About us

Our legacy of excellence

For over a decade, SAIS has been a home for curious minds, caring families and dedicated teachers. Founded on the principles of academic rigor and pastoral warmth, it has grown into one of the most trusted International Schools in the Lisbon area. SAIS is where forty-nine different nationalities get together, learn together and leave ready to lead.

Welcome from the head teacher

“Santo António International School is an international independent Catholic School in the heart of Estoril. Our aim is to combine academic excellence with a caring family environment.”

Rooted in values, united in diversity, building global citizens

At SAIS – Santo António International School, culture is not an accessory to education — it is the heartbeat of who we are. It shapes our daily interactions, fuels our ambitions, and unites us in a shared sense of purpose. Rooted in our Catholic ethos and enriched by the presence of forty-nine different nationalities, our community thrives on respect, compassion, and service. We see diversity as a source of beauty and strength, and unity as the path that carries us forward together.

Our culture is founded on the belief that education should nurture the whole person — mind, heart, and spirit. From the early years in Primary to the challenges of A Levels, pupils are encouraged to think deeply, act kindly, and lead with empathy. In every classroom, learning becomes more than study — it is a living dialogue between cultures, ideas, and values. This dialogue helps our students grow into confident, thoughtful global citizens, ready to shape a brighter world.