Brazil has some of the best private schools in South America. These schools provide excellent academics, extracurricular activities, facilities and more for students.
In this article, we will look at the 10 highest ranked private schools in Brazil. For each school, we have provided the address and location to help you learn more.
1. Colégio Bandeirantes
Address: Rua Diogo Moreira, 132 – Pinheiros, São Paulo – SP
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Colégio Bandeirantes is consistently ranked as the top private school in Brazil. Founded in 1935, it provides education from kindergarten through high school. Bandeirantes has highly competitive admissions, with only 150 students admitted per grade level. It offers strong academics, with a focus on languages, sciences and math. Students can choose from over 25 elective courses. There are also various clubs and sports teams. The school has excellent teachers and facilities, including science labs, art rooms, libraries and more.
2. Colégio Santa Cruz
Website: https://www.colegiosantacruz.com.br
Address: Rua James Holland 71, Barra Funda – São Paulo, SP
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Colégio Santa Cruz is an elite college preparatory school in São Paulo. It was founded in 1937 and enrolls over 3,000 students. Santa Cruz offers rigorous academics and many Advanced Placement course options. Students consistently earn top marks on Brazil’s ENEM university entrance exam. Extracurricular activities are also strong in areas like community service, arts, and athletics. The school has great facilities including a sports complex, innovation lab makerspace, and an amphitheater.
3. Colégio São Luís
Website: https://www.colegiosaoluis.com.br/
Address: Rua Itambé, 143 – Perdizes, São Paulo – SP
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Colégio São Luís is a Jesuit school located in São Paulo. It is over 100 years old and teaches grades 1-12. São Luís has a stellar national and international reputation. It provides a humanistic education that focuses on ethics and service. Students take rigorous college prep courses. Over 20 languages and AP classes are offered. Extracurriculars, arts, and athletics are also encouraged. The school has great facilities including a health clinic, laboratories, auditorium and sports centers.
4. Colégio Visconde de Porto Seguro
Address: Rua Mairinque, 96, Vila Mariana – São Paulo – SP
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Colégio Visconde de Porto Seguro is one of the top private schools in Brazil. Founded in 1872, it enrolls over 4,000 students from kindergarten through high school. Porto Seguro provides excellent academics centered around sciences, math, languages, humanities and technology. Students have many course options and consistently achieve high exam scores. Extracurricular activities are also emphasized. The school has state-of-the-art facilities including digital classrooms, science labs, theaters, pools and more.
5. Colégio Dante Alighieri
Address: Rua Paulo Setúbal, 136, São Paulo – SP
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Dante Alighieri is an elite private school in São Paulo. It was founded in 1954 and teaches grades 1-12. The school has a strong emphasis on humanities, arts, philosophy and Italian language/culture. Academics are top-notch, with many AP and electives offered. Students excel in languages, writing, critical thinking and creativity. Extracurricular activities are robust, including community service, Model UN, sports and more. Facilities include an innovation lab, media center, theater and other resources.
6. Colégio Magnum
Address: Av. Onze de Junho, 1183 Vila Clementino – São Paulo – SP
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Colégio Magnum is known as one of the best college preparatory schools in Brazil. Founded in 1980, it enrolls over 1,000 students in grades 1-12. Magnum offers first-rate academics centered around languages, math, sciences and technology. Many advanced, honors and AP classes are offered. Students consistently achieve top scores on entrance exams like ENEM. Extracurricular activities are also emphasized. The school has excellent facilities including maker spaces, robotics labs, art studios and libraries.
7. Colégio Rio Branco
Address: Av. Higienópolis, 996, São Paulo – SP
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Colégio Rio Branco is a leading private school in São Paulo. Founded in 1920, it enrolls over 3,500 students in grades K-12. Rio Branco is known for its rigorous curriculum, outstanding teachers and cutting-edge facilities. It offers stellar college prep courses in STEM, languages, writing, arts and more. Over 30 AP and advanced classes are available. Students excel academically and gain admission to top universities in Brazil and worldwide. Rio Branco also has exceptional arts, athletics and extracurriculars.
8. Graded – The American School of São Paulo
Address: Av. José Galante, 425 – São Paulo – SP
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Graded is an elite American school located in São Paulo, founded in 1920. It enrolls over 1,600 students in grades Pre-K through 12. Graded provides an American-style curriculum aligned with U.S. standards. A variety of AP and honors courses are offered. There is also a strong focus on creativity, technology and problem-solving. Students consistently earn admission to top U.S. colleges and universities. Graded has excellent facilities including a creativity lab, makerspace, multimedia studios and more.
9. St. Paul’s School
Address: Rua Juquiá, 166 – Jardim Paulistano – São Paulo – SP
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
St. Paul’s School is a premier international college preparatory school in São Paulo. Founded in 1926, it enrolls 1,200 students from over 40 countries. St. Paul’s provides rigorous academics centered around languages, STEM, technology, arts and humanities. Over 175 classes are offered, including various AP and advanced options. Students excel academically and gain admission to top global universities. St. Paul’s also has exceptional facilities, clubs, sports teams and extracurricular activities.
10. Escola Graduada de São Paulo
Address: Rua General Júlio Marcondes Salgado, 199 – Santa Cecília, São Paulo – SP
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Escola Graduada is a leading K-12 private school located in São Paulo. Founded in 1898, it provides a progressive, project-based education. Academics emphasize critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and real-world learning. Students complete in-depth, interdisciplinary projects across areas like STEM, humanities and arts. Technology and innovation are integrated throughout. Graduada has excellent facilities including makerspaces, labs, theaters and a model UN room. Students gain admission to top universities in Brazil and worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Schools in Brazil
Here are some common questions that parents have about private schools in Brazil:
What is the application process like for private schools in Brazil?
The application process for private schools usually involves submitting an application form, taking an entrance exam, and interviewing with the school. Supporting documents like academic records, teacher recommendations, and perhaps writing samples are also required. The process is highly competitive, with exam performance being a major factor for admission.
How expensive are private schools in Brazil?
Private school tuition in Brazil tends to range from around R$800 to R$5,000 reais per month on average. Additional costs like application fees, learning materials, meals, uniforms and transportation may also apply. The most elite schools generally have higher tuition. Significant financial aid and scholarship options are sometimes available based on need.
What curriculum do private schools follow in Brazil?
Most private schools follow Brazil’s national curriculum guidelines while enhancing with additional course offerings. Advanced classes, AP courses, electives, languages, technology and supplemental academics are common. Some international/American schools follow a U.S.-aligned curriculum instead.
Are extracurricular activities offered at private schools in Brazil?
Yes, strong extracurricular programs are typical at most private schools. Offerings can include diverse clubs, model UN, community service, arts, music, theater, and competitive sports teams. Participation in activities alongside academics is encouraged.
Do private schools have better facilities than public schools in Brazil?
Private schools generally have excellent facilities like modern classrooms, science/tech labs, libraries, sports complexes, performing arts spaces, cafeterias and more. Resources tend to be superior to most public schools. However, top public schools located in affluent areas can also have very good facilities.
How do you evaluate private schools in Brazil for quality?
Key factors to evaluate include curriculum, teachers, academic outcomes, university admissions, facilities/resources, extracurriculars, school culture and more. National rankings, word-of-mouth, campus visits and speaking to current students/parents can help gauge quality. Student satisfaction surveys, exam scores and university destinations are also good indicators.
Do all private schools require an entrance exam for admission in Brazil?
The vast majority require students to take an entrance exam. Performance on this high-stakes exam along with prior grades/transcripts tends to be the most important admission factor. Interviews, essays, teacher recommendations and other criteria may be considered as well.
What is the difference between regular private schools and international schools in Brazil?
Regular private schools follow Brazil’s national curriculum with enhancements. International schools cater to expats and offer globally-focused programs aligned to an alternate system like the U.S. or International Baccalaureate. Instruction at international schools is usually in English.
Are private school class sizes smaller than public schools in Brazil?
Yes, most private schools have smaller class sizes, often around 20-30 students on average. Smaller classes allow for more individualized teaching and support. Public school class sizes vary more but can sometimes have 35-45 students per class.
Conclusion
Brazil’s top-tier private schools provide world-class education to students. These institutions offer excellent academics, faculty, resources and preparation for university and beyond. While the admissions process is highly competitive, the rewarding student experiences and outcomes are well worth the effort. For families seeking a high-quality education within Brazil’s private school system, the schools highlighted here are some of the best options available.