German Section - Butterflies School

A high-quality German curriculum pathway at Butterflies School in Sintra–Cascais
Overview

The German Section at Butterflies offers a high-quality educational pathway based on the German curriculum, designed to support each child in their academic development, personal growth and international outlook.

Well-placed in Beloura, between Sintra and Cascais in the Greater Lisbon region, the programme responds to the needs of German and international families seeking strong academic standards, cultural continuity and multilingual education. We provide a nurturing learning environment where children develop curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

The German Section is designed to grow together with our children. We begin with Kindergarten and the first years of Primary School and expand step by step as each cohort advances. 

The German community in Cascais and Sintra

The German community in the Cascais–Sintra region has been an established part of international life within the area for decades. German families, businesses and cultural institutions have contributed significantly to the social, economic and educational landscape of the region.

The German Section at Butterflies aims to contribute to the continuity of this diverse and family-oriented community by offering an educational programme aligned with German educational standards within the local international context. 

Our Vision and Values

We aim to provide high-quality German education rooted in strong academic standards, cultural continuity and multilingual openness. 

Our approach is based on

  • Academic excellence and intellectual curiosity
  • Individual attention through smaller group and class sizes 
  • A supportive and inclusive learning environment
  • Strong partnerships between children, parents and educators
  • Cultural awareness and internal mindedness
  • Responsibility, civic engagement and sustainability

GERMAN CURRICULUM

The German Section follows the German curriculum, ensuring that students receive an education aligned with recognised German academic standards and learning objectives. 

A central aim of the programme is to allow children to transition seamlessly to other German schools and Kindergarten settings any stage, ensuring continuity for internationally mobile families. 

Languages
German is the primary language of instruction within the German Section. Children are exposed to English through daily interaction within the wider Butterflies learning environment, and develop familiarity with Portuguese through their local surroundings and school activities.
Starting with Year 1, children will further benefit from five hours of Portuguese lessons per week.
This multilingual setting supports both academic learning and cultural integration. 

Kindergarten & Pre-School
Kindergarten provides a warm and structured environment where young children develop social skills, independence and early learning competencies through play-based and guided activities.
The programme focuses on language development, creativity, motor skills and emotional growth, creating a strong foundation for future learning while nurturing curiosity and confidence.

Pre-School prepares children for the transition to Primary education by strengthening early literacy and numeracy skills, social development and independent learning habits.
Through structured activities and guided exploration, children develop the cognitive, emotional and social readiness required for a successful start in Primary School. 

Primary School
The Primary programme follows the German curriculum for the first years of formal education, providing a solid academic foundation while fostering critical thinking, creativity and personal responsibility. Pupils develop strong competencies in core subjects while continuing to grow in a multilingual and supportive environment that encourages curiosity and lifelong learning. 

Campus Environment
The German Section is part of Colegio Butterflies in Beloura, offering a thoughtfully designed learning environment between Cascais and Sintra. Children benefit from generous outdoor spaces, green surroundings and learning areas designed to support both focused academic work and free exploration. The campus environment encourages curiosity, movement and social interaction, allowing children to learn in a balanced setting that supports both wellbeing and academic development. 

TEAM

A team of fully proficient German-speaking educators will ensure linguistic accuracy and cultural authenticity. Planned team structure: 

  • Pedagogical Coordinator
  • Primary Teachers (Grade 1 and Grade 2/3)
  • Educators
  • Kindergarten Teachers & Pre-School Team
  • Portuguese Teacher
  • Administrative Coordinator

Portuguese and English are introduced early through an activity-based approach and our afternoon programmes. At times, subjects such as Arts, Music and Physical Education are held in English or Portuguese, fostering multilingual competence from an early age. 

JOIN US TO VISIT OUR SCHOOL

The best way to experience life at Butterflies is to book a visit and meet us in person. 

During your visit, we will give you a tour of our school – from Crèche through Pre-school and Primary. You will have the opportunity to observe our pupils and teachers interacting, experience the atmosphere of our classrooms, and discover what makes Butterflies such a special place. 

We will also be delighted to answer any questions you may have about life at our school and the enrolment process.