Education Programmes
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Depending on whether a family is registered under ensino doméstico (home education) or pursuing an alternative recognised path such as ensino individual, both options accepted by Portuguese education authorities, our programmes are designed to complement each child’s learning journey.
Our programmes support families in guiding their children’s learning through self-enquiry, storytelling, nature immersion, and hands-on exploration, all shaped by the shared values of our parent-educator community. Children engage with core subjects in creative, reflective, and experiential ways. Sessions include music, drama, art, permaculture, human rights, movement, forest days, sports, and Portuguese, nurturing well-rounded, curious individuals.
Preschool
Wildflowers Early Learning Community partners with parents and educators to support children aged 3 to 6 in a gentle, enriching environment rooted in Waldorf and Montessori principles. Our priority is each child’s happiness and well-being, nurturing their growth with warmth, creativity, and respect for natural rhythms. We offer free play, nature walks, storytelling, and activities using organic materials. Families are actively involved through outings and celebrations. Get in touch to learn more or arrange a visit.
Nascente Group
First Cycle, Age 6-10
This cycle offers a well-rounded programme focused on core subjects such as Portuguese, mathematics, and general studies. Learning takes place bilingually in English and Portuguese, with an emphasis on supporting children to access the Portuguese curriculum. Sessions include Maths, Portuguese, Estudo do Meio, Art, and Music. We also offer hands-on and movement-based activities like form drawing, dance, sports, bushcraft, and handwork. Our approach is enriched by elements inspired by Waldorf and Montessori, including thematic, arts-based learning and the use of Montessori materials in maths. Each term, we explore a seasonal topic—such as farming, nature studies, or house-building—chosen to match the children’s stage and learning needs.
Ribeira Group
Second Cycle, Age 11-12
This stage, known as "2º Ciclo," spans two years and typically includes learners aged 10 to 12 (equivalent to grades 5 and 6). Participants are guided by different facilitators for each subject, allowing for deeper engagement with a range of disciplines. Core areas include Portuguese, mathematics, science, Portuguese history and geography, English, music, and art.
Sessions run four days per week, with a continued emphasis on project-based learning, creativity, and practical skills. Alongside academic subjects, learners take part in form drawing, bushcraft, permaculture, and handwork—nurturing both independence and connection to the natural world.
Rio Group
Third Cycle, Age 12-15
The "3º Ciclo," spans three years, typically for ages 12 to 15 (grades 7 to 9). It features increased subject specialization, with learners supported by different facilitators across subjects, and the introduction of a second foreign language.
We offer support in selected areas four days per week, while families continue learning in other subjects at home. Our approach remains project-based, with a strong emphasis on creativity, practical skills, and experiential learning. In addition to academic subjects, students engage in form drawing, dance, sports, computer skills, bushcraft, permaculture, and handwork—fostering independence, curiosity, and real-world understanding.
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Age 16 and above
At this stage, learning becomes highly individualised. We continue to offer support in core areas such as Portuguese, English, and Mathematics, but each young person follows their own unique path. A dedicated support tutor helps guide their progress, whether through independent projects, online programmes, or targeted sessions aligned with both Portuguese and international curricula.
Support is available with both English-speaking and Portuguese educators. We currently assist with subjects including Maths, English, Portuguese, Science, and Geography at the IGCSE level. All examinations must be arranged independently by families through a private exam centre.
A detailed list of subjects is available for families who wish to plan their child's learning pathway more closely.
What 'holistic' means to us
To us, “holistic” means educating the whole person; mind, body, and spirit, through meaningful, connected learning. Understanding oneself, exploring our relationship with Nature and the world around us, are topics woven into the projects activities and classes. We value social responsibility, emotional depth, and purposeful engagement.
Students are encouraged to pursue excellence in their unique talents and studies through both guided learning and self-guided exploration (particularly in the older ages), fostering a deep sense of curiosity, belonging, and integrity in both learning and life.
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