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Carlucci American International School of Lisbon

High School

Photo of Students working in HS Atrium

Moving Confidently Towards a Bright FutureStudents develop independence, purpose, and the skills to navigate life beyond school.

CAISL’s High School serves children ages 14 to 18

High School students are between grades 9 and 12. These are years of personal and academical growth, as students keep being challenged in their classes, but also start making plans for their journey beyond school.

 

Program Structure | One High school, Two Diplomas

As an American international school, CAISL awards all graduating students an American High School Diploma, recognizing both their academic achievement and their development as responsible young adults.

In Grades 11 and 12, students may also choose to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma alongside the American High School Diploma. Approximately 80% of our students choose this pathway, engaging in rigorous coursework and external assessments.

Want to know more? Browse our High School Curriculum Overview and Handbook. 

White abstract lines swirl across the foreground of a blue gradient background that displays the title %22High School Curriculum Overview%22 and the name of an institution.
White abstract lines swirl across the foreground of a blue gradient background that displays the title %22High School Curriculum Overview%22 and the name of an institution.

The American High School Diploma vs the International Baccalaureate Diploma

When considering which pathway best fits a student’s goals and learning style, it is helpful to understand the key differences between these two programs. Approximately 80% of CAISL students choose to pursue both the American High School Diploma and the IB Diploma.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program

Want to know more?

Browse our IB Diploma Handbook.

First page of the PDF file: IB_Handbook

American High School Diploma

Photo of High School Students working independently

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Exam Results

University Admissions

Post-Secondary Pathway by Country

 

Graph showing where did students went for higher education

 

College Offers | Samples from Class of 2025

USA:  Boston College, Georgetown University, High Point University, Northeastern University, Suny Binghamton University, Texas Christian University and United States Military Academy

UK:  Goldsmiths University of London, King’s College London, Lancaster University, Loughborough University, Royal Academy of Music, Univ. of Birmingham, Univ. of Cambridge, Univ. of Manchester, Univ. of the Arts London and University of Warwick

Portugal:  Esc. Superior de Comunicação Social, Instituto Univ. Egas Moniz, IST, IPAM, ISCTE, Univ. Católica, Univ. de Lisboa and Univ. Nova de Lisboa

Netherlands:  Amsterdam University College, Erasmus Univ. Rotterdam, Leiden University College, Univ. College Utrecht and Univ. of Amsterdam)

Other: Cunef Universidade, ESADE Barcelona and IE University (Spain), MCGill University and Western University (Canada), RWTH Aachen University (Germany), AARHUS University (Denmark), Malmö University (Sweden).

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Virtual High School Learning

CAISL provides High School students with the opportunity to take online courses through Virtual High School Learning, a nonprofit organization providing supplemental online classes and blended learning opportunities.

Students in Grades 9–12 may enroll in VHS courses. Grades and credits earned are transferred and recorded on the student’s CAISL transcript. VHS Learning offers 23 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP courses are college-level and conclude with an external exam in May; strong results may qualify students for college credit or advanced standing at universities in the United States and can also support admission in other national systems. VHS Learning complies with data privacy regulations in both the United States and Europe.

Please note: VHS courses are intended to complement, not replace, the CAISL curriculum.

When CAISL Covers the Cost

CAISL will pay for a VHS course when:

  • The student enrolls in an AP course approved by the High School Coordinator and Secondary Principal as part of the student’s academic plan
  • The student has demonstrated strong organizational skills, academic ability and interest in the subject and the course is significantly different than those currently offered at CAISL. VHS Learning is meant to expand, not replace, the courses CAISL offers.

When Families Cover the Cost

Families will pay for a VHS course when:

  • The student does not pass the course.
  • Students withdraws from the course after the first week from the start date.  If a student withdraws during the first week, the family will be responsible for 25% of the course fee.  
  • The student is recovering a credit from a CAISL course which he/she did not pass.

Participation in any VHS Learning course offered through CAISL will require the approval of the Secondary Principal.

More About High School

 

Class Sizes

CAISL’s High School includes Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18), with a maximum of 60 students per grade. Individual classes are kept small, with no more than 20 students, ensuring meaningful discussion, personalized attention, and strong teacher-student relationships.

Each student is part of an advisory group led by a faculty advisor who serves as a consistent point of contact for academic guidance and personal support. Students also work closely with the Post-Secondary Counselor as they plan for university and life beyond CAISL.

 

Beyond the Classroom

High School students participate in a wide variety of activities including Model United Nations, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the Thespian Troupe, as well as opportunities in community service, athletics, and the arts.

Learn More

 

Post-Secondary Pathways Counseling

Students and families are closely supported by our Post-Secondary Counselor, who guides them through course selection, university applications, and the wide range of post-secondary options available internationally - whether that be pursuing a university degree or not.

CAISL graduates matriculate to universities around the world, with many attending institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Portugal.

Learn More

What's happening in High School?

An Evening of Music, Memory, and Celebration at CAISL

CAISL’s Spring Concert brought together our Middle School Choir, High School Choir, Varsity Choir, Intermediate Orchestra, and Advanced Orchestra for a memorable evening of music and celebration. As part of CAISL’s 70th anniversary, students performed selections representing the decades since the school’s founding, creating a meaningful tribute to our history, community, and vibrant performing arts program.

CAISL’s theater came alive recently for a memorable Spring Concert featuring performances by our talented Secondary School musicians. The evening showcased the artistry and dedication of our Middle School Choir, High School Choir, Varsity Choir, Intermediate Orchestra, and Advanced Orchestra, who delivered a wonderful celebration of music, community, and school spirit.
This year’s concert held special significance as part of CAISL’s 70th anniversary celebrations. In honor of this milestone, students performed a thoughtfully curated selection of songs representing each decade since the school’s founding in 1956. The program offered a musical journey through time, highlighting the rich history of CAISL while celebrating the enduring power of the performing arts to connect generations.
We are incredibly proud of our student performers and grateful to our music faculty for their guidance, dedication, and vision in bringing this meaningful event to life. The Spring Concert was a beautiful reflection of CAISL’s vibrant arts program and a fitting tribute to 70 years of learning, creativity, and community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special evening and helped make it such a memorable celebration.

Solid Works: A 3D Gallery of Mathematical Creativity

On June 11, Grade 9 students showcased their Unit 6 Modeling projects in a 3D gallery exhibition. By transforming real-world objects into mathematical models, they applied concepts such as surface area, volume, density, and geometric probability. The event welcomed teachers, parents, and students to celebrate creativity, learning, and mathematical thinking in action.

On Thursday, June 11, Grade 9 students brought mathematics to life with Solid Works: a 3D Gallery, showcasing their Unit 6 Modeling projects.

In this hands-on exhibition, students selected real-world objects and transformed them into detailed 3D mathematical models. They applied a range of mathematical concepts—including surface area, volume, density, and geometric probability—to design and refine their creations.

The event was a great opportunity for students to share their work with the school community, welcoming teachers, parents, and fellow students who attended to explore their projects and celebrate their learning.

(By Ms. Bernardo)

Celebrating Our Graduates: Class of 2026

Last Saturday, we celebrated the graduation of 60 students from the Class of 2026. The emotional ceremony brought together students, families, and staff to mark this important milestone. A highlight of the event was the personal tributes shared by teachers chosen by each graduate, making the occasion especially meaningful. While we are excited to see what lies ahead for our graduates, they are already greatly missed by our school community.

Last Saturday, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026, as 60 students crossed the stage to mark the end of an important chapter in their lives.

The ceremony was filled with emotion as students, families, and staff came together to reflect on years of learning, growth, and shared memories. One of the ceremony's most memorable moments was the series of personal tributes from teachers chosen by the graduates, whose words celebrated the achievements, character, and lasting contributions of each student to our school community.

While we are excited to see our graduates embark on new adventures and opportunities, they are already greatly missed. Their contributions, friendships, talents, and spirit have left a lasting mark on our school, and their absence is already being felt in our hallways and classrooms.

We congratulate the Class of 2026 on all they have achieved and wish them every success and happiness in the future. Once a member of our community, always a member of our community.

Week Without Walls: 9th Grade Experience in Central Portugal

9th grade students took part in a four-day Week Without Walls in central coastal Portugal, combining outdoor learning, cultural visits, and team-building activities. Highlights included a beach clean-up at Praia de Mira, kayaking, museum visits, and exploring the São Jacinto dunes. The experience offered meaningful hands-on learning while strengthening bonds within the grade.

At the beginning of the month, 9th grade students took part in a four-day Week Without Walls experience in the central coastal region of Portugal, combining outdoor learning, cultural discovery, and class bonding.

The program included a beach clean-up at Praia de Mira, kayaking on the river, and visits to the Museu dos Palheiros and COMUR – Museu Municipal da Murtosa. Students also explored the Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto, learning about its unique coastal ecosystem.

Overall, the experience combined meaningful outdoor learning with strong opportunities for students to connect and bond as a grade.

Seniors walk CAISL hallways on their last day of school

The Class of 2026 marked their final day of classes at CAISL with a celebration filled with joy, reflection, and a few bittersweet tears.

The Class of 2026 marked their final day of classes at CAISL with a celebration filled with joy, reflection, and a few bittersweet tears.

In a thoughtful surprise organized by the National Honor Society (NHS), seniors were invited to take part in a series of meaningful activities. They decorated their own mock graduation caps, revisited memories through photos from their early years at CAISL, and enjoyed personalized cupcakes.

The celebration continued with a cherished CAISL tradition: the senior parade. Students made their way across campus, passing through every grade level from EC3 to Grade 11, greeted by cheering students, warm hugs, and heartfelt applause. The walk was a powerful reminder of the journey they have taken and the community that has supported them along the way.

As they now turn their focus to final exams, we wish our seniors the very best. The Class of 2026 will surely be missed!

Want to know more?

Browse our High School Curriculum Overview and Handbook, our IB Diploma Handbook, and our Student Conduct Manual.

White abstract lines swirl across the foreground of a blue gradient background that displays the title %22High School Curriculum Overview%22 and the name of an institution.
White abstract lines swirl across the foreground of a blue gradient background that displays the title %22High School Curriculum Overview%22 and the name of an institution.
First page of the PDF file: IB_Handbook
First page of the PDF file: HS_Essentials_of_Student_Conduct

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