What curriculum does Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro offer?

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.

What ages does Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro teach?

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro enrolls students aged 3 to 18.

What accreditations does Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro hold?

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro holds accreditations including IB and NEASC.

Is Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro co-educational?

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro is a co-ed school.

Where is Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro located?

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro is an international school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro

Updated July 2026

3–18Ages

Co-edGender

1,300Students

7.37:1Student : teacher

Curriculum

IB PYP

IB MYP

IB Diploma

Accreditations

NEASC

Languages

English

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro (EARJ) is a leading international school founded in 1937 that serves students from Preschool through Grade 12. As an authorized IB World Continuum School, it provides a rigorous, globally-focused education across two modern campuses in Rio de Janeiro.

AcademicsAdmission & FeesCampusLeadership

Curriculum

IB PYP

IB MYP

IB Diploma

Teaching approach

The school is committed to a student-centered approach that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a love for inquiry. It aims to develop internationally minded individuals who are knowledgeable, caring, and principled, striving to create a better and more peaceful world. The school's guiding principles emphasize the IB learner profile, fostering curiosity, independence, and a sense of responsibility toward others and the planet.

Programmes

EARJ is an authorized IB World Continuum School, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–11, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for university-level academics while also offering a Brazilian Accredited Program. Instruction is supported by a diverse faculty, with a focus on inquiry-based learning and the development of the IB learner profile.

Outcomes

Students have the opportunity to earn the American Diploma, the Brazilian Diploma, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The school provides comprehensive university and college counseling to guide students through the application process, resulting in placements at institutions worldwide. Graduates are prepared for success in college and beyond, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives necessary for their future careers.

Student support

EAL support

Included in fees

Learning support

Dedicated department

Learning support

The school maintains a dedicated Student Support Services department that oversees Nursery through Grade 12 across both campuses. This department encompasses English as an Academic Language (EAL), learning support, and gifted education. The school is committed to an inclusive philosophy that values all students within the community and the classroom.

Frequently asked questions(5)

What curriculum does Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro offer?: Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.
What ages does Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro teach?: Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
What accreditations does Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro hold?: Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro holds accreditations including IB and NEASC.
Is Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro co-educational?: Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro is a co-ed school.
Where is Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro located?: Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro is an international school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

The school welcomes applications from both local Brazilian families and international expatriates. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the admissions teams at the Barra or Gávea campuses for information regarding the application process, tuition, and fees. The school provides an age chart and guidance on international equivalency to assist with the enrollment process.

Calendar

The school operates on a structured academic calendar, with specific schedules available for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. Families can access the full calendar through the school's website to stay informed about key dates and events.

Facilities

Science labsLibraryArt roomSports fieldGymnasiumPlayground

About the campus

The school operates two modern campuses in Rio de Janeiro: the Barra Campus in Barra da Tijuca and the Gávea Campus. The Barra Campus is a purpose-built facility spanning 17,600.64 m² that includes multimedia-equipped classrooms, high-tech libraries, dedicated science labs, an expansive MakerSpace, a gymnasium, and various outdoor athletic courts. Both campuses are designed to provide an inspiring and engaging learning environment for students from Preschool through Grade 12.

Co-curriculars

The Athletics and Activities (ATAC) program serves as a core component of the student experience, offering a wide range of competitive sports, academic traveling teams, and after-school activities. Sports offerings include basketball, volleyball, indoor and field soccer, running, gymnastics, cheerleading, and softball. These programs are designed to foster school spirit, teamwork, and personal growth, with opportunities available for both Lower and Upper School students.

Dr. Steve DesrochesHead of School
A Canadian citizen with over 25 years of international education experience, Dr. Desroches holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. He has served in various senior roles, including Principal, Deputy Superintendent, and Head of School, and is deeply committed to the IB Continuum.
Ms. Emilia FerreiraBusiness Manager
Emilia Ferreira has been the Business Manager at EARJ for 20 years, overseeing Finances and Operations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and MBAs in Finances and Management.
Ms. Cristina ConfortoDirector of Advancement and Admissions
Cristina Conforto has been the Director of Advancement and Admissions since 2018, bringing over 20 years of experience as a Business and Marketing Executive in the corporate market. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and two master’s degrees in International Trade and Finance and Marketing.
Ms. Inês CorreaHR Director
Inês Correa joined EARJ as HR Director in 2022, bringing extensive experience from multinational corporations in Brazil, South America, and Africa. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Communication and a postgraduate degree in HR Management.
Ms. Kirstin WhiteLower School Principal at Barra Campus
Kirstin White is the Lower School Principal at the Barra Campus and has been at EARJ since 2015. She has extensive international experience as a teacher and coordinator and holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy.
Mr. Scott LittleUpper School Principal at the Barra Campus
Scott Little is the Upper School Principal at the Barra Campus and has been at EARJ since 2019. He has held various leadership positions internationally and holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education.
Ms. Leia KraeuterLower School Principal at the Gávea campus
Leia Kraeuter is the Lower School Principal at the Gávea campus, bringing over 20 years of experience in international and U.S.-based schools. She holds two master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction.
Mr. Steve SpannringUpper School Principal at Gávea Campus
Steve Spannring has been the Upper School Principal at the Gávea Campus since July 2023. He has over 20 years of experience as an educator and holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in History.
Ms. Claudia VenturaBrazilian Director
Claudia Ventura is the Brazilian Director at EARJ and has been with the school since 2010, overseeing Nursery through Grade 12. She holds a pedagogy license and three post-graduate degrees in school management, educational supervision and guidance, and Brazilian educational legislation.
Ms. Claudia ArayaAthletic and Activities Director
Claudia Araya is the Athletic and Activities Director at EARJ and has been with the school since 2019. She has 25 years of experience working with students and educational leaders and holds a Physical Education degree and a postgraduate degree in Learning disabilities.
Mr. Cody AltonDirector of Student Support Services
Cody Alton is the Director of Student Support Services, covering Nursery to Grade 12, and has been at EARJ since 2019. He holds a master’s degree in Inclusive Education and has extensive international experience in the special education field.
Mr. Carlos PinhoDirector of Educational Technology
Carlos Eduardo Pinho is the Director of Educational Technology at EARJ and has been with the school since 2018. He holds an MBA in IT Strategic Management and has completed executive degrees in School Leadership from Harvard and Digital Transformation from MIT.