At EARJ, we offer a flexible, rolling admissions process without a fixed application deadline. This approach allows us to review applications year-round, as long as there are available seats and we can support each child’s unique needs. We’re here to help make the admissions process as smooth as possible and look forward to learning more about your family!

An application to EARJ will only be considered, reviewed, and evaluated once all required documents, meetings, and assessments have been completed. We recommend regularly consulting your online applicant checklist to ensure all necessary documents are submitted.

A campus tour is an integral part of our application process. To schedule a visit, prospective families are required to complete an application and participate in a meeting.

Meetings with faculty or administrators outside of the Admissions Office are not part of the formal application process. Our dedicated Admissions Team is committed to addressing your inquiries and will coordinate with teachers, Principals, or Counselors as necessary to address any questions or concerns.

The Admissions Meeting provides an invaluable opportunity for parents to gain deeper insights into EARJ's academic programs, philosophy, and student life, as well as to ask any questions they may have. Moreover, it offers our Admissions Team the chance to acquaint themselves with your family, the prospective student, and any pertinent information you wish to share. This meeting typically takes approximately one hour.

• For students who are not native English speakers, an English proficiency test is required when applying for admission to Grade 2 and above.
• Children applying to Kindergarten and Grade 1 may also have an assessment if they come from a curriculum with different literacy milestones.
• All students applying to Grade 2 and above are required to take a Math assessment. 
• For Preschool applicants, an observation will be conducted to support appropriate placement. 

It’s important to know that no specific preparation is necessary for these assessments. They are designed to assess each student’s current knowledge and skill levels accurately. Preparing for the test may yield inflated results, which can impact program placement and ultimately affect the student's long-term success.

Once all application components are completed and any additional requirements are fulfilled, our goal is to provide an acceptance decision within five working days. However, special circumstances may occasionally extend this timeframe.

After the assessment process is complete, the applicant's status will be updated, and families will receive a decision notification via email:

Admissions Offer: The applicant has been accepted for admission to EARJ. Detailed instructions regarding the next steps for enrollment will be provided.

Waiting Pool: The applicant has been accepted for admission to EARJ; however, due to the high demand for seats, a place is not currently available. Should a seat become available, the applicant will be promptly notified. The student will remain in the waiting pool until a seat becomes available or the family requests removal. Please note that the waiting pool is maintained for the current school year (July to June) only. Applicants interested in enrollment for the following school year will need to update their documentation and reapply.

Declined: Regrettably, the applicant has not been accepted for admission to EARJ.

Please email our Admissions Team at  admissions.barra@earj.com.br or admissions.gavea@earj.com.br  and an Admissions Specialist will provide instructions specific to your previous application.

All complete applications undergo review by an Admissions Committee composed of the Head of School, Director of Advancement, Principals, Director of Student Support Services, and Director of Counseling. Decisions are made after careful consideration of factors including seat availability and EARJ's capacity to meet the child's unique needs.

Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:25 pm.
After School Activities: 3:40 - 4:40 pm

The average class size at EARJ is 20 students, with a grade level typically ranging from 40 to 80 students.

EARJ adheres to the Northern Hemisphere Calendar, with the academic year typically starting in August and concluding in June of the subsequent year.

If a child is transitioning from a Southern Hemisphere school calendar, they will commence the ongoing semester anew. Additionally, circumstances may arise where a child hails from a school adhering to the northern hemisphere calendar but follows differing curricula ((e.g., countries with different literacy initiation dates than the American system). In such instances, the Admissions Committee will conduct a thorough evaluation, considering factors such as age, maturity, and curriculum, before making a decision.

EARJ does not mandate a school uniform for its students. However, it does require students in grades 6 to 12 to wear school-branded physical education attire during P.E. (Physical Education) classes and competitions.

The dress code policy for EARJ is detailed in our student handbooks, which are reviewed annually. We encourage parents to familiarize themselves with the current requirements for their child before the start of the school year.

All pedagogical materials are provided by the school; however, students may be required to bring personal items such as a computer and specific calculators for Grades 6 to 12. Please be sure to request the materials list for your child's grade level.

EARJ is an IB Continuum School that offers a comprehensive and internationally recognized educational framework that prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing and interconnected world.

Becoming an IB Continuum School offers several advantages:

Comprehensive Education: The International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum provides a seamless educational pathway from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP), offering a cohesive and holistic educational experience.

Global Recognition: The IB is widely recognized and respected worldwide for its rigorous academic standards and its emphasis on developing well-rounded, internationally minded students. Being part of the IB Continuum enhances a school's reputation and credibility on a global scale.

International Perspective: The IB curriculum encourages students to explore global issues and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and interconnectedness. This international outlook prepares students to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.

Inquiry-Based Learning: The IB programmes emphasize inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches to education. This pedagogical approach nurtures students' curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for lifelong learning.

Preparation for Higher Education: The IB Diploma Programme, in particular, is highly regarded by universities worldwide for its rigorous academic curriculum and emphasis on developing skills such as research, writing, and independent thinking. Graduates of IB Continuum Schools are well-prepared for success in higher education and beyond.

At EARJ, the Brazilian curriculum is seamlessly woven into our transdisciplinary, student-centered approach to learning. It is integrated alongside the American and IB (International Baccalaureate) curricula, reflecting our commitment to preparing students to navigate the dynamic challenges and opportunities of our evolving world.

EARJ holds authorization to operate within Brazilian territory, granted by both municipal and state governments. Additionally, it is officially recognized as an international school by the State Education Council of Rio de Janeiro.

EARJ has been an IB School since 1982 and, as of 2023, is recognized as an IB World School. Furthermore, EARJ holds accreditation from Cognia, the International Baccalaureate Organization, and the State Board of Education of Rio de Janeiro, under the authority of the Secretary of Education of the State of Rio de Janeiro.

EARJ graduates are admitted to many of the world’s most prestigious universities. Check the complete list here.  

At EARJ, students have the opportunity to study Spanish and French as electives from grades 6 to 12, both of which are also offered as part of the IB Diploma Programme. Our institution is dedicated to fostering a mindset where language acquisition is viewed as integral to students' exploration of a culturally diverse world

The EARJ curriculum naturally prepares students for the ENEM. However, it's important to note that EARJ does not solely focus on ENEM preparation.

In an international school, the primary curriculum offered is often from a country other than the host country. EARJ provides students with the opportunity to pursue the American Diploma, the Brazilian Diploma, and the IB Diploma.
International schools typically boast a diverse student body, drawing learners from various corners of the globe. This diverse composition enriches the educational experience, exposing students to a multitude of cultures and perspectives. Alongside international curricula such as the IB (International Baccalaureate), instruction is predominantly conducted in English, supplemented by language instruction in the respective country's language. Particularly in high school, the curriculum often incorporates subjects such as international relations and global issues, which can be advantageous for students with aspirations in international careers.
In a bilingual school, both content and the second language are seamlessly integrated into students' daily routines. However, instruction is not exclusively delivered in the foreign language; rather, a portion of teaching is allocated to each language for distinct subjects.

Many families believe international and bilingual schools are the same. But the differences can shape your child’s academic future.

What is an International School?

• Follows globally recognized educational frameworks, certifications and programs like IB.
• Has dual or triple diploma options, with the primary curriculum often different from that of the host country.
• Teaches predominantly in a different language than that of the host country.
• Has dual or triple diploma options, with the primary curriculum often different than that of the host country.
• Emphasizes global citizenship and multicultural learning with a diverse community that includes students, faculty and staff.
• Needs official recognition by the government authorities of the country where the school is based.

What is a Bilingual School?

• Teaches in two languages (in Brazil, usually Portuguese and English, being around 40% English in the lower years and at least 20% English on the upper years).
• Follows the national curriculum.
• Focuses on national culture with international elements.

EARJ is an International School 

Since 1937, Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro is a benchmark in international education.

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro is an IB World Continuum School that includes:

• PYP (Primary Years Programme):

Holistic development in early years

• MYP (Middle Years Programme):

Critical thinking and academic exploration

• DP (Diploma Programme):

University-ready education for a global future

What sets us apart?

• Predominantly English instructions
• Three diplomas: IB, American and Brazilian
• Internationally certified educators
• Diverse community with over 50 nationalities
• Modern campuses in Gávea and Barra da Tijuca
• Accreditation from Cognia, the International Baccalaureate Organization, and the State Board of Education of Rio de Janeiro as an international school. Among several other certifications and memberships.

Preparing students for the world

Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro students gain access to top universities in Brazil and around the world—ready to live, work, and lead globally.

Contact us!
Barra Campus: admissions.barra@earj.com.br  or call us at +55 (21) 3747-2070
Gavea Campus: admissions.gavea@earj.com.br or call us at +55 (21) 2125-9002