OLM - Our Lady of Mercy American School

Founded in 1951, the school is a Catholic American institution guided by the core values of empathy, equity, and excellence. It aims to foster a supportive, safe, and inclusive environment where faith, knowledge, and community converge to nurture lifelong learning. The school is committed to the socioemotional development of its students, preparing them to become responsible, ethical, and compassionate citizens in a globalized world.

The school offers a comprehensive educational pathway divided into Pre-School, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. The curriculum is designed to build foundations in early years, inspire critical thinking and creativity in Elementary School, foster collaborative learning in Middle School, and provide personal pathways for growth and global preparation in High School. Religious education and Mass are integrated into the school experience to strengthen the Catholic faith.

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides specialized assistance to students who face barriers to engagement, helping them develop skills in areas such as communication and academics. The center supports students with English or Portuguese as a second language, as well as those with special educational needs. Additionally, the LRC offers challenges for more advanced students to help them reach their maximum potential.

The admissions process begins with the completion of a registration form, followed by a campus visit and an interview with the school's team of advisors. Placement tests are administered for applicants from Elementary School onwards. The school offers a family discount and enrollment priority for siblings. Required documentation includes school transcripts for all previous grades, identification, and, for non-Brazilian students, a passport with a visa and sworn translations of transcripts.

The school operates on a Northern Hemisphere calendar, with the academic year beginning in August and concluding in June. The schedule includes various breaks, such as a recess period between December and January, a Carnival break in February, and a mid-year recess in October. The calendar also features specific school events, including an International Festival, Art Week, Book Week, STEAM Fair, and various sports and community activities.

The campus is located in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro. It provides facilities to support a range of academic and extracurricular pursuits, including spaces for science and arts, as well as athletic areas for activities like table tennis and futsal. The school also maintains a Learning Resource Center to support student needs.

Students have access to an After School Activities Program that includes options such as futsal. The school also hosts various events and clubs, including Model United Nations, and organizes sports activities like the OLM Olympics and a sports camp for Elementary, Middle, and High School students. Other activities include a Knowledge Bowl, musical theater presentations, and community-focused events like the Parish Fair and Clean Up Rio.