Astoria International School: Educating Global Citizens
This article is the responsibility of Astoria International School
Educating for an interconnected world without leaving LisbonWhen Maria and Pedro began looking for a school for their eldest son, they were well aware of what they didn't want : a typically rigid, results-focused approach. No, the couple sought something more comprehensive, an education that would prepare their son for an international future without neglecting the emotional, social, and creative aspects of the learning process .
"We wanted more than good grades. We wanted a place where our son would be listened to, stimulated, and prepared for a future we can't even imagine yet," recalls Maria.
This was the vision they found at Astoria International School , a private bilingual school located in Alvalade that, since 2009 , has been supporting its students from nursery to the end of the 3rd Cycle of Basic Education .
With over 15 years of history , this international school combines the experience of a well-established team with a modern and dynamic pedagogical approach. The international curriculum, bilingual teaching (which later expanded to trilingual and even multilingual ), and student-centered approach prepare students to communicate and act confidently in a globalized world.
"Our focus is to educate children for success, creating happy, multicultural environments, as part of a project that recognizes their individual strengths and characteristics and helps them thrive as unique and distinct individuals," explains Ana Paula Oliveira, the institution's director.
A school where English is the mother tongueAt Astoria, bilingual education is a natural part of life from the first months of life . Portuguese and English coexist daily in classroom settings, projects, games, and interpersonal relationships.
"It's rewarding to see children's development when faced with new challenges, particularly linguistic ones, when applied in context," shares Rute Coelho, a preschool teacher.
In the case of Maria and Pedro's son, the adaptation was quicker than expected. "He started mixing English and Portuguese words spontaneously in the first few weeks. Today, he corrects us when we say something wrong in English," Pedro laughs.
In addition to the linguistic component, the school relies on an internationally recognized curriculum, the Cambridge Curriculum , and a personalized approach that combines three pedagogical pillars: Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner) , the Modern School and the João de Deus method .
With small classes (on average, 17 students per classroom, up to a maximum of 22), the environment is family-friendly and child-centered .
"Every child learns differently and uniquely. Our role as educators is to recognize, reinforce, and value these talents, helping each student find their voice and their path."
— Ana Paula Oliveira, Director of Astoria International School
Astoria International School in numbers- Founded in 2009;
- ~270 students enrolled;
- 19 nationalities represented;
- 70% Portuguese students, 30% international;
- An average of 17 students per class;
- 600 m2 of covered buildings;
- 450 m2 of outdoor recreational space.
In preschool, the days are themed: Mondays are dedicated to literacy , Tuesdays to the arts , Wednesdays to logic and math , Thursdays to movement , and Fridays to exploring the world . A story can turn into a dramatization, a logic puzzle, or a mindfulness circuit, promoting cross-curricular, playful, and engaging learning .
This logic continues in subsequent cycles, with interdisciplinary projects, scientific experiments, citizenship with financial literacy, robotics, and programming . The Project Area also allows students to explore topics of interest independently, critically, and collaboratively , developing transversal research and communication skills.
Every year, Culture Week transforms the school into a themed and immersive space, with workshops, exhibitions, and interactive experiences on global themes such as "Around the World in 7 Days" or "Museums of the World." It's a celebration of creativity, curiosity, and multidisciplinary learning .
“Our daughter adapted very well and her progress in these first few months was tremendous: she learned many words… even how to walk!”
— Father of a nursery student
“The time, energy, and compassion that teachers put into teaching has had a very positive impact on our son's development.”
— Mother of a 2-year-old student
A Compassionate School: Connection, Belonging, and Well-BeingA child's daily life is inevitably marked by pressure to achieve results and excessive stimuli, which is why Astoria focuses on training with time and space for human connection .
Every morning begins with the "good morning" ritual, a moment in which each student is welcomed individually, shares how they're feeling, and reviews the day's plan in coordination with their classmates and teacher. This simple gesture has a profound effect on the student-teacher relationship.
"It was with this ritual that we realized this school was different," says Maria. "Our son began to express his emotions better and enthusiastically tell us what happens during the day. We feel much more confident."
The family atmosphere is a hallmark of the school. With small class sizes, there is a genuinely close relationship between students, teachers, and families . For students in the 2nd and 3rd cycles, one of the most memorable moments of the year is the campfire in early September , an evening spent at the school , with team games and informal gatherings around the campfire with teachers.
Active citizenship: learning from the real worldAt Astoria, education isn't just about imparting knowledge ; it's about creating opportunities for action, participation, and transformation. Therefore, the school fosters strong ties with the local community : students collaborate with pharmacies, nursing homes, fire departments, and even the Alvalade market, participating in activities such as pedipapers, educational sessions, visits, and charitable actions.
" We believe that citizenship is learned by doing . When students organize a campaign to support the Food Bank or write postcards for the elderly , they are living the values we defend."
— Joana Braga dos Reis, Coordinator of the International Department at Astoria International School
The weekly Class Assembly is another essential space for reflection and participation . There, students discuss topics such as respect, solidarity, and empathy , propose ideas, and share achievements. Each student's voice is valued, and everyone learns, from an early age, to listen and collaborate.
A passport to the world: fluency, method and confidenceUpon completing 9th grade, Astoria students generally progress to leading secondary schools in Portugal and abroad. Their multilingual fluency , mastery of soft skills, and adaptability make them well-prepared candidates for international settings.
During this transition, the school closely supports students and their families , helping them choose the best educational institution, assist with the application process, and help develop skills such as resilience, emotional management, and autonomy.
"We know they are ready for the challenges that await them. They have been with us for many years and leave with a set of essential tools: critical thinking, autonomy, empathy, and curiosity ," emphasizes the institution's director.
“At Astoria, the goal isn't just to pass the test; it's to know how to ask questions, build solutions, and never stop learning.”
— Adrianna, former student of the School
“Learning is always more fun at Astoria.”
— Sophie Barreto, former student of the School
Preparing students for an ever-changing futureAt a time when no one knows for sure what the professions of tomorrow will be, Astoria International School is committed to a holistic and humanistic education that allows students to be seen in their entirety: as intellectual, emotional, and social beings.
"Educating is not just about transmitting content, but also about forming conscious, curious human beings capable of transforming the world with responsibility and empathy."
— Joana Braga dos Reis, Coordinator of the International Department at Astoria International School
With a central location in Lisbon , bilingual teaching from nursery school onwards, a Cambridge curriculum , an approach based on multiple intelligences , a multicultural and inclusive environment and a strong connection to the community , Astoria positions itself as a school where demands coexist with affection and where each student finds space to grow, learn and become who they are .
"At Astoria, our focus is on training for success, ensuring, above all, that our students are happy and feel welcomed. Many of them are in a new country, and we want them to build positive relationships and the confidence to express themselves freely."
— Secondary School Teacher
"We learn a lot at Astoria—not just about what's in the curriculum, but about the world, about difference, about multiculturalism, and about individuality. We learn from our students to see beyond our personal boundaries."
— Elementary School Teacher
"It was at Astoria that I grew up, learned to speak, write, read, and count. The first time I slept away from home, flew on a plane, spoke another language, and volunteered was here. I know I'm prepared for college and adult life, and I'm aware that the foundation of my personality and values was built in those buildings with my missions."
— Catarina, former student of the School
"Whenever we go to Portugal, we make a point of visiting the school. His friends are already in high school, but nothing compares to the satisfaction of seeing our son welcomed and remembered by the staff and hearing stories from when he was little."
— Josh, father of a former student at the School
Pre-registration openBetween September and January , pre-registration is open for all grades, from nursery to 9th grade . For more information, visit the Astoria International School website .
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