Most popular international schools in Rio de janeiro

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro (EARJ) is an independent, non‑profit, English‑medium day school with two Rio de Janeiro campuses, Gávea and Barra. Founded in 1937, it serves ages 3–18 as an IB World Continuum School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, and it awards the American High School Diploma and Brazilian Ensino Médio Diploma upon completing the full DP. The Diploma Programme includes Group 1 and Group 2 languages (English, Portuguese, French, Spanish) along with core components Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service. EARJ also offers a Brazilian Accredited Program and university counseling. The school is recognized by the U.S. Department of State under the Assisted Schools program. Facilities include Gávea's MuseOn, a recently renovated auditorium, libraries and dedicated science and arts spaces, plus Barra's MakerSpace, high‑tech libraries, science labs, gym, field and outdoor courts. A broad co‑curricular program features RioMUN and a range of ASA activities delivered in English within an inquiry‑ and project‑based learning environment.

Our Lady of Mercy School Rio (OLM Rio) is a Catholic American school serving students aged 2 to 18 in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 1951 and staffed by the Our Lady of Mercy Society, the school combines an American and Brazilian curriculum with accreditation from Cognia and ICA. Early years follow IEYC with a play-based preschool that includes a robust phonics program, while elementary education uses thematic, project-based learning and quarterly learning celebrations. Middle School emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary exploration, supported by field trips. High School offers AP courses including AP Capstone, together with Model United Nations, ENEM preparation, and college counseling; graduation requires 100 hours of volunteering. The Learning Resource Center coordinates student support, with a GPA system for grades 9-12 and annual PASS surveys. Campus facilities include 24/7 security, a nurse, cafeteria, and learning spaces; a PTA and student leadership structures foster community and engagement.

Rio International School (RIS) is a Christian international day school in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, serving students aged 3 to 18. RIS offers a dual curriculum: an American/International program layered onto the Brazilian curriculum, with a college-preparatory high school and AP courses. About 90% of classes are taught in English, and English is the main language of instruction from Preschool through 12th grade. Portuguese is offered from 1st through 12th grades, and French is a regular subject from 2nd through 8th. RIS is accredited by Cognia and offers the AP International Diploma endorsed by AdvancED. The campus includes a library, a Technology Room, a Science Laboratory, a Jiu-Jitsu room, an Art Studio and Music Room, a cafeteria and 3 playgrounds, plus multisport and sand courts. After-school programs include Super Geeks, NBA Basketball School, American Football and Ballet. The school emphasizes community, character and a supportive, multicultural environment.

Situated in Rio de Janeiro, The British School is a non-profit, independent, co-educational day school serving ages 2 to 18. It is maintained by Associação Britânica de Educação (ABE), the body of British and Commonwealth nationalities. The school delivers a blended IEYC/IPC in Early Years and Primary, the British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, and IB Diploma, with a bespoke approach that integrates the Brazilian Curriculum. Students progress from Pre-Nursery through the IB Diploma, with bilingual proficiency in English and Portuguese. Three campuses – Botafogo (Primary), Urca (Secondary) and Barra (Barra Unit) – host over 2,000 students from more than 60 nationalities, with a 7:1 student–teacher ratio. Facilities include ICT labs, Chromebooks, LED displays, and rainwater reuse; refurbishment completed in 2023. The Falcons sport programme, Drama and Music, Model United Nations, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and IB CAS showcase a broad Arts and Sport offering and a commitment to service and leadership.

Maple Bear Barra da Tijuca is a bilingual school in Rio de Janeiro following a Canadian methodology. The curriculum blends a Canada-inspired approach with Brazilian guidelines to support bilingual proficiency and continuity from years to high school under Novo Ensino Médio. The school serves students from Bear Care (1 year 6 months) through Year 1 (6 years) up to ages 17. English immersion is central, with Canadian educators guiding and periodically monitoring academic team to maintain standards. The campus features stimulating classrooms designed to support learning. Instruction emphasizes observation, problem solving and decision making across subjects. In grades 11 and 12, students can deepen study in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and electives such as Sports Methodology and Technology. The program stresses leadership, career studies, vocational guidance, independent studies, Theory of Knowledge and community service. Bilingual English-Portuguese learning enables English-first courses to accelerate language acquisition; High School entrants must demonstrate CEFR B2.