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American School of Brasilia

Brazil, Brasília

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 656
Type Co-educational
Opened 1961
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Portuguese
Typical class size 9
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

American School of Brasilia (EAB) is an independent, non‑profit day school offering preschool through Grade 12 education. It provides three diplomas: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, American High School Diploma, and Brazilian High School Diploma. As an IB World School and CIS‑accredited institution, it is authorized by Secretary of Education of the Federal District. The school uses a differentiated learning model to meet diverse learner needs and hosts an international community representing 48 nationalities, with over 680 students. Campus facilities include iCommons learning spaces, a library with print and digital resources, Escola Gourmet meals. The Athletics program features a gym and outdoor spaces, while Arts offerings include IB Visual Arts, Film, Theatre, General Music, Band, and Choir. After‑school options include Club EAB and Upper School clubs; weekend STEAM robotics; and service and leadership programs such as EduArtes, EAB Goes Green, NHS/NJHS, and TEDx EAB Youth. The IB Diploma average is 36.

SGAS II SGAS 605 Conjunto E Lotes 34/37 - Asa Sul, Brasília - DF, 70200-650, Brazil

The Essentials

American School of Brasilia has 656 pupils, typical class sizes of 9, instruction in English.

Location

Located in Brasilia, Brazil. Address: SGAS 605 CONJUNTO E, LOTES 34/37, BRASILIA, 70200-650. The campus is in the Brazilian Federal District. Contact number: +55 (61) 3442-9700.

Stages

Early Childhood; Elementary School (Grades 1–5); Middle School (Grades 6–8); High School (Grades 9–12).

Type

Independent, non-profit day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

There are 48 nationalities represented in our community. The most represented nationality is Brazil (Brazil) at 49% in the Class of 2025 High School profile. Local (Brazilian) students account for about 49% and international students about 51% of the Class of 2025.

Additional learning support

A dedicated international counseling program supports academic, career, personal, social, and global development. Counseling is short-term and typically six to eight sessions; if more extensive support is needed, students are referred to external agencies. Most external services in Brasília are conducted in Portuguese, which can present challenges for international students.

Country affiliation

Affiliations include International Baccalaureate (IB) and diplomas: U.S. High School Diploma and Brazilian High School Diploma.
Diving Deeper

Food Options

The cafeteria provides nutritious, well-balanced meals daily through a partnership with Escola Gourmet, with three daily lunch options for ECP/Lower School: vegetarian, meat, and white meat. The Nutrebem app manages ordering and payments; Upper School snacks are à la carte and lunches can be ordered via the app or at the cafeteria. Pre-orders for meals must be submitted by 11:59 PM the day before.

Governance and Ownership

The American School of Brasilia is a non-profit organization overseen by a Board of Directors. The Board provides strategic direction through the Head of School and does not intervene in day-to-day operations. The Board consists of seven to eleven voting members, with the Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Brasília automatically a non-voting member; at least 50% of the Board are U.S. citizens and two members are Brazilian citizens, with the remaining members reflecting the EAB community's diversity. The Board is self-perpetuating, with nominations managed by the Governance Committee and terms of three years, renewable up to twelve years, and roughly one-quarter of the Board rotating each year. Board committees include finance, facilities, governance, and audit, and ad hoc task forces may be formed as needed.
Fees
Application fees
- Application fee: R$ 550 (charged when admissions testing is administered and the application is submitted for review).

Tuition structure and billing schedule
- Billing cycle: July through June (annual school year). Payments are due monthly.
- Enrollment fee: equivalent to one month's tuition, payable when the contract is signed.
- Regular tuition payments: eleven monthly tuition payments in addition to the enrollment fee, for families enrolled year‑round (12 payments total). Subsequent monthly payments are due on the 5th of each month.
- Students who join after the school year begins are billed for the months they attend plus the enrollment fee.

Tuition amounts by year group / per term
- The school states that tuition fees vary by division (Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School) and that certain categories (International Priority or International Guarantee) incur additional charges. The publicly available student materials and admissions pages do not publish a detailed table of tuition rates by grade or term for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 academic year; exact per-grade, per-term or annual fee figures are provided to families through the school's enrollment/contract process rather than in the publicly posted handbooks.

Payment terms and accepted methods (school tuition billing)
- First (July) installment: may be paid by wire transfer. Subsequent school tuition invoices are issued as Brazilian boletos for monthly payment. Payments are expected to be identified to clear a student for attendance.
- Business Office contact for billing enquiries: businessoffice@eabdf.br.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable: the American School of Brasilia operates as a day school and does not offer boarding services.

Other costs and regular ancillary fees
- Enrollment-related one-time charges: the enrollment fee (one month's tuition) and the application fee (R$ 550) are required at the start of enrollment.
- Uniforms: Official uniforms are mandatory and must be purchased prior to the first day of school. The school's uniform provider is Sasse Uniformes (contact details provided in the student handbook). Gently used uniforms may be available through the school's NHS sales. No fixed uniform price list is published in the public student handbook.
- School supplies and technology: Most classroom supplies and curriculum materials are included in tuition, but Upper School students (Grades 6–12) are required to provide their own laptop (minimum specifications listed). Laptop purchase cost is the family's responsibility.
- Transportation: Bus/van services are outsourced and billed separately by external providers (example provider listed in school documents); the school is not contractually responsible for those charges.
- Cafeteria/meals: Meals and snacks are charged separately through the Nutrebem app (the school partners with Escola Gourmet). Example published prices: snacks for PreK/K5/Lower School R$14; ECP lunch R$18; Lower School lunch R$22; Middle and High School lunch R$26. Payment options for cafeteria purchases include PIX (instant payment), credit card (via the app), direct PIX transfers to the cafeteria, or cash. Processing fees may apply for app payments.
- Activities & extracurriculars: Some after‑school clubs are free; certain partner programs and external activities require participation fees (amounts vary by activity).
- Insurance: Every student is covered by school insurance as described in the school materials; specific terms and whether a separate fee is charged are not itemized in the public handbook materials.

Refunds and cancellation
- No general refund schedule for tuition or fees is published in the school's publicly available student handbook or admissions materials. The student handbook and admissions pages describe payment timing and contract requirements but do not present a public, line‑by‑line refund policy for application fees, enrollment fees, or tuition; families receive contract terms at enrollment which set the binding financial terms. For definitive contractual refund or cancellation terms, refer to the enrollment contract provided at registration.

Summary of where detailed numeric tuition figures are provided
- The school's published student handbook and admissions pages set out the fee structure (application fee, enrollment fee = one month's tuition, 11 monthly payments, billing cycle and payment methods) and list the mandatory ancillary costs (uniforms, laptop requirement, cafeteria). However, detailed published numeric tuition rates by grade or term for the 2026/27 academic year are not present in the publicly accessible handbooks and admissions pages; exact tuition amounts are supplied to families through the school's enrollment/contract process.
Academics

American School of Brasilia teaches IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum

The school provides English-based preschool through Grade 12 education. It offers three academic diplomas - International Baccalaureate (IB), American, and Brazilian. The school is an IB World School and CIS-accredited and is authorized by the Secretary of Education of the Federal District. The school uses a differentiated learning model to meet diverse learner needs. The school has an international community with 48 nationalities represented.

Student Teacher Ratio

9:1

Exam Results

The school reports an average IB Diploma score of 36. Upper School MAP results show an average score of 93% in math, reading, and languages.

Higher Education Progression

21 top-50 universities worldwide accepted EAB students in the last 3 years. 1.5M scholarships were awarded to students for US universities in 2022.

Gifted and Talented

Differentiated learning model to meet diverse learner needs.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has an international counseling program focused on academic, career, personal, social, and global development. Counseling is delivered preventatively through individual sessions, small-group interactions, and classroom lessons tailored to meet students' diverse needs. The counselors nurture and support the whole child within a diverse and inclusive environment, working collaboratively with teachers, parents, and community professionals. They provide short-term, educationally-based counseling (typically six to eight sessions) to address immediate concerns; when more extensive support is needed, students are referred to external agencies. The Student Support Team develops Student Success Plans to ensure that students' needs are addressed within the school community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school provides short-term on-campus counseling and a Student Support Team that develops Student Success Plans to address students' needs within the school community. For more extensive or long-term support, students are referred to external agencies. External services in Brasília are often conducted in Portuguese, which may present challenges for international students seeking assistance in their native languages. Counseling teams work with teachers, parents, and community professionals to tailor support to diverse needs. The school emphasizes inclusive, collaborative approaches to student well-being and development.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school teaches in English, providing an English-based preschool through Grade 12 education. The community is diverse, with 48 nationalities represented and 60% of faculty from English-speaking countries, supporting an English-language environment. The school also participates in language-related language assessments and programs, including an External Portuguese Language Assessment (VUNESP) and a Portuguese writing course for select grades, reflecting intentional language support alongside English instruction. Language policies are part of the school's policy framework to guide language matters.

Mental Wellbeing

The Health Unit promotes the well-being of students, staff, and families through evidence-based practices, clear protocols, and close coordination with local health authorities. Health services include first aid and emergency care for injuries and urgent concerns, management of chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and allergies, and administration of prescribed medications in line with school procedures. The unit monitors student health and communicates concerns to families, provides support during illness including rest and hydration, and evaluates for early dismissal when needed. Contact information for the Health Unit is provided for ongoing access to medical support.

Safeguarding

Lines of Communication provide guidelines on who to contact at EAB for questions or concerns, supporting a safe and responsive environment. Counselors work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and community professionals to address students' needs and safeguard their well-being within the school community. The Health Unit delivers medical support and safety protocols, coordinating with local health authorities to maintain a secure campus. When concerns arise, on-campus teams coordinate with families using established channels to ensure timely communication and appropriate action.
Parent Experience

History

Just a year after Brasília's inauguration, the need for an English-language school appeared as embassies, missionaries, and businesses relocated to Brazil's new capital. In March 1961, the U.S. Embassy invited the Franciscan Sisters of St. Anthony's Parochial School to establish a school for their children. Sister Rita Michael, the first teacher, began developing a curriculum based on the American model in April 1961, and missionaries and embassy families sent books to create a small library. By June 1964, the school sought broader support; the American community, with embassy backing, invited Jim Serfling to serve as EAB's first headmaster, and on September 15, 1964 the U.S. Embassy officially registered EAB with the Brazilian government, with classes initially held in two embassy apartments. Notary registration followed on November 4, 1964, land was requested for a permanent campus, construction began, and a new building opened in 1967; by 1967 the school had about 70 students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Today, EAB serves a vibrant community of over 680 students from more than 44 countries.

Community

The EAB community is anchored by the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), an organization that represents and includes EAB parents, with volunteers welcome to get involved (pto@eabdf.br). The PTO has an Executive Committee and two main committees: a Parent Outreach Committee (including a Parent Ambassador Group and Parent Language Classes) and an Events Committee that runs Welcome Back Barbecue, World Fest, Halloween, Holiday Bazaar, Staff Appreciation, and Festa Junina. The PTO Newsfeed provides updates and volunteer opportunities, and there are welcome activities organized for new families by the Parent Ambassador Group, plus class-level WhatsApp groups to connect families. Four Advisory Councils (PACs) support communication between parents and administration for Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School, and High School.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) represents and includes EAB parents, and volunteers are welcome; to get involved, contact pto@eabdf.br. The PTO Executive Committee for 2024-2025 includes roles such as Co-presidents, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, with additional PAC and liaison positions. Committees include a Parent Outreach Committee (featuring the Parent Ambassador Group and Parent Language Classes) and an Events Committee that organizes Welcome Back Barbecue, World Fest, Halloween, Holiday Bazaar, Staff Appreciation, and Festa Junina. The PTO maintains a Newsfeed with updates and volunteer opportunities, and there are structured Welcome activities for new families plus Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) for each division to enhance parent–school communication. For families, there are opportunities to participate through volunteer forms and the PTO's ongoing programs.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

iCommons are EAB's main learning spaces, designed as collaborative environments to support students in engaging with information. The iCommons library houses print materials, eBooks, and databases for student use. Hours are 7:45 am to 4:45 pm on regular school days, and students may check out up to seven books for up to 15 days, with renewals available. The Cafeteria serves nutritious, well-balanced meals daily through Escola Gourmet, with the Nutrebem app for payments and no food deliveries. The Health Unit provides medical support during the school day and during scheduled activities, including first aid, management of chronic conditions, medication administration, and health monitoring.

Sports Facilities

The Athletics program provides opportunities for student participation in competitive teams for both Lower School and Upper School. It emphasizes education, inclusion, and healthy competition while helping students develop technical skills, teamwork, confidence, resilience, and overall well-being. The program is guided by the Five Pillars of EAB Athletics: Safety, Responsibility, Communication, Sportsmanship, and Growth. There is a gym on campus (EAB Gym) and outdoor spaces used for activities such as wall climbing, as referenced in campus events.

Academic Facilities

Arts at EAB consist of Visual Arts and Performing Arts. In the Lower School, students take art and music classes twice during a seven‑day rotation, while Upper School courses are elective, with the IB curriculum offered in Visual Arts, Film, and Theatre. Visual Arts cover drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, photography, video, and film; Upper School students explore artists and maintain digital portfolios. The Performing Arts include Theatre, General Music, Band, and Choir, with Upper School Theatre incorporating lighting and sound facilities in the Drama studio. iCommons provide access to print and digital resources as part of the school's information ecosystem.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Club EAB and Lower School Athletics offer enriching after‑school programs for students in K5 through 5th grade, provided free of charge. Play Sports expands activity offerings with paid classes. Upper School Clubs provide meaningful opportunities for collaboration, with most clubs student‑led and guided by a faculty advisor. The Athletics program emphasizes inclusion, education, and healthy competition, guided by the program's Five Pillars: Safety, Responsibility, Communication, Sportsmanship, and Growth. Saturdays on campus offer additional experiences, including STEAM robotics, Brazilian street games, flag football, wall climbing, arts and crafts, and other activities through Saturday events and the Play & Learn program. Edison Robots and other STEAM activities are highlighted in these weekend offerings.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers after‑school programming through Club EAB and Lower School Athletics, which are free of charge. Upper School Clubs are designed to be student‑led, with a faculty advisor guiding the groups and supporting ongoing activities. Most Upper School clubs meet from 3:20 to 4:10 p.m. or during lunch, fostering collaboration and leadership beyond the classroom. The activities and athletics program emphasizes safety, responsibility, communication, sportsmanship, and growth as core life skills.

Arts & Creative

The Arts at EAB consist of Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Lower School (PreK 3 through 5) attend both art and music classes twice during a seven‑day rotation. Upper School offers elective arts courses, including IB Visual Arts, Film, and Theatre, with Visual Arts and Performing Arts pathways described for all levels. The Performing Arts program includes Theatre, General Music, Band, and Choir, with annual concerts and showcases.

Cultural & Language

The school represents 48 nationalities in its community. The IB Diploma is a key aspect of the Upper School, with an average IB Diploma score of 36. There are language-focused activities, including a HS Portuguese Language Literature Club that appears on the school calendar, and Portuguese language proficiency assessments (VUNESP) offered on campus. The ISTA Theatre Festival is hosted in South America, highlighting a culture of international arts collaboration.

Social & Hobbies

Lower School offers Club EAB and LS Athletics as free after‑school programs. Upper School Clubs are designed to encourage collaboration, civic engagement, and recreational exploration, typically meeting after school or at lunch. Clubs and activities are positioned to help students form connections, explore interests, and develop social skills within a diverse community.

Community & Service

Service is a cornerstone of holistic development at EAB, with Upper School programs growing in scope and Grade 4–5 students engaging in community service projects tied to learning units. Service Clubs include EduArtes (which teaches English to student‑athletes in Brasília), Bulls Community Service, EAB Goes Green, and the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society. The school partners with organizations such as Creche Alecrim, Creche São Francisco, SHB, and Aldeias Infantis SOS Brasil for field trips and service initiatives; the First Aid course for students and various donation drives are also part of these efforts.

Leadership & Professional

The TEDx EAB Youth program brings student speakers and performers together to explore the theme of Inspiring Change. The Maria Felicia Award for the Arts recognizes outstanding IB Visual Arts or IB Theatre students, linking artistic achievement with leadership in the arts. NHS and NJHS provide leadership roles and community service opportunities, including tutoring, drives, and partnerships with local organizations. The counseling program supports academic and college readiness, including SAT testing at EAB as a regional testing center.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The EAB Health Unit promotes student and community well‑being with medical staff, first aid, and health services during the day and at activities, with hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Health services include care for acute and chronic conditions, medication management, and health monitoring, with a contact line for health concerns. The Student Support Team develops Student Success Plans when needed, and counselors provide assemblies, workshops, and guidance to address the whole‑child development in a diverse, inclusive environment.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the primary language of instruction at EAB, and Portuguese is studied through Grade 10. All students study two languages, with English and Portuguese mandatory for K3 through Grade 10, and Brazilian students required to study Portuguese. In the IB Diploma Program, students study English and a second language such as Portuguese B, Spanish ab initio, or another language through Pamoja or the IB School-Supported Self-Taught Literature option. EAB provides language support through English Language Learners (ELL) and Portuguese Language Acquisition (PLA), uses assessments such as WIDA, MAP, and AAPPL to guide placement and progress, and employs a translanguaging approach to access content in English, Portuguese, and other languages.
Reputation

Awards

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Accreditations

CIS accreditation since June 2022; the school is also described as an IB World School with U.S. and Brazilian accreditation.
Admissions

Admissions

Enrollment begins with the submission of an online application. To get started, go to Apply Now, select your preferred language (English or Portuguese), choose the school year, and create an account on the application platform. The required documents depend on grade level: K3 to K5 (ECP); Grades 1 to 5 (Lower School); Grades 6 to 8 (Middle School); Grades 9 to 12 (High School). For K3–K5 (ECP): recent photo; student ID (Brazilian: RG or birth certificate; foreign: passport); parent ID (Brazilian: RG or birth certificate; foreign: passport); immunization records; documented blood type; Preschool Progress Report if applicable; ECP Parent Questionnaire; ECP Confidential Teacher Recommendation Form (to be completed by current school and sent directly to admissions). Grades 1–5 (Lower School): recent photo; student ID; parent ID; immunization records; documented blood type; report cards from the last two school years; LS Parent Questionnaire; LS Confidential Teacher Recommendation Form; LS Confidential Support Services Form (to be sent directly by the current school to admissions). Grades 6–8 (Middle School): recent photo; student ID; parent ID; immunization records; documented blood type; report cards from the last two school years; MS Confidential Teacher Recommendation Form; MS Confidential Math Recommendation Form; MS Confidential Support Services Form (to be sent directly by the current school to admissions). Grades 9–12 (High School): recent photo; student ID; parent ID; immunization records; documented blood type; report cards from the last two school years; HS Confidential Teacher Recommendation Form; HS Confidential Math Recommendation Form; HS Confidential Support Services Form (to be sent directly by the current school to admissions). In addition, prospective students must take admissions tests based on grade level: K3–Grade 1 (Early Childhood Screening, in person); Grades 2–10 (MAP Test and WIDA Test, remote or in person); Grade 11 (MAP Test, WIDA Test, IB Writing, and IB Math tests, remote or in person); Grade 12 (applications are considered on a case-by-case basis due to IB program requirements). Important dates include: February onward—applications are reviewed for consideration; April–May—applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee; May–June—admissions decisions are sent by email; first week of June—deadline to respond to an offer; last week of June—contracts are due; first week of July—deadline to pay the July installment; last week of July—any remaining testing, if needed; Grade 11–12 students meet with their Counselors; last week of July or early August—Family Orientation and deadline to submit any missing documents and the first day of classes. Apply now: Applications for 2025–2026 are available in English and Portuguese, and applications for 2026–2027 are available in English and Portuguese.

Waitlist

A no-cost application can be submitted to be placed on the waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events