Best International Schools in Brasilia: 2026 Guide for Families

Quick answer: which are the best international schools in Brasilia? The main options are the American School of Brasilia, The British School of Brasilia, SIS Swiss International School, School of the Nations and Brasilia International School. They offer American, British, IB and bilingual Brazilian programmes, with annual fees ranging roughly from R$50,000 to over R$170,000.

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

Brasilia is home to Brazil's federal government, more than a hundred embassies and a large community of international organisations. That makes its international school market unusually strong for a city of its size. Picking among the best international schools in Brasilia depends on your child's age, the curriculum you want and how long you will stay. This guide profiles five schools that consistently appear on family shortlists, explains how calendars and fees work and gives practical advice for diplomatic and corporate families.

Understanding Brasilia as a place to live

Brasilia is a planned city, designed by Lúcio Costa with buildings by Oscar Niemeyer, and inaugurated in 1960. Its modernist plan was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The city is organised into sectors and superblocks, and the layout takes some getting used to, but daily life is generally calm and green.

Most international families live in Lago Sul and Lago Norte around Lake Paranoá, which have houses with gardens and are close to many embassies, or in the residential wings of the Plano Piloto, Asa Sul and Asa Norte, which have apartments close to shops and services. Newer areas such as Noroeste and Sudoeste are also popular. Brasilia is designed around the car, so the distance between home and school matters.

Curricula and calendars

American curriculum with a US high school diploma, Advanced Placement or the IB Diploma.
British curriculum leading to IGCSE and A Levels or the IB.
International Baccalaureate, offered at several schools, especially the Diploma Programme.
Bilingual Brazilian programmes, which follow the national curriculum with extensive teaching in English, and in some cases German.

Calendars differ, and this is important. Brazilian schools usually run from February to December, while American and some international schools follow a northern hemisphere calendar from August to June. Families arriving mid-year should check which calendar each school uses before deciding which grade their child will join.

Five of the best schools in Brasilia

American School of Brasilia

The American School of Brasilia, known locally as EAB, is the largest international school in the city and serves many diplomatic families. It offers an American programme with the IB Diploma, and graduates can also obtain Brazilian recognition. Its campus and range of activities are among the best in the Centre-West region.

The British School of Brasilia

The British School of Brasilia follows the British curriculum and prepares students for international qualifications. It is a natural choice for British and Commonwealth families and for Brazilian families who want a British-style education with strong English.

SIS Swiss International School Brasilia

SIS Swiss International School is part of a Swiss network of bilingual schools. It teaches in English and Portuguese or German, depending on the programme, and leads to international and Brazilian qualifications. It suits families who want a bilingual model with European roots.

School of the Nations

School of the Nations is a bilingual school with a strong values-based approach and a very international student body. Parents often mention its welcoming community and focus on service and global citizenship.

Brasilia International School

Brasilia International School offers an English-medium international programme and is often chosen by families who want a smaller school than the largest campuses. Ask about class sizes, calendar and the qualifications it offers in the senior years.

Fees in Brasilia

Indicative annual tuition in Brazilian reais:

Early years: roughly R$50,000 to R$110,000.
Primary: roughly R$65,000 to R$140,000.
Secondary and IB or pre-university: roughly R$80,000 to over R$170,000.

Most Brazilian schools charge tuition in twelve monthly instalments (mensalidades), while American-calendar schools may bill per semester or per year. Extras to plan for:

Enrolment or re-enrolment fee (matrícula), often equal to one monthly instalment.
Capital fee or entry bond at some international schools.
Books and teaching materials, which can be significant in bilingual programmes.
Transport, lunch, uniforms and exam fees for the IB, AP or Cambridge exams.

Embassies and multinationals often cover school fees for expatriate staff, and some schools have agreements with specific employers.

Practical tips for choosing

Match the calendar to your move. If you arrive in July, a school on the August to June calendar allows a clean start. If you arrive in January, a Brazilian calendar school may be easier.

Think about Portuguese. Even in English-medium schools, children who learn Portuguese settle faster and enjoy Brazil more. Ask about Portuguese classes for beginners and how the school helps new students integrate.

Visit during the dry season and the rainy season if you can. From May to September the air in Brasilia is very dry, while the rainy season brings heavy afternoon storms. Check shade, air conditioning and covered areas on each campus.

How to build your shortlist

Start with your time horizon. Diplomatic postings of two to four years usually point to an American, British or IB school with an August calendar, so that moving to the next country is easy. Families staying longer, or with Brazilian roots, often prefer a bilingual school that gives full Brazilian recognition and strong Portuguese.

Next, consider age. Some schools are strongest in the early years and primary, others in the senior years and university preparation. Ask each school for recent university destinations, the share of students taking the IB Diploma and average results. Finally, visit at least three schools and ask to see classes in action.

Questions to ask every school

Which accreditations and international exams does the school offer?
Does the diploma have Brazilian recognition, and what does that require?
How many students are new each year, and how are they welcomed?
What learning support and English or Portuguese support is available?
How are fees adjusted each year, and what does re-enrolment cost?

See the full ranking of schools in Brazil

Our ranking brings together verified profiles and parent reviews for schools across the country: see the best schools in Brazil.

More guides to schools in Brasilia

Frequently asked questions

Which international school in Brasilia is best for diplomatic families?

Many diplomatic families choose the American School of Brasilia because of its size, August to June calendar and IB Diploma, which ease moves between postings. The British School of Brasilia and SIS Swiss International School are also popular. The best fit depends on curriculum, language and your child's age, so visit several schools.

How much do international schools in Brasilia cost?

Annual tuition ranges roughly from R$50,000 for early years to over R$170,000 for the senior years at the leading schools. Add enrolment fees, books, transport, lunch and exam costs. Many embassies and international employers cover school fees, so check your package before comparing schools.

When does the school year start in Brasilia?

Brazilian and many bilingual schools run from February to December, with a break in July. American and some international schools follow an August to June calendar. Check each school's calendar before deciding on a start date and grade, especially if you arrive in the middle of the year.