Most of our teachers are native or near-native speakers of the language in which they teach.

Yes, we provide additional English language support for students who need help adapting to English as the language of instruction.

Portuguese as a local language

16

7

Yes

At TISA, technology is not used for the sake of technology. It is a tool for research, design, and creation.

Students use digital tools for research, data analysis, project-based learning, programming, 3D modelling, engineering design, and prototype creation.

Through AI-Powered Science, Deep Tech, and TISA MBA, students learn to work with information, test hypotheses, build engineering and entrepreneurial projects, present their ideas, and solve real-world problems.

Yes. When needed, TISA uses modern online learning platforms and virtual classroom technologies to ensure continuity of learning and effective communication between teachers, students, and families.

No. TISA is a secular international school that respects the cultural and religious diversity of all families.

TISA is an IB PYP school.
We use an assessment system based on IB approaches, including formative and summative assessment, observation of student progress, project-based tasks, inquiry work, portfolios, and individual feedback.

The school may also use external language and academic assessment tools to monitor student progress, but our main focus is on the IB approach, the development of thinking skills, inquiry skills, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life contexts.

At TISA, student results are assessed not only through tests, but also through academic progress, inquiry skills, project quality, independence, communication, and the ability to apply knowledge.

Students demonstrate steady progress within the IB PYP framework, developing a strong academic foundation together with critical thinking, research skills, communication, collaboration, and project-based learning.

Yes, but homework at TISA is carefully balanced and age-appropriate.

As TISA is a full-day school, the timetable includes Self Study, where students practise core academic subjects, consolidate learning, and receive individual support within the school day.

Some reading, project-based, or inquiry work may be assigned for home completion. These tasks are given with reasonable deadlines, manageable volume, and teacher guidance.

Most academic practice takes place at school during Self Study.

Homework is usually limited in volume and depends on the age of the student. On average, it may include 15–30 minutes of reading, light consolidation, or continuation of project-based or inquiry work.

We are primary schoolTISA currently provides education for children aged 3–12 within the IB PYP framework. As a primary school, we do not yet have university graduation statistics. Our students continue their educational journey in international and national school pathways.

Yes. TISA provides individual support for students with specific learning, emotional, or adaptation needs. However, TISA is not a specialised SEN school, so each case is reviewed individually during the admissions process.

At TISA, we aim to build an individual learning pathway for every child. Our support system is based on observation, differentiated instruction, regular feedback, and close collaboration between teachers, the school psychologist, tutors, school leadership, and parents.

When a student needs additional support, the school may provide individual learning goals, adapted tasks, tutor support, psychological guidance, social-emotional development support, and regular progress monitoring.

At the same time, we carefully assess whether we can provide the necessary level of support within our educational environment. Each class has a limited quota for students who require a higher level of individual support.

At TISA, we believe that every child has talent. The role of the school is to notice this talent, unlock it, and help each student develop their individual strengths.

Our authorial methodology combines international best educational practices, the IB approach, differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and individual learning pathways. This allows every student to build a strong academic foundation, while students with advanced abilities can move into deeper learning tracks.

Through TISA MBA, students learn from an early age to test hypotheses, create their own projects, speak publicly, defend their ideas, and explore themselves as researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and creators.

The school also supports students in external competitions and tournaments, including the World Robot Olympiad, mathematics Olympiads, chess tournaments, jiu-jitsu tournaments, creative competitions, theatre projects, and other initiatives. This gives children opportunities to express their strengths both within school and in the wider world.

Yes. TISA provides access to a school psychologist. The psychologist supports not only individual needs, but also class dynamics, student adaptation, social-emotional development, teacher guidance, and collaboration with parents.

Yes

The admissions process includes a comprehensive assessment of both the child and the family.

Depending on the child's age, this may include classroom observation, age-appropriate academic assessment, meetings with a teacher and the school psychologist, and a parent interview. Our goal is not only to understand the student's current academic level, but also to learn about their individual learning profile, interests, and ensure that TISA is the right educational environment for both the child and the family.

No

Applications are accepted throughout the academic year, subject to available places.

We encourage families to apply as early as possible, as class sizes are intentionally limited and the admissions process includes several stages of assessment and family meetings.

Yes.

Subject to availability, students may join TISA during the academic year. Every new student follows a personalised onboarding and adaptation process, and when needed, we create an individual integration plan to ensure a smooth transition into our learning community.

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Yes. Our campus is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The core academic programme begins at 8:30 a.m. The morning is dedicated to core academic subjects, including English, Mathematics, Languages, Science, and the IB PYP curriculum.

In the afternoon, students continue learning through AI-Powered Science, Deep Tech Engineering, CAD, TISA MBA, creative arts, sports, project-based learning, and enrichment programmes. This full-day model allows children to enjoy a rich educational experience without the need for additional after-school tutoring or activities.

Currently, TISA does not operate its own school bus service.

However, if there is sufficient demand from families, the school is open to organising a dedicated school transport route.

Yes

Yes.

Students are provided with breakfast, a morning snack, a hot lunch, and an afternoon snack throughout the school day.

In addition, healthy snack and fruit stations are available for students during the day.

When students have allergies, medical requirements, religious dietary needs, or other specific dietary preferences, the school works closely with families to provide appropriate meal options.

Yes

At TISA, extracurricular activities are an extension of the educational programme rather than a separate set of clubs.

Students can choose programmes based on their interests and strengths, including AI-Powered Science, Deep Tech Engineering, Robotics, CAD & Design, TISA MBA & Entrepreneurship, Creative Arts, Theatre, Music, Chess, Olympiad Mathematics, Languages, Public Speaking, Research Projects, and many others.

Many activities culminate in real-world projects, research, public presentations, exhibitions, competitions, and conferences.

Our physical education programme includes regular PE lessons, jiu-jitsu, team sports, and activities that develop coordination and overall physical fitness.

We see physical development as an essential part of building confidence, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and lifelong healthy habits.

Yes.

Students regularly participate in internal sports events and represent the school in external competitions, including jiu-jitsu tournaments, chess championships, and other sporting and academic events. We encourage participation in activities that help children develop character, teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills.

The TISA campus is designed as a modern learning environment that supports academic, creative, and inquiry-based learning.

Students have access to specialised classrooms, science and engineering learning spaces, a library, a music studio, a theatre space, project work areas, creative studios, individual and collaborative learning spaces, as well as an outdoor terrace and recreation areas.

Every learning space is designed to encourage exploration, creativity, collaboration, and the presentation of student projects.

The school offers a gymnasium, indoor play areas, and outdoor spaces for daily physical activity.

Theodore International Startup Academy (TISA) is an international IB PYP school in Lisbon for children aged 3–12, where strong academics become the foundation for developing the way children think.

We believe that the purpose of education is not only to teach knowledge, but to help children ask meaningful questions, see connections, investigate, make thoughtful decisions, collaborate with others, and create value for the world around them.

Our educational model combines academic excellence with the development of inquiry, engineering, entrepreneurial, creative, and social-emotional thinking.

At TISA, every child follows a personalised learning journey. We help students discover their strengths, build character, confidence, and responsibility while maintaining high academic standards within a warm and supportive international school community.

TISA's teaching approach is built on the IB PYP framework together with our own methodology for developing thinking.

We see learning as an active process of inquiry. Rather than simply receiving answers, students learn to ask meaningful questions, develop hypotheses, investigate, analyse information, draw conclusions, and apply their knowledge in new situations.

For us, strong academic achievement and personal development are equally important.

That is why our curriculum integrates science, mathematics, languages, engineering, entrepreneurship, creativity, and social-emotional learning into one coherent educational model. Students learn to make connections across disciplines and apply their knowledge in meaningful real-life contexts.

Small class sizes, differentiated instruction, and continuous feedback allow every student to grow at their own pace while maintaining high expectations and a genuine love of learning.