Bilingual Schools in Rio de Janeiro: A 2026 Guide for Families

Quick answer: Which bilingual schools should families consider in Rio de Janeiro? Rio de Janeiro's main bilingual and international options are OLM Our Lady of Mercy American School, The British School Rio de Janeiro, SIS Swiss International School and Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro. Monthly fees run roughly from BRL 6,000 to BRL 16,000, usually paid in twelve or thirteen instalments, plus enrolment and material fees.

Last reviewed: September 2026 by Catherine from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Choosing among bilingual schools in Rio de Janeiro is a different exercise from choosing an international school in Europe or Asia. Most of Rio's leading schools combine the Brazilian national curriculum with an English-language or European programme, so children can finish with a Brazilian diploma and an international qualification at the same time. That is a real advantage for families who may stay, and for Brazilian families who want their children ready for universities abroad.

This guide explains how bilingual education is organised in Rio, which schools to visit first, what they cost in Brazilian reais and how to judge the language balance behind the marketing.

Why Rio is a special case for bilingual schooling

Rio's international schools are concentrated in two areas. The South Zone, from Botafogo and Gávea to Leblon and the Lagoa, hosts the older, more central campuses. Barra da Tijuca and Recreio to the west have newer, larger sites and many of the families who work in energy, offshore oil and gas, and multinational business. The drive between the two can take well over an hour at peak times, so most families decide on a neighbourhood and a school together.

Brazil also has its own rules for bilingual schools. In 2020 the National Education Council (CNE) approved national guidelines for plurilingual education, which set that schools calling themselves bilingual should teach between 30% and 50% of curricular time in the additional language in early years and primary, and at least 20% in secondary. Not every school follows the same model yet, but the guidelines give you a clear benchmark when you compare timetables.

Bilingual models you will find in Rio de Janeiro

American-Brazilian schools: an American curriculum taught in English, alongside the Brazilian programme in Portuguese, often with AP or IB courses and a US-style high school diploma.
British-Brazilian schools: the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSE and IB, combined with Brazilian subjects so students can also graduate in Brazil.
Trilingual Swiss model: Portuguese, English and German or another European language, with the IB and Brazilian qualifications.
Brazilian schools with bilingual programmes: Portuguese-medium private schools with an added English strand, often cheaper, but with a lighter English load.

Bilingual schools in Rio de Janeiro to shortlist

OLM, Our Lady of Mercy American School

OLM Our Lady of Mercy American School is recently active on International School Advisor and runs an American-Brazilian programme in English and Portuguese, with a Catholic ethos and a warm, community feel. It is a good fit for families who want a US-style education and a Brazilian diploma, and who value a school small enough for teachers to know every child.

The British School, Rio de Janeiro

The British School, Rio de Janeiro is one of the city's most established international schools, with several campuses including the South Zone and Barra. Students follow a British curriculum in English with Brazilian subjects in Portuguese, then IGCSE and the IB Diploma. It suits families who want a long track record and a large, well-organised school.

SIS Swiss International School Brazil

SIS Swiss International School belongs to a Swiss group of bilingual schools and offers one of the few trilingual paths in Rio. English and Portuguese are used for teaching, with German added as a language, and students can aim for the IB Diploma. It works well for European families and for children who already have a third language.

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro, known as EARJ, offers an American curriculum in English, the Brazilian programme and the IB Diploma, with campuses in Gávea and Barra. It is often the first choice for diplomatic and corporate families from the United States and for students aiming at North American universities.

How much bilingual schools in Rio de Janeiro cost

Brazilian private schools quote fees as a monthly amount, the mensalidade, usually paid in twelve instalments, sometimes thirteen. As a rough guide for 2026:

Brazilian schools with a bilingual strand: roughly BRL 4,000 to 7,000 a month.
Bilingual and international schools: roughly BRL 6,000 to 12,000 a month.
Top international schools in the senior years: roughly BRL 12,000 to 16,000 a month or more.

Extras to include in your budget:

Annual enrolment fee, the matrícula, often equal to one monthly payment.
One-off entrance or capital fees at some international schools, and application fees.
Teaching materials and books, which Brazilian schools often charge as a separate annual fee.
Uniforms, lunches, school transport, extracurricular activities and IB or AP exam fees.

Fees are usually adjusted once a year, typically in line with inflation, so ask each school how much the monthly fee rose in the last two years.

Practical advice for families

Check the calendar. Brazilian schools usually run from February to December, while American-style schools such as EARJ follow a northern calendar from August to June. Choosing the calendar that matches your arrival date can save your child from repeating or skipping half a year.

Compare the language split with the national benchmark. Ask for the weekly timetable and work out the share of teaching in English. If it falls well below 30% in primary, the school is closer to a Brazilian school with an English programme than to a bilingual school.

Think about Portuguese for new arrivals. Children who arrive without Portuguese will need support for the Brazilian subjects. Ask whether the school offers Portuguese as an additional language, and how long it usually takes new students to join mainstream classes.

Plan the commute before you sign a lease. Visit schools in the morning rush and try the route yourself. Families often choose a school first and then rent in the same zone.

Compare the best schools in Rio de Janeiro

Parent reviews, curricula and fees for every school in the city are collected in the ranking of the best schools in Rio de Janeiro. Use it to compare your shortlist before you book visits.

More guides to schools in Rio de Janeiro

Frequently asked questions

What makes a school bilingual in Brazil?

National guidelines approved by the National Education Council in 2020 say bilingual schools should teach between 30% and 50% of curricular time in the additional language in early years and primary, and at least 20% in secondary. Many schools in Rio de Janeiro go further, but asking for the timetable is the best way to check.

Can my child get a Brazilian diploma at a bilingual school in Rio?

Yes. Most of Rio's bilingual and international schools, including OLM, The British School and EARJ, combine the Brazilian curriculum with an international programme. Students can graduate with a Brazilian high school certificate and an IB Diploma, a US diploma or British qualifications, which keeps both Brazilian and foreign universities open.

How much do bilingual schools in Rio de Janeiro cost?

Expect roughly BRL 6,000 to 12,000 a month at most bilingual and international schools, and up to BRL 16,000 or more in the senior years of the top schools. On top of that, budget for the annual enrolment fee, materials, uniforms, lunches, transport and exam fees.