Saint Dominic's International School, Portugal

The school’s educational approach is inspired by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile and the Dominican motto of ‘Veritas,’ or the search for truth. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning, the development of emotional intelligence, and the cultivation of internationally-minded global citizens. The school values the role of parents as co-educators and promotes a community committed to respect, sustainability, and the exercise of critical thinking.

The school offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (IBDP). The Junior School encompasses eight grade levels, starting with Nursery, Kindergarten, and Reception, where the curriculum focuses on play-based inquiry, cognitive and physical development, and core subjects including Portuguese, English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, and physical education. Swimming lessons are integrated into the curriculum for Kindergarten and Reception students.

The school provides pastoral and academic support, including an English Language Support programme. A dedicated Learning Support Team, which includes a Junior School counsellor, works with teachers to provide social-emotional programming and assist students with adaptation and individual learning needs.

The school’s admissions process is managed by an internal team that facilitates tours for prospective families. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the school directly via phone or email to arrange an appointment and receive information regarding the application procedure. The school maintains dedicated office hours from 8:30 to 17:30 to assist with inquiries.

The school operates on a structured academic calendar, with term dates published for the 2025-2026 academic year. The daily schedule for students typically begins at 8:20 am, with dismissal for Early Years students at 3:20 pm, followed by after-school activities until 4:15 pm.

Located 25 kilometers from Lisbon, the green, open-air campus features over 82 classrooms, two libraries, and multiple science, technology, and computer labs. Dedicated spaces are provided for art, music, and drama, alongside two multi-use gymnasiums and facilities for football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The campus also includes two refectories, a tuck shop, outdoor playgrounds, and an on-site health centre staffed by a nurse and a doctor.

St. Dominic’s offers a range of activities outside the classroom, including sports, arts, and the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) programme. Students participate in after-school activities, and the school hosts events such as athletics meets and Model United Nations experiences. The school also provides an educational garden project for Junior School students to engage in outdoor learning.