Elementary School
KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 5
What Makes TASIS American?
TASIS’s founder valued freedom of speech, democracy, citizenship, respect, tolerance, equality, and all cultures—core principles of the American republic. Combined with a spirit of invention, entrepreneurship, and the belief that anything is possible, these ideals make TASIS Portugal not just an American school, but a home for students from everywhere.
Dear Parents,
As a founding member of the leadership team at TASIS Portugal, I have had the privilege of shaping our Lower School around one guiding principle: placing each child’s academic growth and emotional well-being at the heart of every decision.
Choosing the right school is an important family decision. You seek more than an institution—you want educators who share your aspirations, recognize your child’s unique potential, and nurture it with expertise and genuine care.
Our program is intentionally distinctive. From Kindergarten through Grade 5, every classroom has expert teachers working in partnership. This approach balances rigorous academic preparation with the joyful, curiosity-driven learning children need to flourish. With two professionals observing and responding to development, we capture the moments that matter—when curiosity sparks, confidence wavers, or new challenges arise. Through close collaboration, our teachers extend advanced learners, provide timely support, and create an environment that is both academically ambitious and emotionally nurturing.
At TASIS Portugal, we prepare intellectually capable, emotionally grounded, and socially responsible young people ready to make purposeful contributions to a complex and changing world.
Erica Herro
Head of Lower School
Elementary School At A Glance
65
Nationalities
400
Elementary School Students
57
Languages Spoken
A Year in the Lower School Learning Commons
32,754
Books Check Out
58
Books Borrowed Per ES Student
461
Library Lessons Supporting Literacy & Research Skills
1mil
Pages Read Through Digital Reading Programs
What Makes Core Knowledge So Amazing?
As a Core Knowledge School of Distinction, TASIS Portugal is recognized for excellence in implementing this curriculum. Our teachers bring the program to life with creativity and innovation, supported by robust resources, ongoing professional development, and a collaborative learning community. The result is a well-structured yet dynamic educational experience that promotes continuity, curiosity, and confidence from one grade to the next.
You can expect your child to come home talking about:
- Kindergarten: how paleontologists dig for dinosaur fossils
- Grade 1: how the heart pumps blood through the body
- Grade 2: why ancient Mesopotamians invented writing on clay tablets
- Grade 3: why Roman aqueducts were architectural marvels
- Grade 4: what trans-Saharan trade routes connected
- Grade 5: what Rosa Parks' courage meant for the Civil Rights Movement
Celebrations of Learning
Learning is marked by clear moments of celebration: Heggerty Heroes, Core Knowledge Super Events, Singapore Math mornings, spelling bees, “Battle of the Books”, house reading competitions, and local and international math competitions. Students share their ideas through TASIS Speaks, the TASIS Times, and the 100-word writing contest, while the Sustainability Committee leads campus initiatives. These events provide students with opportunities to show progress, build confidence, and take part in school life.
Specialist Classes
Meet Some of Our Teachers
TASIS Speaks
The ability to speak articulately, persuasively, and confidently is an essential life skill. At TASIS Portugal, students begin developing this skill in Grade 1 through an annual, school-wide rhetoric showcase. They continue to hone their abilities in class presentations and assemblies culminating in our signature TASIS Speaks event, where students earn the privilege of addressing the entire Elementary School.
Four Houses, One Family
At TASIS Portugal, our House System is at the heart of student life and community. From preschool through high school, every student belongs to one of four Houses.
This system fosters belonging, leadership, and school spirit as students work together across grades in friendly competitions and shared goals. Through initiatives like Chivalry Tickets, which recognize acts of kindness and integrity, and the pursuit of the annual House Cup, students learn the value of teamwork, service, and character.
More than just a tradition, the House System helps every child feel known, supported, and inspired to contribute to something greater than themselves.
State of the Art Facilities
Grade Level Selection
To help families from different educational systems, this table shows how TASIS Portugal grade levels align with the British curriculum and the typical age of students in each grade.
Apply to TASIS Portugal
The school application process is an exciting step toward your child's future, and we're here to make it as smooth as possible. If you have any questions or need guidance along the way, don’t hesitate to contact our admissions office. We look forward to getting to know your family, walking you through the process, and sharing what makes the TASIS Difference truly special.
Curriculum, Accreditations & Memberships
Discover the TASIS Difference for Yourself
A highlight of assembly is the singing of our School Fight Song, “TASIS Where We Belong”. This song was written by the 3rd and 4th Grade Songwriters Club. Learn the lyrics, and watch the video to help your child become familiar with the School Song.