Top International Schools in Madeira for Expat Families

Your Guide to Madeira's Top-Rated International Schools

Madeira, Portugal’s dreamy Atlantic island, isn’t just a haven for nature lovers and digital nomads—it's also a growing hotspot for families seeking top-tier international education. Whether you’re relocating long-term or staying seasonally, this volcanic gem offers a small but strong selection of international schools that combine global learning with the relaxed rhythm of island life.

Here’s your insider guide to the best international schools in Madeira—where your child can thrive academically while growing up surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and endless ocean views.

1. 📚 International School of Madeira (ISM)

Tucked in the hills of Funchal, the International School of Madeira brings a modern, student-centered approach to education with a distinctly personal feel. This school champions bilingual learning, offering instruction in both English and Portuguese, making it ideal for international families settling into Portuguese life.

Class sizes are small, encouraging meaningful relationships between students and educators. The curriculum is broad and inclusive, blending local culture with global awareness, and extracurriculars range from arts and music to coding and ecology. It's a tight-knit environment that feels more like a community than an institution—perfect for nurturing both academic excellence and emotional well-being.

🧠 What Makes ISM Stand Out
A bilingual bridge between Portuguese culture and international education, where every student is seen, heard, and empowered.

👩‍🏫 Who's Guiding the Learning
A dedicated team of multilingual educators passionate about fostering curiosity, compassion, and creativity.

📌 Type & Details

• Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12
• Language: English & Portuguese
• Location: Funchal, Madeira

2. 🌎 International Sharing School Madeira

If you’re after innovation and internationalism, this newer addition to Madeira’s education scene is one to watch. The International Sharing School Madeira follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework—making it a strong contender for globally mobile families.

The school is housed in a striking modern facility in Funchal and prides itself on being inclusive, progressive, and deeply student-centered. Project-based learning, technology integration, and a multicultural environment define the school’s atmosphere. With its focus on empathy, global citizenship, and collaboration, this is more than a school—it’s a launchpad for young change-makers.

🚀 What Makes Sharing School Special
An IB world school where imagination meets innovation, giving kids a head start in tomorrow’s global world.

🌐 Who’s Behind the Vision
Sharing Foundation, an international education network with a mission to build inclusive, future-ready schools across Portugal.

📌 Type & Details

• Grades: Nursery to Grade 12
• Language: English (IB curriculum)
• Location: Funchal, Madeira

3. 🏫 International School Santo António (ISSA)

Located just a short drive from Funchal, ISSA is a charming bilingual school that offers a personalized, values-based education. With small class sizes and a strong focus on moral development, the school blends the best of British and Portuguese educational traditions.

Students are encouraged to develop not just academically, but emotionally and ethically, in a warm and respectful environment. With extracurricular options from martial arts to environmental clubs, ISSA supports well-rounded growth, all while celebrating Madeira’s unique island culture.

🌿 What Makes ISSA Unique
A nurturing environment where bilingual learning meets character development in the heart of Madeira’s natural beauty.

💫 Who’s Nurturing Young Minds
A passionate team of educators focused on instilling values, community spirit, and academic integrity.

📌 Type & Details

• Grades: Preschool to Secondary
• Language: English & Portuguese
• Location: Camacha, Madeira

4. 🐾 Madeira Multilingual School (MMS)

For families who want a flexible, language-rich environment, Madeira Multilingual School is a hidden gem. With its strong emphasis on communication, MMS offers a trilingual education model—teaching in English, Portuguese, and German.

This approach supports linguistic fluency and cultural agility, preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world. MMS uses a mix of traditional and progressive teaching methods, with personalized pathways and individualized support. It’s a community-driven school with a heart, ideal for children who benefit from attention and encouragement in a multicultural setting.

🎓 What Makes MMS a Star
A trilingual powerhouse nurturing global citizens through personalized, multilingual education in a cozy, inclusive atmosphere.

💬 Who’s Leading the Way
Language-loving educators with an eye for diversity, innovation, and individualized learning.

📌 Type & Details

• Grades: Preschool to Grade 9 (expanding)
• Language: English, Portuguese & German
• Location: São Martinho, Funchal

Why Choose International Schools in Madeira?

Madeira’s international schools reflect the island’s identity—diverse, open-hearted, and forward-thinking. Whether you prioritize bilingual fluency, IB credentials, or a strong sense of community, there’s a school here ready to support your child’s growth in both intellect and spirit.

And let’s not forget the lifestyle. Picture your child studying science in the morning, hiking Laurisilva trails in the afternoon, and learning languages from classmates around the globe. Madeira makes education not just effective—but magical.