Education & Schools in Ericeira and Mafra: A Guide for Families Considering the Move

Moving to a new place brings a lot of questions, especially when it comes to your children’s schooling. The Ericeira / Mafra area offers a mix of public, private, and special-needs options, as well as access to international schools in the wider Lisbon region. Below is a breakdown of what you need to know, plus tips and resources to help families plan.

Education & Schools in Ericeira and Mafra | A 2025 Family Guide for Expats

1. Portuguese Public Schools in Ericeira & Mafra

Moving to Ericeira or Mafra with kids? Discover the best public, private, and international schools near Lisbon, plus tips for enrollment, special needs, and expat families in 2025.

School System Overview & Enrollment.

• In Portugal, school is compulsory between ages 6 and 18. Children who are 6 by September 15 typically must enroll; those born between September 16 and December 31 may enroll if there is space.

• The school year typically begins in mid-September and runs until June, with various breaks in December, Easter, and Carnival.

• To register, you’ll need the child’s birth certificate or identity document, a photo, health/vaccination records (from the local “centro de saúde”), and a registration form.

Schools in Ericeira

Ericeira is served by the Agrupamento Escolar de Ericeira, which includes a few main schools:

• Escola Básica da Ericeira (1ºC / JI) — preschool + primary (first cycle) level. Contact: 261 860 180.

• Escola Básica António Bento Franco (2º / 3º Ciclo) — for middle grades, currently undergoing renovations. Contact: 261 860 050.

• Branch schools in surrounding freguesias include: • Escola Básica da Carvoeira (1ºC / JI)  Escola Básica da Encarnação (1ºC) (• Escola Básica de Santo Isidoro (1ºC / JI) • Preschools (jardins de infância) in Azenhas dos Tanoeiros, Ribamar, Barril

• Public schools in Ericeira sometimes offer extended day (“horário alargado”) services (from ~7:30 am to evening) to assist working parents.

  
  

Curriculum, Languages & Extra Activities

• English is typically introduced in 3rd year (3° ano) of primary school; a second foreign language (French, Spanish or German) often begins in 7th year.

• Subjects such as music and sports are part of the curriculum from earlier stages; artistic / motor expression may begin from year 1.

• Schools also assess students using national exams at the ends of certain cycles (end of 4th, 6th, 9th, 11th, and final year).

• School meals are provided on site: they tend to include balanced options (soup, protein, vegetables, seasonal fruit), with vegetarian or dietary alternatives available. Meal cost is often subsidized (parents often pay a subsidized fee).

Transport & Catchment

• Children living outside Ericeira’s core (e.g. in more rural parts of the municipality) may use public buses, and eligible students often receive discounted passes for school transport.

• Many families walk or drive children to the nearer schools when possible.

2. Private & International Schools — Options & Considerations

Private Schools in the Region

While Ericeira itself does not host many large international schools, there are private and semi-private schools in nearby towns and in the Lisbon metro area. Many expatriate families consider these for bilingual or international curriculum options.

Some expat parents mention schools such as Santo André (Venda do Pinheiro) in private contexts, but opinions vary on fit and commute.

International Schools Accessible from Ericeira

Because Ericeira is within commuting distance of Lisbon and the surrounding region, families often look farther afield for international schooling:

• International Preparatory School (IPS) — an English-speaking school in Lisbon offering a British-style curriculum for certain early years.

• Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL) — offers U.S.-style education from pre-K through grade 12.

• Additional international schools are cataloged in larger Lisbon databases (over 30 in Lisbon region) with a variety of curricula (IB, British, American).

Because these are farther away, families should plan for commute times, vehicle transport or school buses.

3. Special Needs & Alternative Education

• Resilient Roots School is a local institution in Ericeira offering special-needs / inclusive education programs. Address: Praceta da Barroca 4, 2655-239 Ericeira.

• For children with particular learning styles or needs, families sometimes combine private tutoring or support with mainstream schooling. Expat parent forums often note this as a hybrid strategy.

4. What Expats Say — Strengths & Challenges

Positives

• Many expat parents report satisfaction with the local public schools in Ericeira. Some children thrive in the local system even after having attended foreign schooling.

• Public schools often offer longer days and extended hours, which can be helpful for working families.

• The local schools serve a diverse and multilingual population, which helps non-Portuguese speakers integrate more smoothly.

• Compared to private or international schools further away, the convenience and community aspect of local schooling is appealing to many families.

Challenges

• The limited number of international schools close by means some families must accept longer travel times for private/foreign curriculum options.

• For children accustomed to different educational styles or with specific needs, adjusting to the Portuguese curriculum and pace can be a transition. (Waitlists and demand can be high for nurseries / preschools in Ericeira — many expat parents recommend starting the search well in advance.)

• Some parents note that private schools may have earlier closing times (around 3:00 pm), while public schools may extend later — which could affect after-work care plans.

5. Tips for Families Relocating

• Start early: For nurseries and preschools, demand is strong. Reach out many months in advance.

• Visit schools if possible: Seeing classrooms, speaking to teachers, understanding facilities helps.

• Check school bus / transport routes: For private/international schools outside Ericeira, travel logistics matter.

• Understand the Portuguese curriculum: Be aware of national exams, year progression and language introduction schedules.

• Supplement as needed: Many families use extra classes, tutoring, or language support to bridge gaps.

• Use local expat networks: Parents in Ericeira often share school experiences and tips on enrollment or transitions.

My personal experience as a child abroad: Some of my friends who are parents feel guilty about having moved their kids to a new country. A LONG time ago, when I was eight, I moved to the Italian part of Switzerland and attended school in Italian. No one spoke English. At first, it wasn't easy; I didn’t know many people, but within six months, I had friends and spoke the language. To this day, I’m deeply grateful for that experience and for not staying in the U.S. during those years. In fact, it was harder for me to move back to the U.S. at fourteen than it was to start at that school abroad. Eventually, at 29, I left the U.S. again and never moved back.