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Pan American Christian Academy

Brazil, Sao Paulo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees R$77,964 - 101,200
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 340
Type Co-educational
Opened 1960
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian
Typical class size 10
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Pan American Christian Academy (PACA) is a non-denominational Christian international day school serving students ages 3 to 18. It offers a dual American and Brazilian curriculum with English as the primary language of instruction and Portuguese taught as both a first language and a foreign language. The curriculum is biblically integrated across subjects, including Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Bible, Physical Education, Technology, and Fine Arts, with Advanced Placement courses available to support college preparation and dual diplomas earned at graduation. The campus spans nine acres and features 22 classrooms, a Science Lab, a Maker Space, a Library, and a Music Room, plus a Gym, outdoor courts, pools, fields, and cafeterias. A range of extracurriculars, including National Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl, Choir, Drama, Community Service, and Student Council, complements classroom learning. Weekly chapels and Bible classes reinforce the faith-based environment and emphasis on service, leadership, and faith in action daily.

R. Cássio de Campos Nogueira, 393 - Jardim das Imbuias, São Paulo - SP, 04829-310, Brazil

The Essentials

Pan American Christian Academy has 340 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location

The PACA campus is located at Rua Cassio de Campos Nogueira, 393, São Paulo, SP 04829-310, Brazil. It is in the city of São Paulo, in the southern region of the city, serving Christian, bilingual, and international families. Preschool through High School programs are offered on this campus, with English as the primary language of instruction.

Stages

Preschool; Elementary; Middle School; High School.

Type

Non-denominational Christian international day school with a dual American and Brazilian curriculum.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Four nationalities are represented. The most common nationality is Brazilian (45%). Local to international ratio is 45% local to 55% international (North American 20%, Korean 20%, 15% other). Approximately 370 students are enrolled, with about 180 in PreK–5 and 190 in 6–12.

Additional learning support

A learning lab provides support for students with learning differences.

Country affiliation

American + Brazilian dual curriculum.

Religious affiliation

Christian.

School day structure

The school day runs from 8:00 am to 3:25 pm; the calendar runs from August to June.

Fees

Annual tuition at Pan American Christian Academy ranges from BRL 77,964 to BRL 101,200 for 2026/27.

Application & Entrance Fees

- Entrance Evaluation Fee: BRL 350.00 (due on the day scheduled for the entrance evaluation; non‑refundable).
- Grade placement / testing materials fee (charged for evaluation services at application): BRL 250.00 (non‑refundable).

Tuition — New Student Rates (July 2025 – June 2026)

PK & Elementary (Pre‑K1 – Grade 5)
- Initial payment (on acceptance): BRL 9,775.00.
- Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 6,199.00.
- Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 77,964.00.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- Initial payment (on acceptance): BRL 9,960.00.
- Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 6,916.00.
- Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 86,036.00.

High School (Grades 9–11)
- Initial payment (on acceptance): BRL 10,075.00.
- Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 8,031.00.
- Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 98,416.00.

High School (Grade 12)
- Initial payment (on acceptance): BRL 10,318.00.
- Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 8,262.00.
- Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 101,200.00.

Corporate (Company‑Sponsored) Rates (July 2025 – June 2026)

Preschool & Elementary (Pre‑K1 – Grade 5) — corporate rate
- Initial payment: BRL 29,246.00.
- Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 11,913.00.
- Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 160,289.00.

Secondary School (Grades 6–12) — corporate rate
- Initial payment: BRL 30,712.00.
- Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 13,381.00.
- Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 177,903.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- School year and due dates: The PACA school year starts July 1. Tuition invoices (boleto) are issued in advance and are payable at the bank by the 5th of each month. New students enrolling during the year are responsible for the tuition of the current month and for previous months of the current semester. Tuition costs include book fees and academic & technological fees.
- Payment frequency options: Tuition may be paid monthly, per semester, or in a single annual payment. New students pay an initial enrollment payment followed by 11 monthly payments; returning students may divide annual tuition into 12 consecutive monthly payments.
- Invoicing: Tuition invoices (boletos) are emailed to parents five days before the due date. All fees must be paid by the due date at the bank; daily late fees apply to overdue payments.

Boarding (residential) fees

- Not applicable: PACA operates as a day school and does not offer boarding; no boarding fees apply.

Other mandatory and optional costs

- Meal plans (optional):
- Individual meal (per day): BRL 40.00.
- Pre‑K – Grade 5 semester plan: BRL 2,800.00 (or 5 monthly payments of BRL 560.00).
- Grades 6–12 semester plan: BRL 3,000.00 (or 5 monthly payments of BRL 600.00).
- Early examination fee (for exams taken before scheduled dates): BRL 200.00 per exam.
- Early departure fee (K–8 students leaving more than 10 school days before semester end): BRL 200.00.
- Graduation fee (seniors): a monthly charge (July–June) is added to the tuition bill to cover graduation‑related expenses; the amount is billed on the tuition statement.
- AP / PSAT / standardized testing fees: Advanced Placement (AP) and PSAT exam fees are charged in USD; equivalent BRL amounts will be added to the student's tuition bill.
- Field trips and tournaments: Costs for field trips and interschool tournaments are passed to parents and added to the student's tuition bill when applicable; parents will be informed in advance.
- School uniform: School uniforms are mandatory; purchases are arranged through the school's approved uniform supplier (contact via the listed WhatsApp number).
- Transportation: School transportation is provided by third‑party contractors and is paid separately. For corporate plans, meal plan and transportation may be included (optional); otherwise transportation costs are obtained directly from the service providers. Contact information for transport providers is used to arrange service.
- Transcripts: A second copy of the transcript costs BRL 100.00.

Refunds and withdrawal rules

- No reimbursement is made for tuition paid for the month in which a student withdraws. If tuition has been paid in advance, a refund will be issued for unused full months following the student's withdrawal. New students who withdraw before completing the registration process receive an 80% refund of the initial payment. Parents must notify the school office in writing at least 15 days prior to the official withdrawal date and complete the withdrawal form; official school documents are issued within 30 days following withdrawal.

Fee payment options

- Boleto (bank payment): Tuition invoices are issued as boletos and are payable at the bank by the 5th of the month.
- Credit card (on‑site): Individual meals and other small items may be paid by credit card at the school reception; meal charges may alternatively be added to the tuition bill.
Academics

Pan American Christian Academy teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

The school offers a dual American and Brazilian curriculum with English as the primary language of instruction. Portuguese is taught as a first language and as a foreign language. The curriculum is biblically integrated across subjects, including Language Arts, Science, Social Sciences, Bible, Physical Education, Technology, and Fine Arts; Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered to support college preparation.

Higher Education Progression

80% of graduates attend universities in North America (e.g., Duke, Cornell, Notre Dame, NYU, Wheaton, Biola) and 20% attend universities in Brazil (e.g., Insper, Mackenzie, FGV, USP, Einstein Medicina).

Gifted and Talented

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school offers weekly chapels for worship and biblical reflection to pause, recharge, and grow spiritually as a group. Service projects put faith into action by serving local communities and developing a compassionate heart for others. Christian teachers act as both academic guides and spiritual mentors, modeling values inside and outside the classroom. An active community provides a supportive network of families united by shared values, fostering deep friendships and a sense of belonging. Specialized Support for Every Family Profile is provided to meet the needs of Christian, bilingual, and international households. Faith is integrated into learning, with biblical truth woven throughout the school journey to support holistic development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Specialized Support for Every Family Profile is provided to meet the needs of Christian, bilingual, and international households. The school serves Christian families, bilingual families, and international families, indicating tailored support for diverse needs. The dual curriculum, American and Brazilian, supports a variety of academic pathways and may accommodate students from different educational backgrounds. The school is accredited by three agencies—ACSI, MSA, and MEC—reflecting recognized standards that can support inclusive practices. The overall community and values-based environment foster an inclusive climate for students from mission organizations, international backgrounds, and the local community.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is the primary language of instruction. 60% of our students are international.

Mental Wellbeing

Weekly chapels provide worship and biblical reflection to support spiritual wellbeing. Service projects foster community service and compassion, contributing to emotional wellbeing. Christian teachers act as mentors, modeling values inside and outside the classroom. An active community of families united by shared values fosters belonging and social support. Faith integrated into learning supports holistic development.

Safeguarding

A Child Safety Form is available to report safeguarding concerns. The school operates within a faith-based, values-driven community that emphasizes student safety. The school's accreditation by ACSI, MSA, MEC aligns with recognized standards that include safeguarding expectations.

Admissions

Admissions

1. The admissions process is designed to be clear, caring, and family-friendly. The Admissions Office reviews academic records, language proficiency, social-emotional development, teacher recommendations, and the family's commitment to the educational journey. Most families participate in an interview to discuss curriculum, expectations, and school fit. 2. Assessments & Interviews: Applicants for 1st grade through High School complete an entrance assessment in English and Mathematics. Preschool and Kindergarten candidates participate in a developmental interview. If space is available after an application is received, the admissions team schedules the assessment. Space is limited and multiple candidates may be assessed together during high-demand periods. 3. Age Requirements: Pre-K1 is 3 years old by August 31; Pre-K2 is 4 by August 31; Kindergarten is 5 by August 31. 4. Important Application Dates: For August entry, submit applications by March 1; for January entry, submit applications by October 1. Space is limited and all required documents should be submitted by the deadline. 5. Application Steps and Documents: To apply, families submit a completed Student Application Form along with the required documents. If applying from outside Brazil, email the completed Student Application Form and attach the photo, birth certificate, passport or Brazilian ID, a letter of recommendation, and school records from the past two years. If applying from Brazil, include the same items plus Declaração de Escolaridade. Official transcripts from the two previous years are required for transfer consideration; homeschool or alternative programs require curriculum documentation. Final admissions decisions are made after space is available, assessment results, and a review of materials. 6. Transfer Students and Homeschoolers: PACA accepts credits from accredited high schools. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution before credit can be granted, and copies should be presented at enrollment. Applications from U.S. homeschooling families are welcome; provide curriculum documentation and assessment results. 7. Next Steps: If space exists, PACA will contact families to schedule the entrance assessment or interview. After reviewing assessment results and application materials, families meeting academic and English proficiency requirements are invited to a family interview with school administration. Final admissions decisions are confirmed once all requirements are met.

Scholarships

Limited financial aid and scholarships are available for students who have been enrolled for more than 12 months. Assistance is awarded based on demonstrated need and a formal application. Financial aid and scholarships are awarded to current families who are in good financial standing, need financial assistance, and whose children contribute to the welfare of the school.

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