About our School

We Ecucate Autonomous, Responsible
and Creative Students

What distinguishes us

The Student at the Center

The pedagogical model of Escola Pátio da Inês responds to the educational needs of today’s world and the future, placing the child at the center of the learning process, valuing their individuality and personality, and forming conscious citizens with a spirit of freedom and autonomy. It is part of the entire team’s mission to support the child in discovering their best selves and paving the way for them to achieve the best academic results, through an education based on humanistic, cooperative, and multidisciplinary values.

In a rapidly changing world, marked by innovation and the need for adaptation, we believe that preparing children for tomorrow means offering them a place to discover the world and themselves, where they are free to create, question, collaborate, and face challenges with confidence and balance. At Pátio da Inês School, we believe that educating is more than teaching: it is about creating conscious, supportive citizens prepared to build a better future for everyone.

What distinguishes us

Educating for the World

We are an Eco-school and have received the Green Flag award. Eco-Schools is an Education for Sustainable Development Programme promoted in Portugal by the Blue Flag Association of Europe. It rewards the work developed by schools in the field of environmental education and sustainability.

We are a multicultural and inclusive school. We develop a caring and awareness-raising education for different cultures of the world, building bridges to an open and tolerant mindset that prepares children to be active participants in a globalised and rapidly changing world.
We have an English project that values ​​early bilingual Portuguese English learning. International guidelines on teaching and learning indicate that the early and systematic practice of a second language offers cognitive benefits and a globalizing knowledge, based on interdisciplinarity and cultural curiosity.

What distinguishes us

Digital Literacy

Familiarity with educational resources in new media accompanies the school curriculum, in the classroom context, whether for studying or solving problems and presenting projects. Knowing and being able to use the available technological tools, their multiple instruments and applications, becomes an increasingly important resource in the students’ journey, at an academic, personal and, in the future, professional level.

But, equally important, is understanding its risks and challenges. Aware of this, and for a technological education appropriate to the school’s Educational Project, we rely on the contribution of reference partnerships in STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) – an integrated model of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, participated in by students, which promotes the creation of a knowledge base applicable to real life.

What distinguishes us

The Value of Art and Literature

Art education as a Psychopedagogical foundation is valuable. Stimulating creativity actively supports the building of foundations for the future, namely in achieving autonomy, critical reflection, problem-solving skills, communication, and a collaborative spirit.

We also pay special attention to reading and books. In addition to the benefits, they bring to the development of language skills, books broaden knowledge and sensitivities, develop a greater capacity to exercise citizenship, and lead children to mature, both individually and socially.

Aware that readers will be those who grow up surrounded by books, in environments where people talk about what they read and where reading options are diverse, literature is an educational priority for our school.

What distinguishes us

Health and well-being

Practice of physical activity is part of the development of transversal skills and is valued in the curriculum like all other subjects and activities. This component empowers children for good physical condition, based on strength, agility and body control, promotes health and well-being, and contributes to team spirit among everyone.

Health and well-being education is shared by several disciplinary areas such as
environmental studies and citizenship, among others, in close relation to environmental education and the commitment of the school community to the sustainability of the planet we all live on.

Mission and values

Our mission is to educate children to be autonomous, responsible, free, and creative, with an entrepreneurial spirit and an open mind to innovation. We work to ensure they are able to listen and engage in dialogue, think critically, face complex challenges, and respect others and the world around them.

Our vision is for the future. That’s why we offer innovative and unique education that meets the needs of children and prepares them for a rapidly changing world. We aim to transform lives, helping each student discover their best selves, find happiness, and achieve academic excellence through a multidisciplinary and participatory education that respects individuality and strengthens the community.

Creativity and Critical Thinking

Knowing how to engage in dialogue and critical thinking are fundamental characteristics for student development. We promote curiosity, investigation, analytical skills, debate, and reflection, encouraging our students to choose and act consciously, responsibly, and autonomously.

Familiar and affective environment

We value the construction of family-friendly educational environments that are comfortable, safe and welcoming meeting spaces. We encourage collaboration, closeness and the establishment of healthy and authentic emotional bonds.

Openness and cooperation

We understand the importance of direct and transparent communication, as well as openness and receptivity to new ideas, opinions and experiences. We promote cooperative and inclusive environments, characterised by mutual trust, respect, tolerance and reciprocity.

Humanistic and Universal Values

We advocate for the holistic development of each student, cultivating humanistic and universal values ​​such as responsibility, empathy, solidarity, tolerance, and respect. We work cooperatively to ensure a purposeful existence and harmonious coexistence with others and the world.

Lifelong learning

We value continuous learning and personal development, recognising the importance of permanent updating in a rapidly evolving world. We encourage a proactive attitude in the search for new knowledge, learning opportunities and personal fulfillment.

Social Impact

We embrace sustainable development objectives, committing to practices aligned with managerial, ethical, social, environmental and quality standards. We promote the exercise of active, informed and responsible citizenship, with a positive social impact on the local and global community.

Global and entrepreneurial vision

We assume a global and entrepreneurial vision, which seeks a comprehensive and integrated understanding of Education and the World, considering different perspectives and concepts. We encourage the development of skills such as critical thinking, proactivity, decision-making and resilience, as well as the ability to generate new ideas, act on opportunities and create value.

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Discover the educational project of Escola Pátio da Inês and ensure a complete and individualized learning and development experience.

History

1987

The Pátio da Inês school was born from the dream, dedication, and vision of Isabel Bonita, an early childhood education teacher and mother. Gradually, the school expanded, and so did the number of enrolled children.

History

2003

The parents and community dream unite with the founder’s vision, and the Pátio da Inês school opens its doors in its current facilities, bringing together nursery, preschool, and primary school in the same place, where young and old coexist and learn together — like a true educational community.

History

2025

Pátio da Inês school is part of the Project To Be educational group, formed by a team of familiar schools that are a benchmark in their local communities, offering their students high-quality development and learning experiences.