Brazilian International School vs Pan American Christian Academy

	B Brazilian International School Sao Paulo, Brazil	P Pan American Christian Academy Sao Paulo, Brazil
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year R$52,474 - 86,074	Fees / year R$77,964 - 101,200
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 340
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 10
Instruction language	Instruction language Portuguese, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1960
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in São Paulo, Brazil. Address: Av. Iraí, 1330, Planalto Paulista, CEP 04082-003. Central contact: 11 5502-5555.	Location The PACA campus is located at Rua Cassio de Campos Nogueira, 393, São Paulo, SP 04829-310, Brazil. It is in the city of São Paulo, in the southern region of the city, serving Christian, bilingual, and international families. Preschool through High School programs are offered on this campus, with English as the primary language of instruction.
Stages	Stages Early Childhood Education; Elementary I; Elementary II; High School. The teaching approach is bilingual and combines Brazilian and International curricula.	Stages Preschool; Elementary; Middle School; High School.
School type	School type Bilingual Brazilian school.	School type Non-denominational Christian international day school with a dual American and Brazilian curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Four nationalities are represented. The most common nationality is Brazilian (45%). Local to international ratio is 45% local to 55% international (North American 20%, Korean 20%, 15% other). Approximately 370 students are enrolled, with about 180 in PreK–5 and 190 in 6–12.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support A learning lab provides support for students with learning differences.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Brazil	Country affiliation American + Brazilian dual curriculum.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian.
School day structure	School day structure Early Childhood: Half-Period (4 hours) sessions, e.g., 8:00–12:00 or 8:15–12:15 (morning) and 1:15–5:15 or 1:30–5:30 (afternoon); Extended day options from 8:00–16:00 up to 8:00–18:00. Elementary School: Semi-full day, 7:45–3:45. Middle School: Semi-full day, 7:30–3:40. High School: Semi-full day, 7:30–4:30 (Mon–Thu) and 7:30–1:00 (Fri).	School day structure The school day runs from 8:00 am to 3:25 pm; the calendar runs from August to June.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Enrollment fees - Maternal and Infantil (Early Childhood): Enrollment (matrícula) R$ 4,372.83. - Fundamental I (Elementary I): Enrollment (matrícula) R$ 6,431.75. - Fundamental II (Elementary II): Enrollment (matrícula) R$ 6,593.75. - Ensino Médio (High School): Enrollment (matrícula) R$ 7,172.83. Tuition fees by year group (monthly) - Maternal and Infantil (Early Childhood): Mensalidade R$ 4,372.83 per month. Annual equivalent (12 months): R$ 52,473.96 (calculated). - Fundamental I (Elementary I): Mensalidade R$ 6,431.75 per month. Annual equivalent (12 months): R$ 77,181.00 (calculated). - Fundamental II (Elementary II): Mensalidade R$ 6,593.75 per month. Annual equivalent (12 months): R$ 79,125.00 (calculated). - Ensino Médio (High School): Mensalidade R$ 7,172.83 per month. Annual equivalent (12 months): R$ 86,073.96 (calculated). Billing schedule and payment terms - No publicly available detailed billing schedule (for example: number of installments, due dates, early-payment discounts, or late-payment penalties) was found alongside the fee figures. Families should note that the school provides a central contact number for admissions and billing inquiries. Boarding fees - No boarding program or boarding fees are indicated; the school operates as a day school covering Early Childhood through High School. No boarding charges apply. Other costs and mandatory extras - Uniforms: Uniforms are provided through named suppliers associated with the school (Catarina Uniforms and Na Rua da Escola). Specific uniform item prices are not published. - External examination fees: The school offers access to international exams such as TOEFL and TOEIC; fees for those external exams are charged by the exam bodies and are not included in the mensalidade. - Complementary activities and optional extracurriculars: The school lists complementary activities as part of school life; fees for optional activities (if any) are not published with the tuition figures. Refund information - No publicly accessible, itemized refund policy for enrollment, cancellation, or exit (for example conditions for refunding matrícula or mensalidade) was found together with the fee figures. Specific refund terms are not published in the available fee information. Fee payment options - No definitive list of accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, PIX, direct debit) was published with the fee figures. Payment method details should be confirmed with the school's admissions or finance office. Brief summary of findings and missing fee details - Publicly available, itemized monthly tuition and enrollment (matrícula) amounts for each year group were located and are listed above. - The following details were not publicly available together with the fee figures and therefore could not be stated with certainty: the school's billing schedule (number of installments and exact due dates), explicit payment terms and accepted payment methods, itemized prices for uniforms and optional activities, a formal written refund/cancellation policy, and any separate charges for services such as transportation, meals, or extended-day care.	Fee details Application & Entrance Fees - Entrance Evaluation Fee: BRL 350.00 (due on the day scheduled for the entrance evaluation; non‑refundable). - Grade placement / testing materials fee (charged for evaluation services at application): BRL 250.00 (non‑refundable). Tuition — New Student Rates (July 2025 – June 2026) PK & Elementary (Pre‑K1 – Grade 5) - Initial payment (on acceptance): BRL 9,775.00. - Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 6,199.00. - Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 77,964.00. Middle School (Grades 6–8) - Initial payment (on acceptance): BRL 9,960.00. - Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 6,916.00. - Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 86,036.00. High School (Grades 9–11) - Initial payment (on acceptance): BRL 10,075.00. - Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 8,031.00. - Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 98,416.00. High School (Grade 12) - Initial payment (on acceptance): BRL 10,318.00. - Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 8,262.00. - Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 101,200.00. Corporate (Company‑Sponsored) Rates (July 2025 – June 2026) Preschool & Elementary (Pre‑K1 – Grade 5) — corporate rate - Initial payment: BRL 29,246.00. - Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 11,913.00. - Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 160,289.00. Secondary School (Grades 6–12) — corporate rate - Initial payment: BRL 30,712.00. - Remaining payments: 11 monthly payments of BRL 13,381.00. - Total annual tuition (sum): BRL 177,903.00. Billing schedule and payment terms - School year and due dates: The PACA school year starts July 1. Tuition invoices (boleto) are issued in advance and are payable at the bank by the 5th of each month. New students enrolling during the year are responsible for the tuition of the current month and for previous months of the current semester. Tuition costs include book fees and academic & technological fees. - Payment frequency options: Tuition may be paid monthly, per semester, or in a single annual payment. New students pay an initial enrollment payment followed by 11 monthly payments; returning students may divide annual tuition into 12 consecutive monthly payments. - Invoicing: Tuition invoices (boletos) are emailed to parents five days before the due date. All fees must be paid by the due date at the bank; daily late fees apply to overdue payments. Boarding (residential) fees - Not applicable: PACA operates as a day school and does not offer boarding; no boarding fees apply. Other mandatory and optional costs - Meal plans (optional): - Individual meal (per day): BRL 40.00. - Pre‑K – Grade 5 semester plan: BRL 2,800.00 (or 5 monthly payments of BRL 560.00). - Grades 6–12 semester plan: BRL 3,000.00 (or 5 monthly payments of BRL 600.00). - Early examination fee (for exams taken before scheduled dates): BRL 200.00 per exam. - Early departure fee (K–8 students leaving more than 10 school days before semester end): BRL 200.00. - Graduation fee (seniors): a monthly charge (July–June) is added to the tuition bill to cover graduation‑related expenses; the amount is billed on the tuition statement. - AP / PSAT / standardized testing fees: Advanced Placement (AP) and PSAT exam fees are charged in USD; equivalent BRL amounts will be added to the student's tuition bill. - Field trips and tournaments: Costs for field trips and interschool tournaments are passed to parents and added to the student's tuition bill when applicable; parents will be informed in advance. - School uniform: School uniforms are mandatory; purchases are arranged through the school's approved uniform supplier (contact via the listed WhatsApp number). - Transportation: School transportation is provided by third‑party contractors and is paid separately. For corporate plans, meal plan and transportation may be included (optional); otherwise transportation costs are obtained directly from the service providers. Contact information for transport providers is used to arrange service. - Transcripts: A second copy of the transcript costs BRL 100.00. Refunds and withdrawal rules - No reimbursement is made for tuition paid for the month in which a student withdraws. If tuition has been paid in advance, a refund will be issued for unused full months following the student's withdrawal. New students who withdraw before completing the registration process receive an 80% refund of the initial payment. Parents must notify the school office in writing at least 15 days prior to the official withdrawal date and complete the withdrawal form; official school documents are issued within 30 days following withdrawal. Fee payment options - Boleto (bank payment): Tuition invoices are issued as boletos and are payable at the bank by the 5th of the month. - Credit card (on‑site): Individual meals and other small items may be paid by credit card at the school reception; meal charges may alternatively be added to the tuition bill.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required; PACA has a dedicated uniform program with PACA Uniforms.
Food options	Food options Balanced meals are provided, including morning snacks (Early Childhood Education and Year 1), lunch for all cycles, afternoon snacks (Early Childhood Education and Year 1), and dinner (Early Childhood Education), overseen by a nutritionist. Quitanda has 20 years of experience in the food industry and supplies the meals; parents can access the daily menu and their child's consumption history.	Food options There is a cafeteria on campus.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership As of November 2023 BIS is partnered with the International Schools Partnership (ISP). BIS was part of Bahema Educação from 2019 to October 2023. Executive Director Alessandra Pellegrino continues to lead BIS with ISP, directing the pedagogical and administrative teams through the transition.	Governance and ownership Fully accredited in the United States and Brazil by Middle States Association (MSA), Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and Brazilian Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC); active member of the Association of American Schools in Brazil (AASB).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The Brazilian International School offers bilingual education from Early Childhood. English is used as a learning tool, and the Brazilian and International curricula complement each other to provide a complete education. From Early Childhood, students incorporate English into daily life and develop fluency, becoming natural bilinguals. The school follows the national calendar and covers all stages of Basic Education: Early Childhood Education, Elementary I, Elementary II, and High School. The program emphasizes learning through interaction with the environment and peers. At the end of High School, students receive a dual diploma—Brazilian and International—preparing them to apply to universities in Brazil or abroad.	Curriculum details The school offers a dual American and Brazilian curriculum with English as the primary language of instruction. Portuguese is taught as a first language and as a foreign language. The curriculum is biblically integrated across subjects, including Language Arts, Science, Social Sciences, Bible, Physical Education, Technology, and Fine Arts; Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered to support college preparation.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates are prepared to pursue higher education in Brazil or abroad. The dual diploma—Brazilian and International—facilitates university applications in Brazil and internationally. English fluency acquired through the bilingual program supports admission to many international universities.	Higher education progression 80% of graduates attend universities in North America (e.g., Duke, Cornell, Notre Dame, NYU, Wheaton, Biola) and 20% attend universities in Brazil (e.g., Insper, Mackenzie, FGV, USP, Einstein Medicina).
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school emphasizes cultural appreciation, critical thinking, and strengthens self-esteem and emotional intelligence as important factors in developing citizens who are aware of the role and impact they have on the world they live in. It follows a socio-interactionist approach, with learning arising from students' interactions with their environment and peers to maximize potential. The school promotes meaningful, sustainable, ethical, and emotional relationships that guide learning. Emotional development and relationships are integral to the educational model, supporting personal and collective growth.	Social & emotional learning The school offers weekly chapels for worship and biblical reflection to pause, recharge, and grow spiritually as a group. Service projects put faith into action by serving local communities and developing a compassionate heart for others. Christian teachers act as both academic guides and spiritual mentors, modeling values inside and outside the classroom. An active community provides a supportive network of families united by shared values, fostering deep friendships and a sense of belonging. Specialized Support for Every Family Profile is provided to meet the needs of Christian, bilingual, and international households. Faith is integrated into learning, with biblical truth woven throughout the school journey to support holistic development.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Specialized Support for Every Family Profile is provided to meet the needs of Christian, bilingual, and international households. The school serves Christian families, bilingual families, and international families, indicating tailored support for diverse needs. The dual curriculum, American and Brazilian, supports a variety of academic pathways and may accommodate students from different educational backgrounds. The school is accredited by three agencies—ACSI, MSA, and MEC—reflecting recognized standards that can support inclusive practices. The overall community and values-based environment foster an inclusive climate for students from mission organizations, international backgrounds, and the local community.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school uses English as a learning tool within a bilingual education model. The English language is integrated into daily life from Early Childhood, with the Brazilian and International curricula complementing each other to provide a complete and differentiated education. Students acquire fluency and become natural bilinguals through daily use and exposure across subjects. English supports learning across the curriculum and helps prepare students for global opportunities.	English as an additional language English is the primary language of instruction. 60% of our students are international.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Emotional intelligence and healthy relationships are central to the learning approach. The institution emphasizes emotional development through its values-based education and the emphasis on meaningful, respectful interactions within a bilingual, globally oriented context.	Mental wellbeing Weekly chapels provide worship and biblical reflection to support spiritual wellbeing. Service projects foster community service and compassion, contributing to emotional wellbeing. Christian teachers act as mentors, modeling values inside and outside the classroom. An active community of families united by shared values fosters belonging and social support. Faith integrated into learning supports holistic development.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding A Child Safety Form is available to report safeguarding concerns. The school operates within a faith-based, values-driven community that emphasizes student safety. The school's accreditation by ACSI, MSA, MEC aligns with recognized standards that include safeguarding expectations.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Brazilian International School (BIS) is a bilingual Brazilian school in São Paulo offering an innovative pedagogy focused on the individualized, global, and collective development of students. It follows the national calendar and covers all stages of Basic Education: Early Childhood Education, Elementary I, Elementary II, and High School. The school emphasizes cultural appreciation, encourages critical thinking, and strengthens self-esteem and emotional intelligence to develop citizens aware of their role and impact in the world. The school has contemporary infrastructure that fosters students' emotional and cognitive development.	Facilities overview The campus spans 9 acres (36,000 square meters) in São Paulo and is described as an oasis with gardens and trees. There are 22 classrooms on campus to support learning from Preschool through High School. Facilities include a Science Lab, a Maker Space, a Library, and a Music Room. A Gymnasium, Outside Courts, a Swimming Pool, a Mini Soccer Field, a Soccer Field, and a Cafeteria complete the daily learning environment.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Indoor and outdoor athletic facilities support a broad range of activities. The Gymnasium provides a space for indoor sports and physical education. Outside Courts and a Soccer Field enable team sports and outdoor recreation. A Mini Soccer Field offers additional space for practice and play. A Swimming Pool provides aquatic activities as part of the athletics program.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school teaches in a bilingual framework with English as a tool for building learning. The Brazilian and International curricula complement each other, providing students with a complete and differentiated education. From Early Childhood, students incorporate English into daily life and acquire fluency, becoming natural bilinguals. At the end of High School, students receive a dual diploma – Brazilian and International – enabling university admissions in Brazil or abroad.	Academic facilities A Science Lab supports hands-on science learning. The Library provides resources for study and research. The Maker Space enables collaborative, project-based work across disciplines. The Music Room supports arts education and performances. The campus also features 22 classrooms to support instruction across grade levels.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities NHS, Choir, Knowledge Bowl, Drama, Community Service, and Student Council are offered as extracurricular activities. The campus includes a Music Room to support arts activities. A Maker Space supports hands-on projects outside class. The Library supports study and reading for student clubs and activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History PACA began classes in February 1960 in the Methodist Church of Itaim, with five teachers and twenty-eight students. The school operated in rented facilities before December 1965, when it purchased a small city block in Campo Belo. To meet growing demand, Campo Belo became too small; in July 1972 PACA purchased 33,000 square meters in Rio Bonito, and construction began in 1973. In February 1974 the school moved into the first units of the new campus, the Brazilian Ministry of Education accredited PACA, and the first twelfth-grade class graduated in June 1974. Additional facilities were added over time, including a swimming pool and a computer lab; in 2006 PACA acquired adjacent property that expanded with a second cafeteria, an auditorium, preschool facilities, a learning lab, and offices. Since 1960, PACA has served local and international communities with an American and Brazilian curriculum, and graduates earn dual diplomas.
Community	Community The BIS community participates in diverse after-school activities and partner programs. ImaginAction offers extracurricular classes for early childhood and elementary students, including ballet, judo, futsal, taekwondo, Functional Kids, street dance, tennis, basketball, and volleyball. The NBA Basketball School program and BRA sports training provide after-school athletics, with pathways for scholarships to American or European high schools and universities. Allégresse School conducts an English-taught Musical Theatre program (singing, dance, and acting) to develop performance skills.	Community PACA is a Christian, American, and Brazilian school serving a diverse community of families who value strong academics grounded in biblical truth. With small class sizes, qualified Christian teachers, and a campus designed for learning and play, PACA provides the structure and support children need to grow spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. The school emphasizes biblical truth across all areas of learning and prepares students not only for university but also for life, equipping them to impact the world with purpose, compassion, and wisdom. Chapels and service projects are central to the PACA faith community, with teachers serving as spiritual mentors and a close-knit network of families fostering belonging.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual BIS offers a bilingual education that uses English as a learning tool, integrating Brazilian and International curricula for a complete education. Cambridge Examinations for Young Learners (Starters, Movers, and Flyers), along with KET and PET, are available in partnership with Cultura Inglesa, with each student receiving an International Certificate. BIS pursues Cognia accreditation to validate quality standards and, starting in ninth grade, provides SAT and TOEFL practice to prepare for university admissions. Students graduate with a dual Brazilian and International diploma, enabling entry to universities in Brazil or abroad.	Academic & intellectual National Honor Society and Knowledge Bowl provide academically oriented extracurriculars beyond the classroom. The high school offers Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, plus a dual-diploma program, to deepen study across core subjects. Students prepare for college with PSAT, SAT, and ACT testing offered through the program, strengthening readiness for university pathways. These activities promote scholarship, critical thinking, and academic competition.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative ImaginAction provides extracurricular training inside BIS, emphasizing ethics, respect, cooperation, and discipline. The subjects include Ballet, Judô, Futsal, Tae Kwon Do, Functional Kids, Street Dance, Tennis, Basketball, and Volleyball. Allégresse School runs the Musical Theatre Program taught in English, covering Singing, Dance, and Acting with Broadway and West End repertoire. The program cultivates creativity, discipline, and teamwork through performing arts.	Arts & creative Drama performances and choir concerts and musicals provide platforms for performance and musical development. The Yearbook club engages students in writing, design, and publishing, fostering collaboration and communication. Choir and drama programs, along with other arts activities, enhance creative expression on campus.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language BIS provides a bilingual learning environment from Early Childhood, with English used as a learning tool and Brazilian and International curricula complementing each other. Exames Cambridge are offered in partnership with Cultura Inglesa, with certifications awarded for proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. BIS participates in BEO – British English Olympics, an international knowledge Olympiad for Middle School students from over 20 countries. These programs support preparation for university study worldwide and BIS graduates obtain a dual Brazilian and International credential.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies BIS offers a broad slate of after-school activities in sports and movement, including NBA Basketball School, ITF Play and Stay tennis, and BRA soccer and volleyball training. Basketball after-school sessions run for middle school after 3:30 PM and for high school after 4:30 PM (Fridays at 2:00 PM). Tennis uses ITF Play and Stay methods with age-appropriate equipment; Volleyball and Futsal build physical conditioning, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Ballet, Street Dance, Judo, Taekwondo, and Musical Theatre expand creative expression and collaboration, with after-school programs supporting ongoing practice.	Social & hobbies Student Government drives campus events, developing leadership and teamwork. Yearbook and Drama programs offer social engagement and collaborative creativity through group production and performance. Choir concerts and community service activities provide additional avenues for social involvement and shared experiences.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Community Service Initiatives are part of PACA's extracurricular offerings. Students engage in service projects that connect classroom learning to real-world needs and cultivate a service mindset. These activities strengthen community ties and demonstrate faith in action.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Masters introduces students to the global corporate environment and equips them with essential innovation skills, presenting projects that address future challenges. Students use basic marketing principles, strategic planning, and operational concepts to create a cohesive business plan. The program is modeled after MBA-style competitions to develop leadership and entrepreneurial thinking while fostering collaboration and problem solving.	Leadership & professional National Honor Society participation provides leadership opportunities and recognition for scholarship. Student Government leads campus activities and develops leadership and organizational skills. The Middle School Student Council organizes events such as the annual Middle School Retreat, contributing to leadership development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing ImaginAction focuses on sociocultural values such as ethics, respect, cooperation, and discipline to support students' emotional and social development. Ballet reinforces discipline, posture, rhythm, and body awareness, while Street Dance enhances creativity, memory, and confidence. Judo, Taekwondo, and Futsal promote physical conditioning, concentration, and emotional balance, and the Musical Theatre Program teaches performing arts in English, supporting self-expression and public speaking.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Weekly chapels and Bible classes provide spiritual guidance and mentorship. Spiritual life programs and mentorship opportunities help students anchor their decisions in Scripture. PACA emphasizes a safe, Christ-centered environment that supports the well-being of students.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is used as a learning language from Early Childhood. The Brazilian and International curricula complement each other to provide a complete and differentiated education. From Early Childhood, students incorporate English into daily life and acquire fluency, becoming natural bilinguals.	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction. Portuguese is taught as a first language, with Portuguese as a Foreign Language offered as well. Portuguese is taught at two levels: Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced Portuguese & Composition. AP courses include English Language, English Literature, Spanish, French Lang. & Culture, and Italian.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers bilingual education from Early Childhood through High School, with English used as a language of instruction.	Bilingual teaching PACA offers an international dual curriculum in American and Brazilian systems, leading to both American and Brazilian diplomas. English is the primary language of instruction. The school provides specialized support for Christian, bilingual, and international families. The curriculum is fully accredited by ACSI, MSA, and MEC.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Cognia; Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI); Ministério da Educação (MEC). And PACA is a member of the Association of American Schools in Brazil (AASB).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Accessibility and interview: BIS seeks accessibility and diversity in admissions. Requests for the new school year can be made at any time to reserve spots. The admission process emphasizes an interview as the most important and decisive part of the selection, aligning the school's proposal with the expectations of students and families. The interview can occur at any time during the year. 2. Reservation after admission: After admission, reserving a spot requires paying a reservation fee, which is deductible from the enrollment fee. This arrangement helps secure a place for the student's enrollment. 3. Enrollment steps: Enrollment is completed upon the submission of the necessary documentation required by law and the payment of the first installment of the annual fee. Completing the enrollment form and finalizing the online process through the BIS website is essential. 4.	Admissions 1. The admissions process is designed to be clear, caring, and family-friendly. The Admissions Office reviews academic records, language proficiency, social-emotional development, teacher recommendations, and the family's commitment to the educational journey. Most families participate in an interview to discuss curriculum, expectations, and school fit. 2. Assessments & Interviews: Applicants for 1st grade through High School complete an entrance assessment in English and Mathematics. Preschool and Kindergarten candidates participate in a developmental interview. If space is available after an application is received, the admissions team schedules the assessment. Space is limited and multiple candidates may be assessed together during high-demand periods. 3. Age Requirements: Pre-K1 is 3 years old by August 31; Pre-K2 is 4 by August 31; Kindergarten is 5 by August 31. 4. Important Application Dates: For August entry, submit applications by March 1; for January entry, submit applications by October 1. Space is limited and all required documents should be submitted by the deadline. 5. Application Steps and Documents: To apply, families submit a completed Student Application Form along with the required documents. If applying from outside Brazil, email the completed Student Application Form and attach the photo, birth certificate, passport or Brazilian ID, a letter of recommendation, and school records from the past two years. If applying from Brazil, include the same items plus Declaração de Escolaridade. Official transcripts from the two previous years are required for transfer consideration; homeschool or alternative programs require curriculum documentation. Final admissions decisions are made after space is available, assessment results, and a review of materials. 6. Transfer Students and Homeschoolers: PACA accepts credits from accredited high schools. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution before credit can be granted, and copies should be presented at enrollment. Applications from U.S. homeschooling families are welcome; provide curriculum documentation and assessment results. 7. Next Steps: If space exists, PACA will contact families to schedule the entrance assessment or interview. After reviewing assessment results and application materials, families meeting academic and English proficiency requirements are invited to a family interview with school administration. Final admissions decisions are confirmed once all requirements are met.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Limited financial aid and scholarships are available for students who have been enrolled for more than 12 months. Assistance is awarded based on demonstrated need and a formal application. Financial aid and scholarships are awarded to current families who are in good financial standing, need financial assistance, and whose children contribute to the welfare of the school.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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