São Paulo is South America's largest city and one of the world's great financial and cultural hubs. For expat families arriving to work in business, finance, manufacturing or diplomacy, finding the right international school in São Paulo is a top priority. The city has a well-developed international education scene, shaped by decades of corporate relocations from Europe, North America and Asia. This guide covers the best schools, realistic fee ranges, available curricula and practical admissions advice for families moving to São Paulo in 2026.
Why Expat Families Choose São Paulo
São Paulo is Brazil's economic engine, home to the headquarters of most major Brazilian corporations as well as the local offices of hundreds of multinationals. The city's Faria Lima and Vila Olímpia districts are the beating heart of Brazilian finance, while the Berrini corridor houses technology and consulting firms. Expat families tend to settle in established residential districts like Jardins, Moema, Itaim Bibi and Morumbi, which offer a good quality of life, green spaces and proximity to the city's best international schools.
Brazil's vibrant culture, diverse food scene, and warm social atmosphere make it an enjoyable destination for families, even if navigating a new language and bureaucracy requires some adjustment. Portuguese language support is typically available through international schools, and many families find that children adapt remarkably quickly once in school.
International School Curricula in São Paulo
São Paulo has a diverse international school landscape. Bilingual Portuguese-English programs are particularly common, reflecting the practical reality that most expat families in Brazil stay for several years and want their children to achieve functional Portuguese alongside English proficiency. Purely English-medium programs exist too, as do Canadian, American, and IB-aligned curricula. A number of schools take a dual-school approach, running a bilingual curriculum that prepares students for Brazilian university entrance alongside internationally recognised qualifications.
Top International Schools in São Paulo
The following schools are listed on the ISA São Paulo school ranking, based on verified parent reviews and school engagement data.
Maple Bear Canadian School
Maple Bear Canadian School is part of the internationally recognised Maple Bear network, which brings a Canadian curriculum and pedagogical approach to families in Brazil. The school offers instruction in English from the early years, with a gradual integration of Portuguese as children progress. Maple Bear's Canadian model emphasises inquiry-based learning, collaborative problem-solving, and a strong focus on literacy and numeracy outcomes. The network has multiple campuses across São Paulo, which means there is often a convenient location for families regardless of where they are based in the city. It is a popular choice for North American families and those seeking strong English-language foundations.
School fees: Approximately R$35,000–R$55,000 per year (roughly USD 7,000–11,000).
Stance Dual School
Stance Dual School lives up to its name by running a genuinely dual-language program in which both English and Portuguese are used as languages of instruction throughout the school day. The dual model means students graduate with strong academic skills in both languages, which is an enormous advantage for families planning to keep one foot in the Brazilian education system while maintaining English proficiency. The school serves students from early childhood through to secondary level and has a strong track record with both local and internationally mobile families. Its approach makes it particularly suited to families who are long-term residents of São Paulo rather than those on short, fixed-term postings.
School fees: Approximately R$40,000–R$65,000 per year (roughly USD 8,000–13,000).
Aubrick School
Aubrick School is an English-medium international school offering a contemporary curriculum designed to develop students academically, creatively, and socially. The school welcomes children from diverse national backgrounds and places strong emphasis on critical thinking, digital literacy and project-based learning alongside core academic subjects. Aubrick has built a reputation for strong pastoral care and an inclusive school culture, and parent reviews highlight the attentiveness of staff to individual student needs. The school is well-suited to families who want a contemporary, skills-focused educational approach rather than a traditional academic model.
School fees: Approximately R$38,000–R$60,000 per year (roughly USD 7,500–12,000).
International School Fees in São Paulo
International school fees in São Paulo vary considerably depending on the curriculum and school tier. Entry-level bilingual programs may start at around R$25,000 per year, while premium international schools with full English-medium curricula and extensive facilities can charge R$70,000–R$100,000 or more at the secondary level. In US dollar terms, most families can expect to pay between USD 5,000 and USD 20,000 per year.
It is important to note that Brazilian schools often charge additional fees for materials, uniforms, school trips, extracurricular activities, and the annual matriculation fee (matrícula), which can add 10–20% to the headline tuition figure. Families on corporate relocation packages should clarify with their employer exactly which costs are covered.
Practical Admissions Tips for São Paulo
Enrolling a child in an international school in São Paulo requires some advance planning, but schools are generally well-practised at handling internationally mobile families. Here are the key points to know:
Apply as early as possible. The most sought-after schools, particularly those with strong bilingual programs, fill up quickly. Applications for January entry (the start of the Brazilian school year) typically open in August or September of the previous year.
Understand the Brazilian school calendar. Brazil's academic year runs from February to December, which is the reverse of the European and North American academic calendar. Mid-year arrivals in July–August typically join at the second semester, which is a natural entry point.
Prepare documentation in Portuguese. Brazilian schools often require documents translated into Portuguese by a certified translator (tradutor juramentado). Plan ahead if your documents are in another language.
Consider your neighbourhood. Traffic in São Paulo is significant, and school runs can be time-consuming. Schools with multiple campuses or private bus services can make the daily commute more manageable. Families in Jardins, Moema or Itaim Bibi are well-placed for many of the city's best international schools.
Explore the São Paulo School Ranking
For a broader view of international and bilingual schools in São Paulo, visit the International School Advisor São Paulo ranking, where you can compare schools by curriculum, fees and parent reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best international school in São Paulo?
The best international school in São Paulo depends on your family's priorities. Maple Bear Canadian School is a strong choice for English-medium education with a Canadian curriculum. Stance Dual School is well-regarded for its genuine bilingual Portuguese-English program. Aubrick School is popular among families seeking a contemporary, skills-focused approach. Compare all options on the ISA São Paulo ranking.
How much do international schools in São Paulo cost?
International school fees in São Paulo typically range from R$25,000 to R$100,000 per year, depending on the school and year group. In US dollar terms, most families pay between USD 5,000 and USD 20,000. Additional costs such as matriculation fees, materials and activities can add 10–20% to the headline figure. Many multinationals in São Paulo include school fees as part of their relocation packages.
Do international schools in São Paulo teach in English?
Many international schools in São Paulo offer English-medium instruction or bilingual Portuguese-English programs. Schools like Maple Bear Canadian School and Aubrick School teach primarily in English, while others such as Stance Dual School offer a full dual-language model. Almost all schools also offer Portuguese language support for children who are new to Brazil.