colégios

Colégios are educational institutions that provide primary and secondary education in Portuguese-speaking countries. In Portugal and Brazil the term commonly designates schools that may be public or private and that focus on pre-university education. Many colégios offer general academic programs alongside optional extracurricular activities, language programs, and sometimes extended-day services for working families.

The word colégio comes from Latin collegium, passing through French collège, and historically referred to an association of scholars or a place of study. In contemporary usage, colégio often implies a school with a defined structure and a diploma path, distinct from broader terms like escola or universidade. In Brazil, colégios are frequently private, though public colégios exist, and they may emphasize preparation for higher education and competitive entrance exams.

Organization and culture vary widely. Some colégios are run by religious organizations, others by civic or private entities, and a few are public. They often maintain uniform policies, structured daily schedules, and a culture that emphasizes discipline and academic achievement. Private colégios frequently offer bilingual or international programs, modern facilities, and a wider range of extracurricular options, while public colégios align with national curricula and standardized assessments.

Curriculum and assessment differ by country. In Portugal, the ensino básico covers the first nine years, followed by o ensino secundário; students undertake national exams at the end of each stage. In Brazil, o ensino fundamental spans nine years and o ensino médio three years, with university admission commonly depending on entrance examinations or ENEM results via SISU. Colégios play a central role in preparatory education and access to higher education in Lusophone societies.