Ages 3 months to 18
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Where confidence grows
What's happening
At our private Primary School in Lisbon, students aged 6 to 10 build strong foundations across reading, writing, mathematics and physical education in the First Cycle. Through engaging learning experiences and exploration, they develop essential life skills, growing the curiosity and confidence to ask questions, share ideas and understand the world around them.
Excellent curriculum
Progress with the Portuguese National Curriculum with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and creativity.
Small class sizes
Learn and grow in a safe and welcoming environment, with personalized guidance, developing confidence, autonomy and social, emotional and cognitive skills at your own pace.
Philosophy for Children
Explore key issues, build arguments and strengthen ethical thinking through guided debates that encourage curiosity, reflection and confidence.
Bilingual learning
Fast-track fluency in Portuguese and English through dedicated weekly classes and playful instruction in both languages.
Skills for life
Develop future-ready skills through the ISP Life Competencies Framework, a life skills framework supported by Camtree, part of Hughes Hall at the University of Cambridge.
Elite sports training
Unlock sporting potential through judo, gymnastics, swimming, futsal and dance, guided by professional coaches who inspire progress and confidence.
Enriching extracurriculars
Broaden horizons and pursue passions through enriching extracurricular activities, exploring music, arts, community service and group study time.
Dedicated learning spaces
Learn and play in purpose-built spaces, including playground, a media library, a sports pavilion and an indoor swimming pool.
Tech-enhanced learning
Accelerate learning about letters and numbers through interactive stories and educational games on Escola Virtual, accessing individual iPads with the iMonte Project.
Friendly admissions process
Families receive personalised support from our Admissions team all year round, with expert guidance at every stage of the enrolment journey.
At one of the best primary schools in Lisbon, students progress with an excellent Portuguese National Curriculum. With an integrated, student-centred approach, they develop literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, creativity and social and personal skills.
Explore language and communicationStudents develop essential oral and written communication skills, with a focus on reading fluency and comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and structured writing.
Through a wide range of texts and activities, children learn to interpret, create and engage critically with the Portuguese language, strengthening their ability to communicate with confidence.
Solve real-life problems with logic and numbersThrough mathematics, students develop fundamental numeracy and logical reasoning skills. They explore number operations, geometry, measurement, data handling and problem solving, while building essential mental calculation strategies.
Students learn to apply mathematical concepts to everyday situations, growing the confidence to think logically, solve challenges and use numbers with purpose.
Arouse curiosity about nature and the environmentThrough this integrated area of study, students explore the world in meaningful and engaging ways, learning about natural and social environments.
They investigate topics across science, history, geography and citizenship, developing observation, questioning and critical thinking skills. Activities encourage curiosity, respect for the environment and a deeper understanding of human and social dynamics.
Gaining confidence in a foreign languageEnglish is introduced as a foreign language, with a strong focus on oral communication. Students acquire basic vocabulary and structures through interactive activities, songs and stories, developing listening and speaking skills while building the foundations for reading and writing in English at later stages.
In a playful and welcoming environment, they gain confidence to use the language every day through games, dialogues and role play that encourage curiosity, natural pronunciation and a love of learning English.
Strengthen the body and mind
English is introduced as a foreign language, with a strong focus on oral communication. Students acquire basic vocabulary and structures through interactive activities, songs and stories, developing listening and speaking skills while building the foundations for reading and writing in English at later stages.
Expression through rhythm and soundIn music, 1st Cycle students awaken their musical potential, developing rhythm, intonation and their own expressive voice. Through singing, movement and playful exploration of instruments, they experience the joy of music across different genres and cultures, building confidence, creativity and artistic sensitivity with every note.
Lessons promote active listening, early sound pattern reading and collaboration. Through classroom orchestras, choirs and projects, students learn to respect timing, share ideas and celebrate the beauty of creating music together.
Communicating through colour and creativityIn visual arts at CMM, 1st Cycle students explore materials, techniques and visual elements to express themselves creatively. They develop fine motor skills, visual literacy and aesthetic awareness, while strengthening observation, imagination and reflection through artistic production.
Through painting, drawing, modelling and collage, they create individual and group projects, learn to experiment, appreciate and communicate ideas, and grow confidence, critical thinking and a love of art.
In our 1st Cycle, every day is an opportunity to learn, think and grow, with curiosity, confidence and joy.
Extended hours
7.30am – 9am
Students are welcomed in their classrooms, with our caring staff available since early morning to accomodate all families' needs.
Morning classes
9am – 10am
Morning lessons begin, opening the way to a day rich in learning and discovery.
Break
10am – 10.30am
A break to socialise and recharge before returning to lessons.
Lessons & learning
10.30am – 12.30pm
Students return to the classroom to continue learning, focusing on core academics and enhancing essential literacy and reasoning skills.
Lunch
12.30pm – 1.30pm
A break to enjoy a wholesome and tasty lunch and to have fun time together.
Afternoon classes
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Afternoon lessons begin, focusing on the Portuguese curriculum through active learning and group projects.
Extra-curriculars
3.30pm – 4pm
Sports and extra-curricular activities that uncover talents and nurture passions.
4pm – 7.30pm
After-school care for families with busy schedules where students enjoy fun activities and exten learning beyond classes.
First Cycle students build the foundations for academic and personal success, developing essential life skills with the support of a dedicated team.
Academic achievement
Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.
Life competencies
Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives.
Multilingualism
Foster language skills and build confidence, with support in the students' home or first languages.
International opportunities
Try global skill-building programmes and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.
Life & career pathways
Benefit from personalised guidance for university and career choices, supporting your chosen path.
In Primary at CMM, students receive rigorous support in the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science through progression and checkpoint assessments, allowing them to monitor their performance, strengthen their skills and develop responsibility and confidence.
Close, transparent communication with families is highly valued. The School Portal provides up-to-date information on each student’s progress, while Escola Virtual and Aula Digital support tasks with immediate feedback. Through regular in-person meetings with the Class Teacher, each learning journey is carefully supported, secure and shared between school and family.
During the 1st Cycle, students take part in engaging lessons and challenging extracurricular activities that develop critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, autonomy and resilience.
Through collaborative projects, students strengthen communication, social and emotional development, and civic and ethical responsibility.
Digital literacy is promoted through the iMonte Project, a school initiative that encourages the active use of tablets in lessons to enhance student learning.
Speaking English fluently and with confidence is an essential skill for today and for the future. While Portuguese remains at the heart of the curriculum, significant time is dedicated throughout the 1st Cycle to English language learning in a playful, dynamic way, with a strong focus on oral communication.
The aim is simple: for English to become more than a subject, becoming instead a living, present and fluent language in each student’s daily life.
CMM students connect and collaborate with peers from more than 25 countries through ISP's International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS).
At this early stage, they begin to discover their natural talents and develop scientific thinking through practical, playful experiences. In Years 2 and 3, through ISP Scientists, they explore, experiment and ask questions, nurturing their natural curiosity and building a lasting love of science. In Year 4, through ISP Artists Junior, students express their creativity in international art projects, developing aesthetic awareness, cultural understanding and confidence in their own artistic voice.
At Colégio Integrado Monte Maior, students receive academic guidance from the 1st Cycle to help them discover their vocation, explore their passions and prepare for the future.
The Future Pathways programme supports each student individually throughout their academic journey, offering close and personalised guidance. Through this approach, students develop self-awareness, set clear goals and build essential skills, preparing for a bright future with confidence, autonomy and a strong sense of their own talents.
At Colégio Monte Maior, flexible enrolment for the First Cycle is available throughout the year. The admissions team is on hand to answer questions and help families choose the most suitable start date for their child.
Colégio Monte Maior is my special place. Since Early Years, this is where I have learnt to read, do maths and think for myself. It is much more than a school; it is a place where I love to be and where I grow every day, always alongside my friends.
Ana, Year 4 Student
Clubs, sports and opportunities
Our team
Second Cycle
Build the foundations for academic and personal success at Colégio Monte Maior.
Partners
