When we started seriously planning our move to Portugal, we agreed on one thing: we could figure out where to live after we found the right school for our kids.
We’re parents to twin 9-year-old girls who are heading into Year 5. They’ve been attending The Grace School in Providence — a warm, progressive, inclusive little gem of a school — and they’ve absolutely thrived there. Small class sizes, supportive teachers, and a community that truly sees them for who they are. (Side note – if you’re looking for an inclusive, caring, supportive, affordable, fun, and creative school, we have absolutely LOVED The Grace School and definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the PVD area.)
We knew it wouldn’t be easy to replace that — but we were determined to try.
What We Were Looking For
Our girls are very different learners, and the right school needed to support that. They do best in interactive environments where teachers form real connections and tailor learning to each child.
We weren’t just looking for academics. We were looking for community — a place that would not only support our children, but also embrace our entire family as we adjust to this big move.
Here’s what mattered most to us:
- An inclusive and affirming space for LGBTQ+ families
- Small class sizes and personalized learning
- English-language instruction
- A culture of openness, warmth, and support
Because we don’t yet speak Portuguese (keyword: yet), we leaned toward private international schools where the language barrier wouldn’t be overwhelming from day one.
The Search Begins
Once we settled on the Algarve as our destination, we began researching schools in the region. We searched online, joined Facebook groups, read blogs, and compiled a short list of international schools:
- Bright International School – Loulé
- Noble Algarve International School – Almancil
- Vale Verde International School – Luz (Lagos)
- Colegio Santiago International School – Tavira
- Aspire International School – Almancil (we didn’t make it to this one)
💡 Tip: Many Portuguese schools — even private ones — don’t have dedicated admissions staff. You might be emailing with a teacher or principal, and responses can be slow. Be patient and persistent.
We were able to schedule visits at 4 of the 5 schools during our February scouting trip. And that’s when things became clear.
The Moment It Felt Like Home
The first school we visited was Bright International School in Loulé. We pulled up early on a beautiful Thursday morning and were immediately greeted by bright colors, open gates, and Cecilia — the warm and welcoming Spanish teacher who served as our tour guide.
The moment we stepped on campus, it just felt different. The vibe was laid-back but focused, diverse and open, and the students seemed happy, relaxed, and engaged. Bright has a strong values-based approach, with an emphasis on kindness, respect, creativity, and global citizenship — all things that resonate deeply with our family.
The curriculum at Bright is based on the English National Curriculum, but with an individualized twist. Students are supported based on where they are, not where someone thinks they “should” be. Their pedagogy encourages independent thinking, project-based learning, and emotional intelligence — a perfect continuation of what we’ve valued at Grace.
One of the biggest highlights? Meeting the students who will be our daughters’ classmates. They’re from all over the world — not one from the U.S. — which we love. Our girls will grow up with new perspectives, new languages, and friendships that transcend borders.
What We Learned From Visiting Other Schools
We visited three other schools on our list — and while each had its strengths, none of them gave us that “this is it” feeling.
Some felt too formal. Others were less welcoming. And a few had logistical challenges or long waitlists. It was only through in-person visits that we could really get a sense of the culture and energy of each school — something you can’t always feel through a website or WhatsApp chat.
If you’re planning a move to Portugal (or anywhere abroad), here’s my advice:
- Prioritize the visit. Vibes matter.
- Don’t just compare websites. Ask about inclusion, teaching styles, and how the school supports non-native speakers.
- Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. We wish we had more days to explore and fit in Aspire, the one school we missed.
What Matters Most
We’re so excited — and deeply relieved — to have found a school that feels like a true partner in this transition.
Bright International School isn’t just a good school on paper — it’s a good fit for our family. And when you’re uprooting your life, moving across an ocean, and trying to give your kids something more, that means everything.
If you’re a progressive or LGBTQ+ family thinking about making a similar move, we hope this helps.
Have questions? Reach out — we’re happy to share more about our process and experience.