FAQs

The school is open from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm.

Kindergarten: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 
Primary School: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 
Middle School (International Curriculum - Grades 6–8): 8:45 am – 4:00 pm 
Middle School (National Curriculum - 2.º and 3.º Ciclos) and Upper School (National and International Pathways): 8:45 am – 5:10 pm 

The school is closed to students during August. However, services related to national exams, university applications, and administration remain open throughout the year.

We currently have 900 students from over 40 nationalities.

Classes average 25 students. In our kindergarten, the average is 20 students per class.

Approximately 60% Portuguese and 40% international, representing 45 nationalities.

CIV offers two academic pathways — the Portuguese Curriculum and an International Programme — both emphasising multilingualism. Students may transfer between pathways if needed. 

National Curriculum: the full Portuguese national programme from the early years to secondary school. 

International Curriculum: A British international curriculum from Pre1 onwards, covering Cambridge Primary Years, Cambridge Lower Secondary, and IGCSE, culminating in the internationally recognised IB Diploma Programme. 

Portuguese and English are the most common languages. Students without prior Portuguese knowledge are supported through structured lessons and daily social interaction with peers.

• English and Portuguese (as first or foreign languages, depending on programme)
• French
• Spanish (optional in the IB Diploma Programme).

Other languages are available as extracurricular options.
 

CIV offers a wide range of curricular and extracurricular sports to help every student discover their passion. Activities include both team and individual options such as football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics, ballet, karate, and athletics, with netball and touch rugby recently added.

From Primary School onwards, students have daily homework:

Primary: approx. 20 minutes
Secondary: up to 60 minutes

Depending on their curriculum, students may sit:

• Portuguese National Exams
• IGCSE (Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
• IB Diploma Programme exams
• External language certification exams.

CIV graduates are accepted into top universities in Portugal and around the world, across a wide range of academic disciplines. Our programmes equip students with the skills and confidence to excel in both national and international higher education, as well as in the most competitive career fields.

CIV is a welcoming and inclusive community. New students are paired with a buddy to help them settle in, and staff closely monitor their adaptation. Active participation in school life and openness to new friendships ensure a smooth integration.

No, CIV is a day school only.

For the Portuguese Curriculum, fluency in English is not required. For the International Curriculum, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency (speaking, reading, and writing), assessed by our academic teams. 

Students with little English in the International Pathway receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support through a structured programme, helping them gradually integrate into the curriculum. 

Submit an enquiry form. Applications are open year-round, and offers are made according to availability and the school’s ability to meet your child’s needs.