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International Schools in Recife, Brazil

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About international schools in Recife, Brazil

Recife’s international and bilingual schools form a small but growing sector that serves both expatriate families and Brazilian parents seeking bilingual or international curricula alongside the national programme. Schools in the city commonly offer International Baccalaureate, Cambridge or North American - style programmes and some operate a Canadian or other foreign curriculum while also meeting Brazilian education requirements. Instruction is typically bilingual (Portuguese plus English) with additional modern languages available at many schools, and schools vary in how much of the day is taught in English versus Portuguese. Tuition and enrolment practices vary considerably: private-school fees in Recife cover a wide range and international programmes normally carry a premium, schools usually publish annual or monthly fees on request, and the main admissions cycle follows the Brazilian school year, which begins around February - March with mid-year transfers sometimes possible.

Compare 4 international schools in Recife, Brazil. Filter by curriculum, fees, location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 4 schools
Schools listed
4
Curricula
7
Most common curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum (3 schools)
Average school size
900 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Escola Eleva Recife
Oldest
American School of Recife (1957)
View by curriculum (4)

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IB (2) Canadian (2) American (1) International (1)
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FAQs for Brazil

Which international curricula can I expect to find in Recife and how do they differ from the Brazilian system?
In Recife you will find schools offering the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), Cambridge programmes and a few schools using Canadian or US-style curricula, alongside schools that follow the Brazilian national curriculum (Ensino Fundamental / Ensino Médio). International programmes emphasise internationally standardised assessment and global learning outcomes, while Brazilian-accredited schools must also meet national curriculum and certification requirements; many institutions combine both to give students a local diploma plus an international pathway.
How much should I expect to pay for an international or bilingual school in Recife?
Fees vary widely by school, age of the child and the qualifications offered, and many international schools in Recife quote tuition only after a family enquiry rather than publishing full price lists online. Available local data show private-school monthly averages for Recife that are substantially lower than the typical cost of international programmes, so expect an international or bilingual place to carry a premium over the city average; parents should ask each school for a full breakdown of tuition, registration and other compulsory charges and check consumer-protection guidance on fee disclosure.
When should I start the admissions process if we are relocating to Recife?
The main intake for Brazilian schools - including most private international schools in Recife - takes place at the start of the Brazilian academic year, typically in February or March, so begin enquiries several months before that to allow time for assessments, document translation and visa-related paperwork. Many schools also accept mid-year transfers when places are available, but availability, assessment needs and subject continuity vary by school so contact them early to confirm timelines.
What language support and languages of instruction are typical?
Portuguese is the legal language of instruction in Brazil and most Recife schools provide substantial teaching in Portuguese, while international and bilingual schools commonly teach many subjects in English and offer English-immersion options in early years. Schools frequently offer Spanish and sometimes other modern languages as part of the curriculum; check how much of each year group’s day is taught in English, what support is provided for non-Portuguese speakers and whether language progression leads to bilingual certification.
What practical checks should relocating families make when comparing schools in Recife?
Ask whether the school holds recognised accreditation (for example IB or Cambridge authorisation) and whether it is authorised to issue the Brazilian diplomas you may need, confirm language of instruction and support for non-Portuguese speakers, and get a full written breakdown of fees including registration and material costs. Also check pastoral care policies, class sizes, transport and school calendar alignment with your family’s plans, and request copies of recent inspection or accreditation reports where available.