Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Recife

Recife, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich culture, beautiful beaches, and historical significance. While it may not have the sheer volume of international or bilingual schools found in some of the world's largest cities, it does offer a selection of reputable institutions catering to expat families. Among the most popular are the American School of Recife and the Recife British School, both of which provide high-quality international education and are within a reasonable commuting distance from most areas of the city.

American School of Recife

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Boa Viagem, Recife
Website: www.ear.com.br

The American School of Recife offers an American-style education with English as the language of instruction. The school follows an American curriculum and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program for high school students. With a range of facilities including science labs, a library, and sports areas, the school provides a well-rounded education. Extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and various clubs are also available to students.

Recife British School

Grades: Nursery through Year 13
Location(s): Boa Viagem, Recife
Website: www.britishschoolrecife.com.br

Recife British School is known for its British curriculum and offers education from the early years to pre-university levels. The school follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, preparing students for IGCSEs and A-Levels. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and sports fields. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, encouraging participation in a variety of extracurricular activities.

Escola Americana do Recife

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Boa Viagem, Recife

Escola Americana do Recife provides an American-based curriculum with a focus on bilingual education. The school offers a range of programs including Advanced Placement (AP) courses for older students. With a commitment to fostering a multicultural environment, the school has a diverse student body and encourages community service and extracurricular involvement.

Ginásio Pernambucano

Grades: Primary through High School
Location(s): Santo Amaro, Recife

While not exclusively an international or bilingual school, Ginásio Pernambucano is recognized for its high academic standards and offers some bilingual programs. The school has a long history and is one of the oldest educational institutions in Brazil, providing a blend of traditional and modern teaching methods.

Colégio Santa Maria

Grades: Preschool through High School
Location(s): Parnamirim, Recife

Colégio Santa Maria offers a bilingual Portuguese-English program and is known for its rigorous academic curriculum. The school provides a supportive learning environment with a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and cultural programs. It aims to develop students who are both academically proficient and socially responsible.

Escola Internacional de Recife

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Boa Viagem, Recife

Escola Internacional de Recife is another option for expat families, offering a bilingual education with an international perspective. The school follows an international curriculum and provides a supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds. With a focus on global citizenship, the school encourages students to engage with the community and the world at large.

Colégio Alemão do Recife

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Várzea, Recife
Website: www.dsbrecife.com.br

Colégio Alemão do Recife, also known as the German School of Recife, offers a German-Portuguese bilingual education. The school follows the German curriculum and is part of a network of German schools abroad. It provides a rigorous academic program and boasts excellent facilities, including science labs, a library, and sports areas. The school is well-regarded for its strong emphasis on language learning and intercultural exchange.