International Schools in Brazil- Full Guide for Expats in 2026 

Finding the right international schools in Brazil is one of the primary considerations of foreigners relocating to the country with their families. Most of these institutions are located in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. These schools offer International, British, IB, French, and American curricula, preparing students for entry into top colleges worldwide. This post highlights the top international schools in Brazil and provides tips on choosing the right one.  

International Schools in Brazil – Key Takeaways

Most international schools in Brazil are located in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, offering IB, American, British, French, and Brazilian curricula, with English as the primary language of instruction. 

Annual tuition ranges from approximately R$56,381 to over R$234,395, though several schools do not publicly disclose their fees. Additional costs such as enrolment fees, uniforms, and materials may apply. 

Many international schools in Brazil offer dual diplomas, such as international and Brazilian, broadening university access both domestically and abroad.  

These schools are accredited by bodies such as the IBO, Cambridge Assessment, Cognia, AEFE, and Brazil’s Ministry of Education (MEC). 

When choosing a school, consider curriculum alignment with your child’s future university plans, language of instruction, accreditation, location and transport, extracurricular offerings, and tuition costs. 

As Brazil continues to attract a large number of expats through various residency programs, such as the Real Estate Investor Visa and the Retirement Visa, demand for international schools continues to grow. These schools offer programs from early childhood through secondary education and are mainly taught in English. The schools are also accredited by international bodies such as the International Baccalaureate Organization, Cambridge Assessment International Education, Cognia, and AEFE (French network). This ensures students receive globally recognized qualifications and can easily transition to universities worldwide.  

1. Avenues São Paulo 
   • City: São Paulo 
   • Curriculum: International, American, British 
   • Language of instruction: English  
   • Ages: 1 to 18 
   • Leaving qualifications: U.S. Diploma & Brazilian Diploma 
   • Yearly fees: R$ 119,905 – R$ 234,395   

Avenues The World School is a global education institution that welcomes over 1,300 students from 18 months to 12th grade. It offers an immersive bilingual program that combines rigorous Brazilian and international curricula with interdisciplinary, project-based learning, preparing students for top higher institutions worldwide.  

2. The British College of Brazil 
   • City: São Paulo 
   • Curriculum: British & IB 
   • Language of instruction: English  
   • Ages: 2 to 18 
   • Leaving qualifications: IGCSE & IB Diploma 
   • Yearly fees: R$ 92,000 – R$ 138,000 

The British College of Brazil (BCB) is one of São Paulo’s leading international schools, part of the Nord Anglia Education family. The school offers the English National Curriculum, IGCSEs, and the IB Diploma Program, catering to students from early years through to secondary education across a diverse, multicultural community.  

3. The British School 
   • City: Rio de Janeiro 
   • Curriculum: British & IB 
   • Language of instruction: English  
   • Ages: 2 to 18 
   • Leaving qualifications: IGCSE & IB Diploma 
   • Yearly fees: Not made public 

The British School, Rio de Janeiro, offers a British-centered curriculum from Pre-Nursery to Sixth Form. The school follows the IPC in the primary years, the UK National Curriculum in Key Stage 3, Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10-11, and the IB Diploma in the final two years. English is the primary language of instruction, with Portuguese taught as a first or additional language. 

4. Our Lady of Mercy School 
   • City: Rio de Janeiro 
   • Curriculum: American, Catholic, and International 
   • Language of instruction: English  
   • Ages: 2 to 18 
   • Leaving qualifications: US Diploma, AP, SAT, and PSAT 
   • Yearly fees: Not made public 

Our Lady of Mercy School is a Catholic American school offering a supportive learning environment focused on academic excellence. The school encourages inquiry-based learning, with students developing critical thinking skills through collaborative problem-solving and discussion. 

5. Lycée International Français de São Paulo 
   • City: São Paulo 
   • Curriculum: French and Brazilian 
   • Language of instruction: French and Portuguese 
   • Ages: 3 to 18 
   • Leaving qualifications: French Baccalaureate and Brevet 
   • Yearly fees: R$ 56,381-R$ 65,559  

The Lycée International Français de São Paulo (Lycée Pasteur) is the only Franco-Brazilian international school in São Paulo, offering bilingual education for students aged 3 to 18. Accredited by AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad), the school follows the French national curriculum alongside the Brazilian program. Students work towards the French Baccalaureate and Brevet, as well as the Brazilian secondary school certificate, with instruction in both French and Portuguese. 

6. Graded – The American School of São Paulo 
   • City: São Paulo 
   • Curriculum: IB & American 
   • Language of instruction: English 
   • Ages: 3 to 18 
   • Leaving qualifications: IB Diploma 
   • Yearly fees: Not made public 

Graded – The American School of São Paulo is a private American curriculum school offering education from early childhood through to 12th grade. The school delivers a US-style college-preparatory program focused on intellectual curiosity, collaborative learning, and differentiated instruction, preparing students to graduate as globally minded citizens. 

7. Chapel School 
   • City: São Paulo 
   • Curriculum: IB, American & Catholic 
   • Language of instruction: English   
   • Ages: 3 to 18  
   • Leaving qualifications: IB Diploma & SAT 
   • Yearly fees: Not made public 

Chapel School is a Catholic international school in São Paulo, founded in 1947 by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The school offers an American-style education from early childhood through high school, with students able to earn three diplomas: American, Brazilian, and International Baccalaureate. Chapel is accredited by the IBO, Brazil’s Ministry of Education, and Cognia (formerly AdvancED). 

• International Baccalaureate (IB): An inquiry-based, intercultural curriculum preparing students for universities worldwide. Many schools in Brazil combine the IB Diploma with the Brazilian national certificate, offering dual qualifications. Graded, Chapel School, and The British College of Brazil offer this pathway. 
• American Curriculum: A US-style college preparatory structure with AP, SAT, and PSAT qualifications. Several schools offer dual US and Brazilian diplomas. Graded, Chapel School, and Our Lady of Mercy School follow this pathway. 
• British Curriculum: Follows the English National Curriculum, progressing through the IPC, Key Stage 3, and Cambridge IGCSE, typically culminating in the IB Diploma rather than A-Levels. The British College of Brazil and The British School, Rio de Janeiro follow this model. 
• French Curriculum: The French national curriculum delivered alongside the Brazilian programme, leading to the French Baccalaureate, Brevet, and Brazilian secondary certificate. The Lycée International Français de São Paulo delivers this under AEFE accreditation. 
• Brazilian National Curriculum (BNCC): Brazil’s national framework covering all stages of basic education, taught in Portuguese and leading to the Brazilian national diploma. Most international schools integrate the BNCC alongside their international programme, enabling students to obtain dual qualifications. 

When assessing different international schools in Brazil, you should consider the following factors: 

• Curriculum and future university pathways: Choose a school whose curriculum aligns with your child’s future university plans. Many schools in Brazil offer dual diplomas (international and Brazilian), which can broaden university access both domestically and abroad. 
• Language of instruction: Most international schools teach primarily in English, but some operate in French, German, or Portuguese. Ensure the language of instruction suits your child’s needs and long-term goals. 
• Academic recognition and accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by recognized international bodies such as the IBO, Cambridge Assessment, Cognia, or AEFE, as well as Brazil’s Ministry of Education (MEC). 
• Location: International schools in Brazil are concentrated in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília. Consider the proximity to your home and whether the school offers transport services, as commuting in major Brazilian cities can be time-consuming. 
• Extracurricular activities: Most international schools in Brazil offer a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports, arts, and community service programmes. This is important for a well-rounded learning experience. 
• Tuition fees and additional costs: Fees vary significantly, from around R$56,000 to over R$230,000 per year. Choose a school whose annual fees align with your budget, and factor in additional costs such as enrolment fees, uniforms, and materials. 

Bonus tip: If you’re planning to relocate to Brazil with your family, working with a Brazil immigration lawyer can help ensure a smooth transition into living and schooling in the country.