International Schools in Madeira

Article by Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree.

06 04 2023

Read the full article here

Although Madeira is popular as a tourist destination, this nation is becoming a favourite for ex-pats looking to relocate to Portugal. However, before moving your family to this island, education is one of the things that you ought to think about. So, what is education like in this region? Are there any international schools in Madeira? 

If you are looking for answers to these and more questions, then this post is for you. Besides the good weather and the dramatic landscapes, this island in the Atlantic Ocean promises a relatively lower cost of living and is also very peaceful, making it an ideal place for raising a family.

We attempt to shed some light on education in Madeira, emphasizing the international schools that are popular among ex-pats. Stick around to find out more!

What are the best international schools in Madeira?

To begin, it is worth mentioning that the quality of education in Portugal is generally quite good compared to international standards. However, it is also important to point out that there are not many international schools in Madeira compared to other regions further inland, for instance, the capital, Lisbon, or the Algarve.

However, that doesn’t mean that your children won’t find a good option from the few available; here are the two international schools in this autonomous region in Portugal. 

The International School of Madeira

International Sharing School – Madeira

These two international institutions are quite special for the communities they serve. Apart from providing basic education, these international schools are keenly interested in extra-curricular activities, with a special eye on student creativity and innovation. 

Other than that, as an ex-pat living on the island of Madeira, you will fall in love with the green pastures and magnificent terrain that characterize this destination.

International schools in central Madeira, Portugal

Although there are few options for you to choose from when it comes to international schools in Madeira, these two international schools have extensive curriculums different from what is provided in the public schools in Portugal. 

Also, the school’s emphasis on extra-curricular activities will provide further character development for your school-going children. Let’s get right to it!

If you’re looking for an international school that provides education in both Portuguese and British curricula, then the International School of Madeira might be ideal. Located in Funchal, this school has provided top-tier education to the community and beyond for nearly two decades. 

Thanks to the education system that provides instruction in both English and Portuguese, you can trust that your children will be prepared for the workforce, especially since Portuguese is the main language in the country.

This school provides education for children from the ages of three to ten. The classes are often smaller to ensure that every learner gets the attention they need, with about twelve children in every classroom. 

This approach to learning has worked over the years. And this school boasts a lot of success among the children who have passed through the system previously.

Besides the regular lessons taught in class, the International School of Madeira provides additional enrichment courses like music, art, and physical education. Not to mention other extra-curricular activities like swimming and piano lessons. 

Compared to other international schools inland, the cost per annum is relatively cheaper, ranging between €2,750 and €3,300.

International Sharing School-Madeira

The International Sharing School is another good institution where your children can receive a quality education. Similar to the International School of Madeira, this particular school also provides education in a bilingual environment. 

When it comes to the curriculum, the International Sharing School-Madeira follows the prestigious International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Years Program (MYP).

The beauty of this program is that it prepares the learners not just for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program but also cultivates creativity and creates confidence in the students regarding managing their own learning. 

Also, the school prides itself on providing a modern and innovative environment that allows learners to reach their full potential. This school has an able team of experienced and well-trained teachers who provide the ideal ecosystem for your children’s learning.

The International Sharing School of Madeira strives to provide every student with individual attention, and because of that, every class has at most eighteen students. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this international institution is one of the best on the Island. 

Their education system is designed for children from ages three to sixteen. Due to the generally better standards in this institution, the annual school fees are higher than the International School of Madeira. The fees range between €4,950 to €10,945 depending on the level of the learner.

When does the school year start in Portugal?

International schools in Portugal often follow their own school calendar, and the two institutions mentioned above in Madeira are no different. 

However, in general, the school year in Portugal begins in September and goes on until mid-June. The school year is divided into three terms:

Term 1: September to December

Term 2: January till late March

Term 3: April till mid-June

Also, keep in mind that there are several holidays within the school year. That said, it is common for international institutions to have their own holiday schedules different from public schools. Students get four breaks every school year, which include:

Christmas break in December

Carnival break between late February and early March

Easter break in April

Summer break, between June and September

Although all these breaks are essential to the students, the summer break is by far the favourite for students and the whole family. 

The hot summer months are when parents and children get to enjoy plenty of fun activities that are available on this beautiful island. Whether it is going down to the beach, amusement parks, or hiking the terrain, it’s also a good time during summer on Madeira.

For more information about why you should choose these schools over the Portuguese public system? Read the full article here

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