PrimaryIB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

SecondaryIB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Sixth formIB Diploma Programme (DP)

Language of instructionEnglish, Portuguese, French, Spanish

Age range3–18 years

What families say

“The IB programme here is exceptional. Our daughter went from a local school to a top UK university — the preparation was outstanding.”

American family, moved from New York — Year 11

“Incredibly international community. Our kids have friends from 30+ countries. It's been transformative for them.”

Dutch family, 2 children — MYP and Diploma

Things to know before applying

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

Strengths

Only school in Portugal authorised for all three IB programmes — PYP, MYP and Diploma
Most complete IB pathway in Portugal — no switching schools at 11 or 16
Fees notably lower than St. Julian's — strong value for a full IB education
Non-selective and genuinely inclusive — accepts children of all abilities
Founded 1954 — one of the oldest international schools in Portugal
12 nationalities in the teaching staff — truly international faculty
52+ nationalities in the student body — 12+ religions represented
Strong university placement record — graduates accepted at top universities worldwide
Values-based education built around the Dominican motto Veritas (truth)
Small class sizes — max 22 junior, 18 senior

Consider carefully

Capital levy (€5,000 one-off) makes first year significantly more expensive than headline fee
Smaller school (~668 students) — fewer extracurricular options than larger schools
São Domingos de Rana location — requires car or school bus
Pure IB pathway — not ideal for families who may switch to British or American curriculum later

Portugal Nest practical note

The €5,000 capital levy is a one-off entry fee paid on top of the first year's tuition — it makes the first year cost around €16,500 even though the headline tuition starts at €7,500. Despite its Dominican origins, St. Dominic's is now a fully secular school welcoming all faiths — 12+ religions are represented in the student body.

Annual fees 2025/26

€7,500 – €15,000

First year ~€16,500 inc. one-off fees

Tuition €7,500–€15,000/year. Application fee €1,000 (one-off). Annual registration €1,120–€2,050 (non-refundable). Capital levy €5,000 (entry, one-off). Bus service €2,850–€3,500/year. Sibling discounts: 5% second child, 15% third child, 25% fourth+ child.

Waitlist applies — apply 1+ years ahead

Contact the school as early as possible to register interest.

Book a school advice call Visit school website