# TASIS Portugal

TASIS Portugal, formally known as The American School in Portugal, is a private American international school in Portugal. It is the newest of the four TASIS Schools, a Swiss group of American international schools.
TASIS Portugal is an American international school located in Sintra, Portugal, part of the renowned TASIS family of schools, founded by M. Crist Fleming in 1956. It offers an American-based curriculum from Early Learning Center through Upper School, with students progressing to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in grades 11 and 12. The School focuses on a well-rounded education combining academics, arts, athletics, and character development. Known for its strong sense of community, TASIS Portugal emphasizes global citizenship, sustainability, and active parent involvement through its TASIS Parent Association (TPA).

## History

The fourth of the TASIS Schools, TASIS Portugal was established in 2020. It is the newest member of the TASIS family of schools, founded by M. Crist Fleming in 1956. TASIS schools operate under the nonprofit TASIS Foundation. Located in the upscale residential community of Beloura, between Old Sintra and Cascais, Portugal.
Its campus was founded within the Quinta da Beloura in Linhó, Sintra, an affluent village on the Portuguese Riviera, west of Lisbon.

## Mission

TASIS Portugal challenges and nurtures students to pursue academic and personal excellence with the goal of helping them become engaged global citizens and innovative, selfless leaders. The Motto: Verum, Bonum, Pulchrum, (Truth, Goodness, and Beauty) guides the School in cultivating students who are prepared to succeed academically while becoming thoughtful, responsible global citizens.

## Academics

TASIS Portugal is an American international school delivering an American curriculum from Early Learning Center (ELC) through Middle School. As students advance into high school, we guide them through the IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP).
TASIS Portugal is a "Core Knowledge School of Distinction" a prestigious designation that only nine schools have achieved. TASIS is the first international school to receive this honor.
All students are required to wear school uniforms.

## Accreditations and Memberships

Cambridge Assessment International Education
IB World School
Core Knowledge School of Distinction
Authorized by the Portuguese Ministry of Education
CIS Member School
AEEP
College Board
The Enrollment Management Association

## Administration

TASIS Portugal is a member of the TASIS Schools, four international schools that are jointly-owned by the TASIS Foundation. Apart from the TASIS Foundation's board of directors, each school is governed by its own board of directors. Fernando González is both Chairman of TASIS Portugal and TASIS England, as well as a member of the Foundation's board. Keith Chicquen is the headmaster of TASIS Portugal.
TASIS Portugal is accredited by Council of International Schools (CIS).

## Campus and Facilities

The TASIS Portugal campus is nestled in the natural beauty of Sintra, known for its cultural heritage and lush surroundings. The state-of-the-art facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated dance and music academies, a makerspace, two libraries, two student lounges, three playing fields, three playgrounds, six science laboratories, an expansive gymnasium, and 80- and 400- seat theaters. The School prioritizes outdoor learning spaces, such as the outdoor classroom for younger students and Forest School for the Early Learning Center students.

## Community and Parent Involvement

TASIS Portugal fosters a strong sense of community through active parent involvement. The TASIS Parent Association (TPA) plays an integral role in school life by organizing events, such as the monthly Welcome Coffee, the annual Back-to-School BBQ, Winter Fair, International Day, Gala, and other social and fundraising activities. The School promotes collaboration between parents, teachers, and students, ensuring that families are an essential part of the educational experience. This engagement helps create a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of the TASIS Portugal community.

## Global Citizenship and Extracurricular Programs

TASIS Portugal places a strong emphasis on preparing students to be responsible global citizens. The School offers a wide array of extracurricular programs, including music, dance, and language academies as well as sports teams (the school is a member of two local athletic leagues) along with leadership opportunities like the Duke of Edinburgh Award. TASIS also emphasizes environmental sustainability through various initiatives led by the Sustainability Committee, which works with students and parents to implement eco-friendly practices. Additionally, TASIS Portugal offers international trips, such as university tours and cultural exchanges, helping students gain a broader global perspective.