Escola Chinesa Internacional

Located in Botafogo, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Address: Rua São Clemente, 379, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Education Infantil (early childhood) and Ensino Fundamental (elementary); Montessori method used.

International school; trilíngue instruction in Mandarin, Portuguese, and English with native teachers.

Brazil

Montessori Education for Early Childhood. The Montessori approach provides an authentic, high-quality environment with materials across science, language, geography, history, astronomy, geology, mathematics, and languages, guiding each child to discover their unique potential and develop independence. In Fundamental I and II (Grades 1–7), the curriculum blends the Brazilian education system (BNCC-aligned) with Chinese educational elements, prioritizing Portuguese, mathematics, sciences, and humanities. Core subjects like mathematics and Chinese are taught in Mandarin by specialists, while Mandarin is integrated with English to create a tri-lingual learning environment. Language instruction is organized by language blocks to cultivate multilingual proficiency and a multicultural perspective. The program emphasizes holistic development, equality, tolerance, respect for diverse origins, and a personalized approach that nurtures each student's interests and potential.

The school has partnerships with prestigious Chinese institutions to provide opportunities to access international higher education.

The school aims to reveal exceptional talents in a tri-lingual environment (Mandarin, Portuguese, and English).

Holistic development is central to the Montessori-based Education Infantil, promoting physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. The Montessori system, with the dedication of our teachers, enables children to learn life skills, nurture self-care, and cultivate independence while practicing basic movements and other skills. Montessori classrooms are equipped with materials that support science, animals, plants, history, geography, astronomy, geology, mathematics, and languages. The approach is multicultural, with teachers from Brazil, China, and the United States, enriching social interactions and cultural understanding. Education with love emphasizes equality, tolerance, and respect for diverse family backgrounds and nationalities, promoting harmony and moral growth. We teach according to each student's aptitudes, focusing on discovering their interests and individual potentials.

Inclusion and diversity are central to the learning environment. We provide support and adapt content to ensure the best understanding and well-being of students. Our diverse team of teachers, including Montessori specialists from Brazil, China, and the United States, supports inclusive learning. We accept students of all nationalities, reflecting our inclusive philosophy. Enrollment and classroom practices emphasize inclusion and plurality.

We offer a language-immersion environment in which children have daily contact with three languages: Mandarin, Portuguese, and English, taught by native teachers from China, the United States, and Brazil. This approach develops listening and speaking skills in all three languages, providing a complete and effective language-learning experience. The school emphasizes trilíngual immersion to prepare students for a global context.

Emotional and social development are integral to the Montessori approach. The Montessori system, together with our dedicated teachers, promotes emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. The school fosters inclusion, equality, tolerance, and respect for diverse backgrounds, promoting harmony and moral growth. A personalized approach teaches according to each student's aptitudes, supporting confidence and motivation.

1. The school welcomes families seeking a solid academic foundation within a multicultural, holistic program. The pedagogy is tri-lingual, with instruction in Portuguese, English, and Mandarin, and aims to form world-ready citizens who are conscious, creative, and have a strong sense of belonging. The school values diversity and welcomes students from different nationalities, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds, promoting rich exchanges and learning. There is no discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or nationality; admissions follow criteria that respect the child's development, age, and the principles of inclusion and plurality that guide the educational project.

2. Who can enroll? Education Infantil includes Agrupada I from 1 year completed to 2 years 11 months, and Agrupada II from 3 to 6 years. Ensino Fundamental I and II begins at 6 years completed. These age ranges determine eligibility for enrollment in the corresponding segments.

3. Nationality: The school accepts students of all nationalities provided they have a valid visa or identity document in Brazil. The school seeks to build a plural community capable of reflecting different worldviews and promoting respect and empathy. The school fosters an inclusive environment that supports diverse perspectives.

4. Language knowledge: For Educação Infantil, prior mastery of Portuguese, English, or Mandarin is not required. The staff are prepared to welcome children at different linguistic levels and provide individualized support during the adaptation process. This approach supports a smooth transition into the tri-lingual program.

5. Schedule a visit: Families are encouraged to schedule a visit to learn more about the school. The visit offers an opportunity to meet staff and observe the learning environment. Appointments can be arranged through the on-site contact options provided by the school.

6. Enrollments 2025/2026: The Escola Chinesa Internacional is the first International Chinese School outside China, preparing students to be global citizens. Fill out the enrollment form on the page and await the school's contact with next steps. Enrollment for 2025/2026 covers Education Infantil and Ensino Fundamental; the form allows submitting interest in a class and line of consideration.

7. I want to enroll: To enroll, select Education Infantil or Ensino Fundamental and the class of interest, then submit the form. The form submission initiates the enrollment process and the school will follow up with next steps. For more information about new student enrollment, access the Contato page.

BOLSA FILANTROPIA – ESCOLA CHINESA INTERNACIONAL. The program provides scholarships of up to 100% of tuition, whether full or partial, funded by a philanthropic entity, with the call for applications published on the school's site and social networks beginning in July. Eligibility requires a gross monthly family income per capita not exceeding 1.5 times the minimum wage for full scholarships and 3 times the minimum wage for partial scholarships. The student or financial guardian must complete a socioeconomic questionnaire and submit the required documentation by the deadline to bolsadeestudo@escolachinesa.com.br. Required documents include identification for the student and all family members, proof of residence, and income proofs appropriate to the family's category (employed, self-employed, rural producer, pensioner/retiree, etc.). The selection process occurs in two stages: a pre-selection based on income and socioeconomic profile, followed by a classification that verifies submitted data, requires complete documentation, and may include an interview with guardians and a social worker. In case of inconsistencies or incomplete documentation, the candidate may be disqualified, and the scholarship may be canceled for irregularities or fraud. The scholarship benefits are not cumulative with other scholarships or benefits, and winners authorize the use of their images in promotional materials.