Founded in 1937, Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro was established by a group of forward-thinking individuals, corporations, and the American Chamber of Commerce with the vision of providing an academic program that matched the excellence of top schools in the United States. From its early beginnings, EARJ has grown to become one of the most respected international schools in Latin America.

Our storied foundation

EARJ’s first campus was a small house in Ipanema, where it opened its doors to students. As enrollment increased, the school relocated to Leblon in 1940 and expanded further in 1945. In 1955, the school purchased the iconic "Pink House," and by 1960, a new high school building was added. In 1965, the search for a permanent home began, leading to the purchase of the Gávea Campus in 1966.

Gávea Campus: A scenic and inspiring learning environment

The Gávea Campus, as we know it today, opened in July 1971. Nestled on a 12-acre site, this campus is home to over 800 students. Located at the edge of the Tijuca National Forest, the campus offers breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro's iconic landmarks, including Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon (Lagoa), Guanabara Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, the Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Christ the Redeemer statue. The lush tropical climate, with its abundant greenery and vibrant wildlife, creates a unique and inspiring environment for learning.

Barra Campus: A modern learning hub in the heart of Barra da Tijuca

In 2006, to accommodate the growing demand for quality international education in the rapidly expanding neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca, EARJ opened a small campus. Over the years, this campus has evolved into a state-of-the-art facility that now serves over 500 students. Located in a charming residential area, the Barra Campus offers a modern educational environment with all the amenities required for a world-class learning experience.