MIDDLE SCHOOL

Learn about this academic pathway

Students up to 9th grade follow the Portuguese national curriculum through in-person learning at Colégio do Calvão, our official academic partner.

This pathway ensures a structured and recognised educational foundation while student-athletes begin balancing school and high-performance football within a supervised and supportive environment. Academic schedules are coordinated with training to maintain balance, discipline, and long-term development.

  • This pathway is designed for students typically aged 12 to 15 years old, completing up to 9th grade.

    At this stage of development, in-person learning plays a crucial role in building academic foundations, social skills, and structured study habits.

    Being physically present in a classroom environment supports concentration, responsibility, and healthy integration within the Portuguese education system.

  • Students attend Colégio do Calvão, a respected Portuguese school known for its academic standards and supportive learning environment.

    They follow the official national curriculum alongside local students, fully integrated into the Portuguese education system.

    The school maintains continuous communication with PFA Portugal’s education staff to ensure consistent monitoring of attendance, academic progress, and overall development.

    Daily transportation between the academy and the school is fully organized and supervised by PFA Portugal, ensuring safety, punctuality, and structured routines.

  • Students attend approximately 28 hours of classes per week (around five hours per day, with one extended academic day). This structure allows them to complete Middle School with academic excellence while following an adapted schedule that includes their daily football training sessions.

    With up to four hours of training per day, student-athletes maintain a true and sustainable balance between school and sport - developing discipline, time management, and performance habits that support both academic and athletic growth.

LEARN ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

At PFA Portugal, we carefully select our academic partners to ensure they meet the demands of high-performance student-athletes.

Our middle and high school pathways are delivered in partnership with Colégio de Calvão, a respected and recognised educational institution within the Portuguese school system, and SAI Academy, an accredited American school specialised in supporting student-athletes.

Together, these institutions provide a rigorous and internationally recognised academic structure that fits the daily routine of elite football training while maintaining strong academic standards.

Demanding programmes that shape exceptional student-athletes.

 FAQs

  • Yes. All diplomas earned through our partner institutions are official, fully recognised, and equivalent to any regular school.

    Although our students spend fewer hours inside the classroom, they learn efficiently by maximising every lesson and using dedicated study time with the right support.

    With study plans, qualified tutors, and close academic monitoring, our athletes consistently graduate with success - without compromising their football development.

  • International students are fully supported throughout their adaptation process.

    At this age, integration into a new language and school system is typically natural and fast, especially within a structured and supportive environment. All academic support provided by PFA Portugal is available in English, and examinations are completed in English during the initial phase.

    Students also receive dedicated Portuguese language instruction to progressively strengthen their proficiency. The objective is to encourage gradual integration into the Portuguese system, allowing students to confidently transition into regular Portuguese classes as their language skills develop.

    At PFA Portugal, we do not view language and cultural differences as barriers, but as valuable challenges that promote personal growth, resilience, and independence.

    Over the years, this model has consistently proven successful, with international students adapting quickly and graduating with strong academic results - many with high honours - while balancing their football development.

  • The school works in direct communication with PFA Portugal’s education staff to ensure close monitoring of academic performance, attendance, and overall student development.

  • Yes.

    Daily transportation between the academy and Colégio do Calvão is organized and supervised by PFA Portugal.