Meet Us
CAISL is a student-centered educational community in which we challenge ourselves and each other to do our best and to make positive contributions to our diverse and ever-changing world.
A Message from Our Director
Welcome to CAISL and thank you for visiting us online. CAISL provides students with opportunities in and out of the classroom to move beyond their comfort levels and grow as individuals.
We understand that this begins by building caring connections with our students. Here at CAISL, we develop academic, athletic and artistic skills alongside good citizenship and positive leadership.
CAISL serves school-aged dependents of the local and international communities in the Lisbon area. We’re proud of the community created by our multi-cultural student body, caring teachers and supportive parents.
I invite you to peruse the pages of our website to learn more about our programs. Our staff is always on hand to clarify any questions but don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help any further.
Sincerely,
Nate Chapman
Nate Chapman
CAISL Director
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Our Community
Our Faculty & Staff
All of our faculty are fluent English speakers, and about 70% of core subject teachers are native speakers or “program carriers,” having studied or taught within American schools.
Many educators build long careers at CAISL, while new teachers join each year, creating a faculty that is both experienced and dynamic. Though they bring diverse perspectives and teaching styles, all share common expectations: engaging students in active learning, differentiating instruction to meet individual needs, and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
Aligned with the International Taskforce on Child Protection, CAISL follows rigorous recruitment and safeguarding practices to ensure a safe environment for every student.
Our Student Body
At the start of the 2025–2026 school year, CAISL enrolled 755 students representing 62 nationalities. About one-third of our students hold more than one nationality, reflecting the diverse backgrounds that shape daily life on our campus.
Student Population by Nationality
1. USA | 32%
2. Portugal | 19%
3. Other English-speaking countries | 5%
4. Other nationalities | 44%
* Numbers may change during the school year.
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Building a Reputation of Excellence over Time
Our Commitments
Our Profile of the Learner
The CAISL community includes everyone who shares an interest in the success of our learners. All members of the community strive to help our learners become:
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Creative Problem Solvers who use a wide variety of resources and strategies to meet life’s challenges.
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Effective Communicators who express and interpret ideas using appropriate means.
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Conscientious Contributors who are committed to service, show empathy, and act to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
- Life-Long Learners who reflect upon their experiences and actively seek the knowledge and skills necessary for continuous personal growth.
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Principled Individuals who take responsibility for their choices, act with integrity, and demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the environment.
Licenses, Accreditation & Memberships
Middle States Association (MSA) Accreditation
CAISL is accredited by the Middle States Association through July 2029, with a Program of Distinction in Art and Music and an endorsement in Responsible AI in Learning.
IB Diploma Program
Authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme since 2000.
Permanent License from Portuguese Ministry of Education
Permanently licensed by the Portuguese Ministry of Education since 2003 to provide an American curriculum from Early Childhood through High School, awarding both the American High School Diploma and the IB Diploma.
US State Department
As a not-for-profit organization, CAISL has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State— the only American school in Portugal with this designation.
Our school is also part of the following professional associations:
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Our Governance
The Fundação Escola Americana de Lisboa Board of Trustees is composed of three members.
One trustee is appointed by Visteon Portuguesa, and two are appointed by the U.S. Embassy to Portugal — one a Foreign Service officer and a second locally based representative with ties to both the United States and Portugal.
The Board establishes school policy and oversees the school’s long-term direction, while delegating day-to-day operations to the school leadership. Trustees also provide governance and oversight in areas such as finance, personnel, communications, and strategic planning.
If you would like more detailed information on our governing foundation, click below:
Our Board of Trustees
American Embassy Appointees
Miguel Espírito Santo Silva de Mello (Board President)
Bart Stokes
Visteon Portuguesa Appointee
Sérgio Mourão
The main responsibility of the Trustees is to hold the school “in trust” for the future.
With CAISL's new facilities and campus having been completed in 2011, the Trustees now focus on ensuring financial sustainability, long-term stability, and responsible governance, to preserve CAISL’s mission for future generations.
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