About the School

  International Section

  National Section

  Location

  Facilities

About the School

International School of the Algarve was established in 1972 by a group of local residents led by Paul Schelfhout to provide an education for the growing Portuguese and International community in the Algarve.

It is a private enterprise owned by a shareholder's company (S.A.) under Portuguese law.

There are two sections: the International Section (ages 4 to 18), following a modified English National Curriculum and the Portuguese Section (ages 3 to 18), following the national system.

Music, drama and arts play a significant role in school life. School teams compete against other local schools through the School Sports Organisation and with other International Schools in Portugal at Spring and Autumn Festivals.

For lunch, pupils may choose to have a hot three-course meal, cooked in the kitchens and served in the dining room, or to eat a packed lunch. There is also a snack bar.

The school year runs from mid-September to the end of June, with breaks at Christmas and Easter. Portuguese national holidays are observed.