Brazil, Rio De Janeiro
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Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro (EARJ) is an independent, non‑profit, English‑medium day school with two Rio de Janeiro campuses, Gávea and Barra. Founded in 1937, it serves ages 3–18 as an IB World Continuum School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, and it awards the American High School Diploma and Brazilian Ensino Médio Diploma upon completing the full DP. The Diploma Programme includes Group 1 and Group 2 languages (English, Portuguese, French, Spanish) along with core components Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service. EARJ also offers a Brazilian Accredited Program and university counseling. The school is recognized by the U.S. Department of State under the Assisted Schools program. Facilities include Gávea's MuseOn, a recently renovated auditorium, libraries and dedicated science and arts spaces, plus Barra's MakerSpace, high‑tech libraries, science labs, gym, field and outdoor courts. A broad co‑curricular program features RioMUN and a range of ASA activities delivered in English within an inquiry‑ and project‑based learning environment.
R. Colbert Coelho, 155 - Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22793-313, Brazil
Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro has 1,350 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.
EARJ operates two campuses in Rio de Janeiro: Barra Campus at Rua Colbert Coelho, 155, Barra da Tijuca (CEP 22793-313; phone (55) 21 3747 2000) and Gávea Campus at Estrada da Gávea, 132, Gávea (CEP 22451-263; phone (55) 21 2125 9000). The Gávea Campus sits at the edge of Tijuca National Forest with views of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf and the Christ the Redeemer statue. The Barra Campus is located in the heart of the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood.
Preschool (Nursery - Pre-K); Lower School (Kinder - Grade 5); Middle School (Grade 6 - 8); High School (Grade 9 - 10); IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11 - 12).
Independent, non-profit, English-medium day school; IB World Continuum School; two campuses (Barra and Gávea).
32 nationalities represented.
Learning Support is available for students with diagnosed disabilities, with Early Intervention in Preschool/Kindergarten and services for Grades 1–12. English as Academic Language (EAL) supports students developing English proficiency. Counseling is provided, supported by an Educational Psychologist and Gifted Planning.
United States (EARJ is recognized by the U.S. Department of State under the Assisted Schools program).
Transportation is optional; buses are provided by Santa Rosa Transportation for the Gávea Campus and by Psiu Transportes for the Barra Campus.
Annual tuition at Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro ranges from BRL 89,280 to BRL 131,424 for 2026/27.
Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
EARJ is an IB World Continuum School serving Preschool through Grade 12. EARJ offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), and IB Diploma Programme (DP). Graduates earn the American High School Diploma and the Brazilian Ensino Médio Diploma in addition to the IB Diploma when completing the full DP. The Diploma Programme features Groups 1–6 courses, with English and Portuguese in Group 1 and French and Spanish in Group 2, and core components Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). EARJ also provides a Brazilian Accredited Program and University Counseling as part of its academics.
7.37
IB Diploma Programme results for Class of 2024 include 40 Diplomas awarded and an 88% diplomas pass rate. The class earned 35 bilingual Diplomas and achieved a range of college placements at universities in the United States and around the world.
EARJ Class of 2024 earned acceptances to numerous universities in the United States and worldwide, including University of Chicago, Northwestern University, New York University (NYU), Purdue University, Tulane University, and multiple UC campuses, as well as institutions in Australia, Canada, Europe, and Brazil.
EARJ identifies and supports high achieving students through a roadmap and programs as part of the school's strategic plan to support strengths-based development.
EARJ provides social and emotional learning through a comprehensive Counseling Program across Lower, Middle, and High School. The Lower School Counseling Program supports personal growth, self-esteem, and positive interpersonal relationships, and helps students understand themselves and their world. The Middle School program offers bi-weekly guidance classes addressing anti-bullying and general well-being, and advisory programs that foster social-emotional development. The High School program focuses on social-emotional well-being and academic planning, with ongoing advisory, individual and group counseling, and workshops for students and parents.
Learning Support is available for students with a valid diagnosis of disability, with intensity based on need. An inclusive model provides classroom accommodations and assistive technology to access the general curriculum, and supports independence through self-advocacy. Early Intervention is available for Preschool and Kindergarten; Learning Support for Grades 1-5 and Grades 6-12 includes direct instruction in the Learning Lab; Gifted Planning offers individualized extension and mentorship.
EAL services support students from diverse language backgrounds when English proficiency is not yet sufficient to access core content in English. EAL teachers use WIDA language development assessments and standards to provide differentiated small-group and in-class support, integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing within a content-rich curriculum.
The Counseling Program supports students' mental well-being and resilience, with guidance classes, individual and group counseling, and advisory activities. It emphasizes social-emotional development, early identification of personal difficulties, transitions between grade levels, and collaboration with families and teachers to support student well-being.
EARJ has designated Child Protection safeguarding leads on each campus who monitor compliance with international safeguarding standards. All staff are trained to identify and respond to signs of abuse, and all adults are mandatory reporters. The school endorses the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and maintains policies to ensure a safe, secure environment for every student.
1. Submit Your Application. The EARJ online application is submitted through OpenApply. Digital copies of required documents include the child's birth certificate, a JPEG headshot photo, and the vaccination record (including the cover page). After submission, the Admissions Office provides the next steps and required academic information. Proceed to Step 2. 2. Upload Academic Documents & Information. Upload the last 3 end-of-year report cards (if applicable) and provide contact information (email) for your child's current teacher, coordinator, or school principal depending on the grade level. Our team will guide you, and an email will be sent to the contact person to complete the EARJ Online Confidential Recommendation Form. 3. Scheduling Your Meeting. Once all documents are received, the Admissions Office will reach out to book a meeting (online or on campus). During this meeting, any necessary assessments and a campus tour will be planned for you and your child. Assessments typically include MAP for mathematics and reading and WIDA for English language proficiency; Preschool applicants may also have an observation to support placement. The meeting is an opportunity to discuss your child's goals and ask questions. 4. Admissions Committee Review. After the documents and assessments are complete, the applicant's file is reviewed by the EARJ Admissions Committee. A final decision is communicated and next steps provided. Only full applications will be considered by the Admissions Committee.
Waiting Pool: An applicant who has been accepted for admission can be placed in the waiting pool if no seat is currently available due to high demand. If a seat becomes available, the applicant will be notified promptly. The student remains in the waiting pool until a seat becomes available or the family requests removal. The waiting pool is maintained for the current school year (July to June) only. Applicants interested in enrollment for the following school year must update documentation and reapply.