This study is part of the AquiMeEncontro project, authorized by the Directorate-General for Education under the Science4Policy 2023 initiative (Portugal), and focuses on the experience of Class E at the Madalena School Cluster (Vila Nova de Gaia), composed predominantly of immigrant students. The main objective of the research is to understand the impact of creating this class as an integration strategy, identifying the factors that contributed to its success.

The methodological approach adopted was qualitative, with the case study as the main research strategy. Several data collection procedures were carried out: individual interviews (with the school leadership and the class director teacher), focus groups with teachers, students, and parents, and document analysis of three institutional tools — the Educational Project 2022–2026, Learning and Inclusion – Measures and Resources, and the Welcome Guide for Migrant Students (July 2024). This triangulation enabled a deeper understanding of how the school developed a contextualized and structured response to growing linguistic and cultural diversity.

The results show that Class E is a practice that effectively promoted the inclusion, well-being, and academic success of immigrant students. The document analysis reveals a progressive institutional commitment to inclusive education, particularly in terms of operationalizing and creating specific tools such as the welcome guide. The experience demonstrates that effective integration depends on the articulation of individualized diagnosis, language teaching (Portuguese as a non-native language), valuing students' native languages and cultures, and active engagement of the educational community. At the same time, some concerns regarding the broader integration of students in the school and the community were raised and discussed.

This study reinforces the role of schools as spaces of welcome, equity, and belonging, and highlights for more effective public policies that aim to integrate immigrant students.

Keywords: Inclusive education, immigrant students, school integration, Portugal.