How to Homeschool in Portugal Without Following the Portuguese Curriculum

⭐️ How to Homeschool in Portugal

Moving to Portugal and homeschooling your children can be a beautiful experience — but also a legal and educational maze, especially if you don’t want to follow the national curriculum.

If you’re planning to live in Portugal but wish to prepare your children for international universities using an English-language curriculum, this article is for you.

🔍 Is Homeschooling Legal in Portugal?

Yes, homeschooling is legal in Portugal — but regulated (learn the step-by-step process here). Families must:

• Enroll the child in a Portuguese public school.
• Submit an annual learning plan.
• Follow the Portuguese curriculum.
• Have at least one parent with a university degree.
• Present the child for national exams.

This setup works for some families, but not for those who want a fully personalized or international curriculum. So what are the alternatives?

🌍 Enroll in an International Online School

If you prefer not to follow the Portuguese curriculum, the most straightforward solution is not registering your child in the Portuguese education system at all, and instead enrolling them in an accredited international online school.

This is commonly done by some families living in Portugal, but be aware that this means your child won’t be in the Portuguese system, and you’re fully responsible for their education.

☑️ Popular Accredited International Online Schools

These schools allow you to homeschool with a structured program and obtain a recognized diploma:

• Clonlara School – US-based, very flexible, accepts self-designed programs.
• Wolsey Hall Oxford – UK-based, follows the Cambridge curriculum (IGCSE/A-Levels).
• International Connections Academy – US-based, full K–12 program.
• King’s InterHigh – British online school with live classes.
• West River Academy – Supports unschooling and issues transcripts/diplomas (US).

💡 These options are ideal if your child will later attend university in the UK, US, Canada, or other English-speaking countries.

If you’re unsure which path is best for your family, I offer one-on-one homeschooling consultations tailored to your specific needs — whether you’re considering international programs, alternative learning styles, or simply need help navigating Portugal’s homeschooling requirements. Learn more about my approach here.

📟 Important Considerations

• Switching Systems Can Be Tricky — If your child has previously been enrolled in the Portuguese national education system, transferring to an international or foreign-based school in Portugal can be more difficult. These transitions often involve additional administrative steps and may not be approved in all cases.
  On the other hand, if your child has never entered the national system and comes directly from abroad, it’s usually easier to follow a fully international path without complications.
• If you go this route, your child will not be legally recognised as homeschooled under Portuguese law — you’re simply providing them with a foreign education while living in Portugal, which may fall outside the national legal framework.
• You may be asked about your child’s education during visa renewals, so always keep records, transcripts, and proof of enrollment.
• This model is commonly used by expats and digital nomads in Portugal.
• If later you decide to register your child in the Portuguese system and follow the national curriculum, you can apply through a public school. Be prepared to:
  • Submit an official request.
  • Provide documentation showing your child’s previous learning (transcripts, portfolios, etc.).
  • Have your child placed in the appropriate school year according to their age and knowledge level.
  • Comply with all standard requirements, including curriculum, exams, and annual evaluations.

📍 Living in Northern Portugal

If you’re moving near Porto or the north, there’s a growing international community of families doing exactly this. While the public schools in Portugal are generally good, many foreign families choose online schooling for:

• Language reasons.
• Curriculum alignment with future university plans.
• Greater flexibility and continuity.

You can connect with others through Facebook groups, local international meetups, or platforms like InterNations.

Conclusion

Portugal offers a high quality of life, safety, and nature — making it a dream destination for many families. With a bit of research and the right setup, you can homeschool in a way that suits your family’s values and long-term goals without being restricted by the local curriculum.

If you’re considering this path, feel free to reach out through the blog or explore more detailed guides on international homeschooling options.