At Open Learning School Belverde, we offer an innovative pedagogy that respects students’ learning pace and interests (from 6 months to 18 years old). Personalized learning takes place in a multilingual and culturally rich environment, within a spacious area designed for holistic development. Located in Belverde, Seixal, the school is set in a landscape that harmonizes nature and innovation.
From movement to artistic expression, and from contact with nature to hands-on experimentation,each environment serves as a true tutor in the educational process.
The adaptation process takes place with the presence of the family, respecting each child’s individual pace. They can stay at school as long as needed (30 minutes or 3 hours), together or separately. We believe a child will only feel comfortable when parents leave feeling calm and confident, which takes time. Parents need to have the opportunity to observe how we interact with their children. The pace varies from family to family.
Our ratios range from 1 adult for every 4 children (ages 6 months to 2 years) to 1 adult for every 12 children (up to 15 years old).
We encourage autonomy by helping children learn to resolve conflicts among themselves. If needed, they know they can ask an adult to help facilitate a direct dialogue. In those situations, we promote empathy and reinforce that physically or verbally aggressive behavior is not an option.
No. Each child can wear whatever clothes they like and feel comfortable in.
No. All workshops and field trips are included in the tuition. There may be optional extracurricular activities offered outside of core learning hours.
Assessment is continuous, without the use of tests or exams, except for those required by the Ministry of Education at the end of each educational cycle.
Twice a year, tutors meet with families to present each child’s learning portfolio. This portfolio documents the child’s development over the semester, covering pedagogical, emotional, and social aspects.
Younger age groups naturally require a higher level of care and a stronger bond with their primary caregiver. This means they need more individual attention, which results in a lower adult-to-child ratio (as low as 1 to 4), leading to higher staffing needs and, consequently, higher tuition fees.
Yes. We welcome children of all nationalities.
No. The Open Learning School team is fluent in Portuguese, although other languages like English, Spanish, and German may also be present.