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Our Lady of Mercy School

Brazil, Rio de Janeiro

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Portuguese
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 2 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1952
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages English, Portuguese
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Our Lady of Mercy School Rio (OLM Rio) is a Catholic American school serving students aged 2 to 18 in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 1951 and staffed by the Our Lady of Mercy Society, the school combines an American and Brazilian curriculum with accreditation from Cognia and ICA. Early years follow IEYC with a play-based preschool that includes a robust phonics program, while elementary education uses thematic, project-based learning and quarterly learning celebrations. Middle School emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary exploration, supported by field trips. High School offers AP courses including AP Capstone, together with Model United Nations, ENEM preparation, and college counseling; graduation requires 100 hours of volunteering. The Learning Resource Center coordinates student support, with a GPA system for grades 9-12 and annual PASS surveys. Campus facilities include 24/7 security, a nurse, cafeteria, and learning spaces; a PTA and student leadership structures foster community and engagement.

R. Visc. de Caravelas, 48 - Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22271-022, Brazil

The Essentials

Our Lady of Mercy School has instruction in English, Portuguese.

Location
Rua Visconde de Caravelas, 48, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Stages
Pre-Nursery through 12th Grade, organized as Pre-School (Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Junior Kinder, Senior Kinder), Elementary School (1st–4th), Middle School (5th–8th), and High School (9th–12th)

Type
Catholic American School offering American and Brazilian curriculums; Accredited by Cognia and ICA; SAT, Advanced Placement and Capstone Programs

Additional learning support
Learning Resource Center provides student support; PASS (Pupil Attitude to School and Self) Survey is administered; LRC coordinates support and referrals

Country affiliation
United States

Religious affiliation
Catholic

School day structure
School Day Times: Pre-School and Elementary School arrival 7:50; classes start 8:00; tardiness limit 9:00; departure 15:30. Middle School and High School arrival 7:50; classes start 8:00; tardiness limit 9:00; departure 15:45

Bus service
There is a School bus service
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
All students must wear a uniform when coming to School. Please check the Division lists for Pre-School, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School for the specific uniform details.

Food Options
All students must eat on the School premises and may not bring lunch from home. The School provides lunch and snacks for students from Pre-School to High School. The Nutrition Department designs menus to offer healthy food options and collaborates with parents to accommodate dietary needs.

Governance and Ownership
The School is an American Catholic School established in 1951 and opened in 1952. It has been maintained by the Society of Our Lady of Mercy.
Fees
Application / Registration Fee
- No publicly posted application or registration fee amount is available. The school's admissions materials describe the registration process but do not publish a numeric application or enrollment fee.

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)
- No publicly posted tuition schedule showing amounts by year group, term, or full-year for the 2026/27 academic year (or for 2025/26) is available in the school's public materials. The school's handbook and admissions pages describe grade divisions and the academic calendar but do not publish tuition amounts by grade.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school follows a Northern Hemisphere school calendar (school year begins in August and runs through the following year), but specific billing cycles, the number of payment installments, due dates, late-payment penalties, and formal payment terms are not published in publicly available materials. The handbook notes that certain programs (for example, After School Activities) are not included in regular tuition.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- The school operates as a day school; no boarding provision or boarding fees are listed in public materials.

Other costs and typical additional fees
- After-School / Extracurricular activities: The handbook states that after-school activities and some extracurricular programs are not included in regular tuition; specific program fees are not published.
- Uniform: The school requires students to wear a uniform and provides a uniform list by division; no uniform pricing is published.
- School trips, special exams, materials, technology, lunch/cafeteria, and other incidental charges: these categories are referenced (and in some cases explicitly noted as potentially outside regular tuition), but no standard fee schedule or price list for these items is published in public materials.

Refund information
- No publicly posted, itemized refund policy or a published tuition/fee refund table is available in the school's public handbook or admissions pages. The handbook includes a section on cancellation of registration and related administrative rules, but it does not state published monetary refund amounts or conditions for prorated refunds.

Fee payment options
- No publicly published list of accepted payment methods (for example, credit card, bank transfer, boleto, or other local payment methods) is available in the school's public materials. The school's admissions and contact pages give admissions and finance contact details for enquiries about fees and payments.

Administrative notes for parents (actions the school uses for fee administration)
- Family / sibling discount: The admissions material references a family (sibling) discount and a priority approach for families with multiple children, but the discount amounts or how they are applied are not published publicly.
- Community portal / Finance access: The site indicates a Community Portal exists that provides parents access to grade reports and the Finance Department; this suggests detailed billing information is shared through the school's secure parent portal rather than published publicly.


Summary of search and availability
- I checked the school's public admissions pages, main site, published school handbook (2025–2026 edition), calendar, and the Community Portal description. Those public materials describe the admissions steps, grade divisions, calendar, uniform rules, and that after-school activities are charged separately, but they do not include numeric application fees, tuition amounts by year group, billing schedules, payment-method lists, boarding fees, or a published refund schedule for 2026/27 or 2025/26. For precise numeric fee figures, billing cycles, refund terms, and accepted payment methods, the school's admissions/finance office and the parent community portal are the administrative channels that hold the school's fee details.
Academics

Our Lady of Mercy School teaches IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
Pre-School uses a play-based approach with a robust phonics program to develop reading and writing, along with physical education and the arts to build motor skills, creativity, and self-esteem. The program aligns American and Brazilian grade levels for early childhood. Elementary School uses a rigorous, student-centered program organized into thematic units and Project-Based Learning to develop reading, writing, math, critical thinking, creativity, and empathy; there are quarterly celebrations of learning where students share what they have learned. Middle School emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative learning through interdisciplinary projects and field trips to make learning meaningful and relevant. High School offers AP courses, including AP Capstone, and international programs such as Model United Nations; ENEM preparation and college counseling support prepare students for universities in Brazil and abroad; graduation requires at least 100 hours of volunteering, and leadership opportunities include the Student Council and the National Honor Society.

Exam Results
ENEM results are excellent, and the school partners with families to cultivate a university culture; graduates are admitted to prestigious universities in Brazil and abroad.

Higher Education Progression
AP Capstone and other advanced courses foster college readiness. College counselors guide students through university admissions, helping them gain admission to top universities in Brazil and abroad.

Gifted and Talented
The Learning Resource Center supports English and Portuguese as a second language and students with special educational needs. More advanced students are given the opportunity to be more challenged to promote their growth.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school offers a spiritual, nurturing, faith based, values driven environment. The curriculum is based on the Christian principle of teaching as Jesus taught, with love, concern, dedication, and understanding. Through Him, OLM teachers, in collaboration with parents and clergy, encourage each student to develop spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally. Designed to build a solid academic foundation, the interdisciplinary curriculum encourages self expression, creative thinking, respect for life, and a thirst for lifelong learning. The school fosters community through faith formation and service, including mass and parish involvement, which supports social and emotional development. Small class sizes, averaging 17 per class, and integrated technology contribute to a supportive learning environment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
OLM provides Pre-K to 8 support for diverse learners in and out of the classroom. The preschool focuses on cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth, and uses individualized instruction to meet each student's needs. Many teaching methods are used, including whole group, small and individualized instruction and active dialogue, to meet goals. The preschool emphasizes a smooth transition from preschool to kindergarten through coordinated activities and programs such as Advent prayer services, field trips, and literature enrichment. Small class sizes and a commitment to inclusive instruction help meet diverse learner needs.

Mental Wellbeing
The school provides a nurturing, faith based environment that supports students' spiritual, emotional and social development. The curriculum emphasizes growth across spiritual, academic, social and emotional domains. Teachers collaborate with parents and clergy to support each student's wellbeing. Participation in Mass, liturgies and faith based service activities fosters community and emotional resilience. Small class sizes and individualized attention help sustain positive relationships and student well being.
Parent Experience

History
OLM Rio is an American Catholic School serving students aged 2 to 18 in a family-oriented, welcoming, and safe environment. Founded in 1951, the school opened in 1952. It is maintained by the Society of Our Lady of Mercy, an association founded by English-speaking people living in Rio de Janeiro, which has existed since 1919. Its core values are empathy, equity, and excellence. Its mission is to enable each student to achieve their full potential through an outstanding education in a supportive, safe learning environment.

Community
OLM has a strong community spirit supported by events that bring together families and friends, including the Parish Fair, the International Festival, Halloween, Festa Junina, STEAM Fair, and an annual musical production. An After School Activities Program provides a safe, supportive, and enriching environment after regular school hours. Alumni are valued and welcomed back to campus for visits and events.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) is a collaborative group formed by representatives of each grade level and a representative from the teachers. Meetings are held monthly, and PTA members are elected annually. Actively collaborating with the School to support and enhance the educational experience in accordance with its mission, the PTA plays a crucial role in promoting a strong community and supporting the School's initiatives and events. Contact us via email at pta@olmrio.com.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is a Catholic American School that offers a fully accredited American and Brazilian curriculum for Pre-Nursery through 12th Grade. It is located at Rua Visconde de Caravelas, 48, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, and was founded in 1952 by the Our Lady of Mercy Society, its sustaining entity. It is supervised by a Board of Directors and a Board of Education that establish policy with the Head of School, and has a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) with representatives from each class and a teacher representative elected each year. The Learning Resource Center supports student learning in collaboration with parents, guardians, counselors, and external professionals to ensure a holistic approach. The campus features a state-of-the-art security system and guard service 24/7 with video cameras monitoring the premises, a color-lanyard visitor system, a cafeteria, lockers, and a First Aid facility with a nurse on site.

Academic Facilities
OLM offers a fully accredited American and Brazilian curriculum for Pre-Nursery through 12th Grade. The school is accredited by Cognia, a global accrediting organization, and by ICA. It offers College Board Advanced Placement (AP), SAT, and Capstone programs. For college admissions, the school uses a Grade Point Average (GPA) system as the measure of High School performance (9th–12th Grade). The Learning Resource Center provides learning support in collaboration with teachers, principals, counselors, and external professionals, and the PASS (Pupil Attitude to School and Self) survey measures school climate and student perceptions of teaching.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extra-curricular activities are available to students from Pre-School through 12th Grade. Students may be registered for specific programs that vary from year to year. Extra-curricular sports are offered. The After School Program includes activities not included in the regular tuition.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
OLM fosters academic excellence through self-confidence, cultural literacy, and social awareness, enhanced by state-of-the-art tools. It operates in a small, inclusive community where each student receives individualized attention and socioemotional support. The divisions emphasize critical thinking and creativity, with Middle School collaborative learning for a global perspective and High School personal pathways, growth, and preparation for Brazil and the rest of the world. Students are prepared to navigate a rapidly evolving, globalized world through collaborative learning and personal pathways.

Arts & Creative
OLM's arts program encompasses music, visual arts, and theater, with a hands-on approach that immerses students in the history of each discipline. The arts provide a vital platform for children to express their voice and make choices, promoting self-confidence, cultural literacy, and social awareness. The program also features annual showcases, including a musical and an art exhibition.

Cultural & Language
Fluent teachers help students learn English accurately and naturally. The school hosts an International Festival and other cultural events that celebrate the community's diverse heritage. English language learning is supported within the school's teaching framework, alongside its emphasis on cultural literacy in the curriculum. These elements reflect OLM's global outlook.

Social & Hobbies
OLM offers an After School Activities Program providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment after regular school hours, with a variety of activities including arts and sports. The Lancers engage in interscholastic events and a student-led Booster Club that supports teams and activities across athletics, arts, technology, and mathematics. The school also fosters community through events such as the Parish Fair, International Festival, Halloween, Festa Junina, and STEAM Fair.

Community & Service
The Parents and Teachers Association brings together representatives from each grade and teachers, meeting monthly to promote a strong community and support school initiatives. Lancers embody empathy, equity, and excellence, striving to serve and lead while representing the school with pride. The school hosts events such as the Parish Fair, International Festival, STEAM Fair, and an annual musical production that bring families together.

Leadership & Professional
Being a Lancer means embodying empathy, equity, and excellence, with a focus on leadership across academics, athletics, and community involvement. OLMS Booster Club is student-led and raises funds for Lancers' teams and school initiatives across athletics, arts, technology, and mathematics. The PTA and Booster Club provide structured opportunities for student and parent leadership.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
OLM emphasizes well-being through balanced, healthy meals designed to support students' physical and mental health, with menus that provide healthy options and respect dietary needs. The After School Activities Program provides a safe, supportive environment after school hours, contributing to students' physical and social well-being. The school offers a holistic 360-degree approach to education that includes attention to emotional intelligence and overall well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
English and Portuguese are taught. The school provides bilingual content across Pre-School through High School. Portuguese headings translate to English as: Early Childhood Education: Safety for new language constructions; Elementary School I: Instigating critical thinking and creativity; Middle School: Collaborative learning for a global perspective; High School: Personal growth and preparation for Brazil and the world.

Bilingual Teaching
The school uses English and Portuguese. Bilingual content is provided across divisions, with parallel English and Portuguese headings for Pre-School through High School. Communications and materials are available in both languages.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The first step is to complete the application form. After submitting it, you will be contacted with more information about the enrollment process and a campus visit will be scheduled, followed by an interview with our admissions team. Admission tests are administered starting from Elementary School.
2. The OLM Family Discount provides a discount and priority in the admissions process for families with more than one child enrolled. Our Admissions Officer is available to answer questions and guide you through the enrollment process. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a campus visit.
3. How to schedule a visit: complete the application form; after submission, you will be contacted to provide more information about enrollment and to schedule a campus visit.
4. Age eligibility: Enrollment is offered from Maternal I through various grade levels up to 12th grade.
5.
6. Extracurricular activities: After regular hours, students can enroll in the After School Activities Program. Access the Google Sites link for more information.
7. Calendar: The school year follows the North American calendar, starting in August and ending at the end of the first semester of the following year.
8. Documents required for enrollment: For Brazilian students: copy of birth certificate; copy of vaccination card (for Preschool); transcript of records for all previously studied grades (for students from 1st Grade onward); copy of identity card; copy of CPF; a recent 3x4 photo; medical certificate. For non-Brazilian students: copy of passport with visa; sworn Portuguese translation of transcripts.
9. Admissions form fields include student and guardian information and can be submitted via the form on the admissions page.
10. Visconde de Caravelas 48, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22271-022, Brazil.
School Events
The school has not added events
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