70 Years & Counting
In September 1956, a school began in an apartment in Pedrouços with just nine students. Today, 70 years later, CAISL serves a vibrant international community of over 700 students in the heart of Sintra.
From a small apartment in Pedrouços, to a purpose-built Campus in Sintra — Our Story
In September 1956, Anthony McKenna opened St. Columban's school, a small American school with just nine students. Many were children of American families living temporarily in Portugal, including engineers working on the construction of the Salazar Bridge (now the 25 de Abril Bridge). The school’s purpose was simple: to provide an American education to students who wished to return to the United States and continue their schooling without interruption.
Since its beginning, St. Columban's offered more than just academics as a school. McKenna sought to provide a balanced, college-preparatory program that valued academics, the arts, and athletics equally — a philosophy that continues to guide CAISL today.
As the school’s reputation grew, families from many nationalities joined the community, including an increasing number of Portuguese students.
To support this evolving population, a strong Portuguese Native Language program was introduced. Our school gradually expanded beyond its first apartment, and moved to a quinta in Carnaxide, and eventually added an Elementary campus in Monte Estoril and an Early Childhood Center in São João as enrollment increased.
In 1984, the Portuguese Ministry of Education formally recognized our school’s educational program with an alvará (license); marking an important step in our establishment as an educational institution.
In 1995, our governance transferred to the Fundação Escola Americana de Lisboa (FEAL), which prioritized bringing all divisions together onto one single purpose-built campus.
With the support of the Sintra Câmara (Municipality), our school secured land in Linhó. Students in Grades 3 to 12 moved to the new campus in 1998, and by the 2000-2001 school year the youngest students joined them. For the first time in over twenty years, the entire school community was united under one campus.
Building a Campus: The Move to Linhó (1995–2001)
Behind our Name: Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
In 2001, our school was renamed the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon in honor of Frank C. Carlucci, U.S. Ambassador to Portugal in the years following the 1974 revolution. The name recognizes both his connection to the school and the enduring friendship between the United States and Portugal.
From nine students in a small apartment to a vibrant international school of more than 700 students, CAISL has grown steadily while remaining grounded in its founding vision: an American education that prepares students not only for university, but for life in an international world.
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