You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Brazil with fee information. It includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools and you will find the right school to prepare for International Baccalaureate, and other diploma in Brazil. Some schools may follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking programs while others are regulated under the French or German education system.

Education in Brazil

Education in Brazil is regulated by the Federal Council of Education (Conselho Federal de Educação), through the Ministry of Education. Education is divided into three levels, with several grades in each level. Fundamental education (the first education level, including fundamental education I and II) is free for everyone (including adults), and mandatory for children between the ages of 6-14. Middle education (the second education level) is also free, but it is not mandatory. Higher education (including graduate degrees) is free at public universities.

Core curriculum consists of Portuguese language, history, geography, science, mathematics, arts and physical education with a similar set-up to the British school system. In later years, (grades 6, 7, 8 and 9), one or two foreign languages are also compulsory (usually English and Spanish). The length of the school year is set by the National Education Bases and Guidelines Law (Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação) at a minimum of 200 days. Fundamental schools must provide students with at least 800 hours of activities per year. The actual school calendar is set by individual schools which, in rural areas, often organize their calendars according to planting and harvesting seasons.

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Brazil. Most expat families in Brazil choose private, international schools because public schools usually only operate in Portuguese and the structure of some public schools can be quite poor. There may be some local population, but the schools are geared for an international student body. Schools usually follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, Canada or Australia/New Zealand, although Brazil's international schools usually only have American teachers. The Brazilian Studies Department exists in all American Schools in Brazil, is the means through which schools receive accreditation by the State Education System. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English, French, Spanish, German, or Japanese. Many schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Schools often provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. International schools in Brazil are very expensive, reaching as much as 35,000,000 real. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation

The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is an association of American schools abroad and a division of Advance-Ed. The Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) in another world-wide accrediting body. The Association of American Schools of South America (AASSA) accredits schools in South America and the Association of American Schools of Brazil (AASB) accredits American curriculum schools in Brazil. The Affiliate of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) offers information on British schools abroad.

Belem

Amazon Valley Academy
Address: Rodovia BR 316 - Km 3
Tv.Tenri, n132 Guanabara
67113-120 Ananindeua, Brazil
Tel: 91-3245 2566
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Amazon Valley Academy is an accredited American-style Christian school. Classes are available from pre-school through grade 12. Instruction is in English, as well as courses of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for non-native speakers. It offers boarding and is part of the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS).

Brasilia

American School of Brasília
Address: SGAS 605, Conjunto E, Lotes 34/37
70200-650 Brasilia, DF, Brazil
Tel: 55 (61) 3442-9700
Annual Tuition Rates: R $27,144,000 - 45,516,000 per year

This school provides a U.S. and Brazilian accredited pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade program, with the option of earning an International Baccalaureate Diploma. It is open to Brazilian and international students with English-language instruction. The school is accredited by AdvancEd, SACS, AASSA, AASB, AAIE as well as the Ministry of Education of the Federal District. The school is also an authorized IB World School (IBO).

Brasilia International School (BIS)
Address: Conjunto C Lotes 67/68
Brasília 70390-140 DF, Brazil
Tel: 55 (61) 3346-1200
Annual Tuition Rates: $R 21,000 - 39,000

Brasilia International School is a private school that provides North-American style education based on a Christian world view. It is a member of the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS). Instruction is in English. Uniforms are mandatory. The school is accredited by Advanced Ed, SACS, ACSI and is a recognized International School by the National Council of Education in Brazil.

Escola das Nações
Address: SHIS QI 21
Área Especial - Conj. C1
Lago Sul - Brasília DF - Brasil
Tel: 55 61 3366.1800 / 3366.3033
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The "School of the Nations" educates students to be world citizens in bilingual instruction of English and Portuguese. It offers Early Childhood to Grade 12 in a college-preparatory program. There is a focus on the arts of music, drama and plastic arts. The school is accredited by the SACS, AASA, AASB and the Brazilian Ministry of education and Culture (MEC).

Swiss International School (SIS)
Address: SGA/SUL, Quadra 905, cj B
70390-050 Brasilia - DF
Tel: 55 61 3443 41 45
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The SIS is a private day school for children from pre-school through high school. It provides bilingual education in English and Portuguese, culminating in a diploma with Brazilian and international university entrance qualifications. The SIS Swiss International School is a joint venture of the Kalaidos Bildungsgruppe Schweiz and the Klett Gruppe .

French Schools in Brasilia

Lycée français François-Mitterrand (LfFM)
Address: EQS 708/907 - Lote C
CEP: 70390-079 - BRASILIA, DF - Brazil
Tel: (55 61) 3443 6464 & 3443 9125
Annual Tuition Rates: R$ 14,153 - 21,878

The LfFM is a French-language school, linked to an international network of French schools of the Agency for French Teaching Abroad - AEFE the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The school follows the Ministry of National Education and French in Europe and guarantees the recognition of studies and diplomas issued by the Establishment.

Belo Horizonte

Escola Americana do Belo Horizonte (EABH)
Address: Avenida Professor Mário Werneck, 3002 - Bairro Buritis
Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil - 30575-180
Tel: 55 (31) 3378-6700
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

There is a lower and upper school.
Children range from 2 to 11 in grade levels from preschool to fifth grade for the lower school with a preschool for children as young as 2. The lower school develops student's English abilities. Students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade participate in the Primary Years Programme from International Baccalaureate.
The Upper School comprises a Middle School (Grades 6-8) and a High School (Grades 9 to 12). The curriculum includes the core subjects of Languages (English, Portuguese) Mathematics, Humanities, Sciences, Physical Education. Languages of Mandarin Chinese and Spanish are also available in later years. EABH is accredited by AdvancEd, the International Baccalaureate (IB), Organization for the Primary Years Programme (PYP), and Middle Years Programme (MYP). EABH is recognized by the Secretary of Education of Minas Gerais in Brazil.

Campinas

Escola Americana de Campinas (EAC)
Address: Rua Cajamar, 35 - Jardim Alto da Barra
13090-860 Campinas - SP - Brazil
Tel: 55 19 2102-1000
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Students from pre-school to college preparatory high school are offered. There is a Brazilian course of study taught in Portuguese. The Brazilian Curriculum follows the official guidelines (Parâmetros Nacionais e os Temas Transversais) established by the Ministry of Education and Culture in Brazil. The school's curriculum is based on US and Brazilian curriculums and EAC students receive two diplomas, American and Brazilian. EAC is fully accredited by AdvancEd, AASSA, AASB and the Regional Government Office of Education in Brazil. EAC's Preschool is affiliated with the American Montessori Society as a corresponding school.

Curitiba

International School of Curitiba (US)
Address: Av. Dr. Eugênio Bertolli, 3900
Santa Felicidade l Curitiba, PR l 82410-530 l Brazil
Tel: (55) (41) 3525-7400
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Founded in 1959, this is an independent private, nonprofit, non-sectarian, co-educational college preparatory school enrolling students from pre-toddler (age 18 months) through grade 12. It is the only international school in the Brazilian state of Paraná that offers an education in which students earn American, Brazilian and International Baccalaureate diplomas.

French schools in Curitiba

Renault Do Brasil à Curitiba
Address: Rua Fioravante Dalla Stella
90 Cristo Rei 80050-150 Curitiba
Tel: (55) 41 21 05 43 93
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This school offers education for students from kindergarten to the 3rd section. It offers CNED (National Centre for Distance Education) and - a French public institution of Ministry of Education offering distance learning.

Macaé

International School of Macaé (ISoM)
Address: Rua João Batista da Silva Lessa, 275
Bairro da Glória, Macaé CEP 27.933-160
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel: 55 (22) 2765-5199
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

There is an Early Childhood Center, the Lower School, and the Middle School or High School. For enrollment at the Pre-School level, the child must be 3 years old by the end of the academic year. There is an English Immersion Program for students learning the language. ATIVO teachers meet or exceed MEC (Brazilian Ministry of Education and Culture) requirements.

Manaus

International School of Amazonas
Address: Rua dos Igarapés, 20 Manaus
AM, 69037-178, Brazil
Tel: (55) 92 3658-2832
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

School for children between the ages of 2 to 18 years. The school was started with the help of British missionaries. The school is a centre of International Examinations by the University of Cambridge.

French schools in Natal

Ecole Française de Natal
Address: Rua Gabino Brelaz, 1470
Capim Macio, Natal - RN, 59082-010, Brazil
Tel: 55 84 3217-4558
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The curriculum follows the French National Educaçao programs. Classes are offered from pre-school to high school.

Porto Alegre

Pan American School Of Porto Alegre (PAS)
Address: Rua Joao Obino, 110 - Petrópolis
Porto Alegre - RS, 90470-150, Brazil
Tel: (55) 51 3334-5866
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Escola Pan Americana de Porto Alegre, or PAS, is a not-for-profit organization serving preschool through Grade 12. Current enrollment is majority Brazilian, with English instruction and full accreditation with the United States by AdvancED/SACS-CASI and the Ministry of Education of Brazil. Dual high school degrees (students graduate with the Brazilian and US high school diplomas). IB programs area available from the school. Portuguese is taught to students from Grade 1 to Grade 12 and also Brazilian Social Studies (BSS- History and Geography). The school has a Language Support Department that offers instruction for students who don't speak Portuguese.

Recife

American School Of Recife
Address: Street Sá e Souza, 408
Boa Viagem - Recife – PE
Tel: 55 81 3341.4716
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The school was created for children of U.S. government, missionary, and business groups. The school is accredited by SACS-CASI and is authorized by the Pernambuco State Department of Education. The school is an active member of the Association of American Schools in Brazil (AASB). There is a pre-school, elementary and high schools in separate buildings.

Rio de Janeiro

The British School of Rio de Janeiro
Botafogo Address: Rua Real Grandeza, 99, Botafogo
Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil CEP 22281-030
Tel: 55(21) 2539-2717
Urca Address: Av. Pasteur, 429, Urca
Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil CEP 22290-240
Tel: 55(21) 2543-5519
Barra Address: Rua Mário Autuori, 100, Barra
Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil CEP 22793-270
Tel: 55(21) 3329-2854
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This is a cooperation of three campuses in Rio of co-educational, day school with students aged from 2 to 18 years. Instruction is in English and is based on the UK National Curriculum. It is also a site for Cambridge IGCSE examinations and it offers International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.

Rio International School (RIS)
Address: Av. Prefeito Dulcidio Cardoso, 4351
Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro RJ
Tel: 55 21 3410 2807

RIS is an English language-based international school that operates with an American curriculum. It is based on a Christian perspective. It is accredited by AdvancED, ACSI, Ministry of Education, and is a candidate school for ACSI accreditation.

Our Lady of Mercy School (OLM)
Address: Rua Visconde de Caravelas, 48
CEP: 22271-022 Botafogo - Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
Tel: 55 21 3722-8250 / 2266-8250
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Our Lady of Mercy School is an American, Catholic school from pre-school (2 years old) through high school (12th Grade). Graduates recieve both American and Brazilian diplomas. The school is maintained by the Society of Our Lady of Mercy, a lay association founded by American and British families in 1919 in order to practice the Catholic faith in their own language and provide for the spiritual needs of English-speaking visitors to the city.

French Schools in Rio de Janeiro

Lycée Molière de Rio de Janeiro
Address: Rua Pereira da Silva, 728
22221-140 Rio de Janeiro, BRÉSIL
Tel: (021) 32 35 18 00
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This bilingual school has instruction in Portuguese and English, for primaire to secondaire. Teachings are consistent with programs and regulations of the French Ministry of National Education, and recognized by the Brazilian Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC). The school is part of the network of institutions AEFE (Agency for French Teaching Abroad).

Ecole PSA Peugeot-Citroen à Resende
Address: Rua General Affonseca 313 Manejo
00 55 27 521 Resende
Tel: (55) 24 33 60 06 49
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This school is approved by the Ministry of National Education and belongs to the network la Mission Laique Française. It serves children of families working in the French PSA Peugeot Citroën plant in Porto Real, between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. It provides 6 years f primary education, until the third for college students and first S and ES.

German Schools in Rio de Janeiro

Deutsche Schule Rio de Janeiro
Address: Rua São Clemente 388
Botafogo CEP: 22260-000 Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil
Tel: 55 (21) 2528-0400
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The kindergarten of Corcovado German School serves children between 3 and 6 years. There are 10 groups: Maternal II (children 3-4 years), Preschool I (children 4-5 years) and Pre-School II (children 5-6 years). The entire staff is bilingual Portuguese-German.

Salvador

Pan American School Of Bahai
Address: Loteamento Patamares S/N
Salvador, Bahia 41680-060 Brazil
Tel: 55-71-3368-8400
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This school is based on a North-American school calendar, from early August until mid-December and from late January until mid-June. The School serves as an official test center for the U.S. College Board college admissions tests including the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The Pan American School of Bahia is accredited through SACS, AASSA, AASB, AAIE, and Advanc-ED.

São Paulo

A Escola Maria Imaculada
Address: Rua Vigário João de Pontes, 537
Chácara Flora, CEP 04748-000
São Paulo, SP - Brasil
Tel: 55-11- 2101-7400
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Chapel School is an American international school with instruction in English. There is an American and Brazilian program, with religious instruction in both. The IB Program is also available. Uniforms are mandatory.

Avenues São Paulo
Address: Rua Pedro Avancine, 73 Real Parque 
São Paulo - SP, 05679-160, Brazil
Tel: (11) 2838-1800
Email: admissions-sp@avenues.org
Annual Tuition Rates: See on website

Avenues São Paulo is a toddler-grade 12 international school. Avenues’ innovative and rigorous curriculum is shaped by an expert faculty supported by our in-house R&D team. Students grow through a robust, highly transferable curriculum that includes project-based learning and signature programs such as World Course, High-Intensity Practice, Global Journeys, and the Mastery Program.

Pan American Christian Academy (PACA)
Address: R Cassio de Campos Nogueira 393
Jardim das Imbuias, São Paulo, SP 04829-310 Brazil
Tel: 480.471.5339 / 55.11.5929.9500
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This a nondenominational, college-preparatory, Christian, American school. English is the language of instruction and the school follows American Curriculum. Graduates recieve an American high school diploma. Students may concurrently take course work taught in Portuguese to earn a Brazilian diploma. It serves the children of mission organizations, diplomatic, business and professional families with a dual curriculum program (American and Brazilian). The school is accredited by SACS, ACSI, AASB, AASSA, and MEC.

St. Paul's School
Address: Rua Juquiá, 166 - Jd. Paulistano
01440-903 - São Paulo - SP - Brasil
Tel: (55 11) 3087 3399 ext.406
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

St. Paul's is a British School that follows a combination of British and Brazilian curriculum. Instruction is bilingual (English and Portuguese). It is divided into three sections: the Pre-Preparatory School, the Preparatory School and the Senior School. The school is affiliated with COBIS.

St. Nicholas School
Address: Rua do Emissário, 333
05423-070 São Paulo (SP) Brazil
Tel: 55 11 3465-9666
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This school offers instruction in English for students from pre-school to high school. Curriculum is internationally based, allowing for entrance into universities in Europe, United States, Australia, and Brazil. IB program is offered for senior students.

Graded School: The American School of São Paulo
Address: Av. Pres. Giovanni Gronchi, 4710
Sao Paulo, CEP 05724-002 SP, Brazil
Tel: 55-11-3747-4800
Annual Tuition Rates: US$19,273 - $34,667

Founded in 1920, this independent school offers a program from PK-12th grade. It is the oldest and largest American school in Brazil with high quality English-based, college preparatory educational program with a rigorous international curriculum. The school year comprises 2 semesters extending from August to mid-December and from January to mid-June. Graded is officially recognized as an association in Brazil and is governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Governors and includes the best of both the U.S. and Brazilian educational systems, with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. As in the United States, students take many standardized tests including the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP), the PSAT, and the SAT. The school is fully accredited by AdvancEd, the Brazilian Ministry of Education, and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

St. Francis College
Address: Rua Bélgica, 399
01448-030 São Paulo - SP - Brasil
Tel: 55 11 3905-6200
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Bilingual education in English and Portuguese in this private school. Courses are offered from primary to 12th grade. Uniforms are required.

French Schools in São Paulo

Lycée Pasteur de São Paulo
Address: Casa Santos Dumont
Rua Vergueiro, 3799 - Vila Mariana
Tel: 55 (11) 5904 7822
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This school caters to children from kindergarten (3 years) to terminale (16 to 18) Its curriculum follows the French educational system, supplemented by the programs of Brazil. The school is a Franco-Brazilian private institution having signed an agreement with the AEFE (Agency for French Teaching Abroad). The school primarily caters to the children of French businessmen in the area. English and Spanish classes are added at the later stages. Uniforms are required.

German Schools in São Paulo

Humboldt Schule São Paulo
Address: Av. Eng. Alberto Kuhlmann, 525
Interlagos 04784-010 São Paulo, Brasil
Tel: (11) 5686.4055
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Colégio Humboldt is a recognized Brazilian-German school. The IFPA (Instituto de Formação Profissional Administrativa), part of the college, offers professional training courses in the German dual system, combining theory and practice, recognized in Brazil and Germany, qualifying students for the national and international labor market. Instruction is primarily in German, with the teaching of English beginning in the 5th year. Students are prepared for at least the FCE (First Certificate auf Deutsch), upper-intermediate level, international classification B2, University of Cambridge. Students may also take the CAE (Certificate in Advanced Português), advanced level, International Classification C1. Such examinations serve as proof of competence language for many universities in Europe and some U.S.

Colégio Visconde de Porto Seguro
Address: Rua Itapaiúna, 1355
05707-001 04784-010 São Paulo, Brasil
Tel: 55 (11) 3746-1600
Annual Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The German-Brazilian Portinho aims to introduce the children to be true bilingualism in German and Brazilian language. German language is offered in the form of immersion and beginning courses are available for children with no German language background. Students are between 18 months and to their Abitur.