What calendar do you follow?
Avenues São Paulo follows a Northern Hemisphere calendar, beginning in August. Our calendar observes Brazilian holidays, and has recesses during the Northern and Southern Hemisphere summers. View our current calendar here.
What are the school hours?
Small World: 8:45 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Nursery and pre-kindergarten: 8:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m.
Kindergarten and 1st grade: 8:15 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
2nd to 5th grade: 8:00 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
6th to 8th grade and ALLI: 8:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m, with early release on Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m.
9th to 12th grade: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., with early release on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.
What is the language of instruction?
English is the primary instructional language at Avenues São Paulo. As Avenues aims to graduate students with proficiency in at least one other language, our curriculum includes required courses in Portuguese. International students new to Portuguese learn it as an additional language. Support is provided as deemed necessary. Additional language classes are also offered after school.
Where do Avenues teachers come from?
Our mission, vision and leadership have attracted outstanding faculty from all over the world. Several of our teachers have PhDs and over half have Masters degrees or the equivalent. Many have more than 10 years of teaching experience. Nearly half of our faculty join us from leading schools in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, Italy, China, Singapore, and many other countries. We are also joined by top local teachers from leading Brazilian institutions.
What diplomas are offered?
Avenues São Paulo has a dual-diploma program. All students graduate with an American diploma. In addition, Brazilian nationals complete the required Brazilian national curriculum and graduate with both the American and the Brazilian diplomas. International students, with sufficient Portuguese fluency, may also complete the Brazilian national curriculum and graduate with both diplomas.
Where do Avenues students attend college or university?
Avenues exists to develop future world-wise leaders uniquely equipped to understand and solve global-scale problems. The students of first two classes at Avenues São Paulo have been admitted to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world, including Columbia, Princeton, the University of Toronto, Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade Getúlio Vargas, IE University and Bocconi, to name a few. You may see a more extensive list of colleges to which Avenues students have gained admission here.
Does Avenues offer international baccalaureate courses?
Avenues does not offer IB courses. Avenues has opted for greater flexibility in order to achieve greater depth in its curricular requirements. This has enabled the implementation of research-driven innovations in education, such as project-based and interdisciplinary learning, High-Intensity Practice (HIP) and the Mastery Program. Like the IB, the Avenues curriculum promotes independent learning, research skills and critical thinking through a deep understanding of content areas—an approach that guarantees excellent results in traditional college entrance exams around the world.
Is Avenues’ academic program transferable to other schools?
All Avenues students will have full academic records which may be transferred to their next school. We have designed our dual-diploma program with global readiness and transferability in mind, meaning that our students will be equipped to thrive wherever the world takes them.
Does Avenues offer after-school sports and activities?
Making use of its ample facilities, Avenues São Paulo offers a comprehensive after-school program. Students may choose from a range of optional activities from sports to science to chess. In the Primary Division, students can explore a variety of specialty classes in sports, arts, technology and more. In the Secondary Division the after-school experience provides venues, resources and support for students to explore their passions in depth.
Avenues São Paulo has soccer, futsal, volleyball, cheerleading and basketball teams for students in grades 6 through 12 and participates in local leagues.
What support is available for students transitioning to Avenues?
Avenues is mindful of the complexity of the new school experience. Our admissions, deans and leadership teams and faculty are exceptionally well prepared and excited to welcome students and families transferring from schools across São Paulo and around the world. Our team has developed thoughtful transition and welcome programs to foster a culture of inclusion, safety and respect. We are deeply committed to ensuring that all new families and students feel at home at Avenues São Paulo.
To what extent are parents involved in the school?
We are committed to fostering a strong partnership between school and home and are proud of our highly engaged parent community. Parents are invited to weekly events and support campus celebrations and classroom activities throughout the year. Our spacious and sunlit café is also a welcoming and bustling hub on campus.
In addition, the Avenues Parent Association works with Avenues faculty and students in support of the school’s mission, helping to foster meaningful, welcoming connections between families, the school, and the larger community.
Does Avenues provide transportation service?
Bus services are available for predetermined routes, based on need.
What is Avenues looking for in an applicant?
There is no single profile of an Avenues student. We hope to cultivate a student community diverse in background, interest and talent, and the application process is designed to assess each of these aspects equally. Above all, Avenues seeks students who can thrive in a rigorous and creative learning environment.
May I apply for future school year beyond 2023-24?
Avenues typically reviews applications for the upcoming academic year (2023-24) only. However, we encourage families interested in applying beyond the 2023–24 academic year to email admissions-sp@avenues.org.
Does Avenues accept students who require additional English support?
In Small World through 1st grade, students are not expected to be fluent in English and will gain proficiency in English through our English immersion program. In 2nd grade and above, a minimum grade-level English fluency requirement must be met to enroll. This will be measured by a language proficiency screening and reviewed by the admissions committee. In some cases, students will be accepted contingent upon them gaining the necessary proficiency prior to enrollment. Once enrolled, English Language Support (ELS) will be provided to students whose first language is not English.
For students in grades 6–9, Avenues offers a competitive bridge program, Avenues Language Learning Intensive (ALLI). ALLI is designed for students who meet all criteria for admission–including being strong critical thinkers and problem solvers–but require additional support in English and/or exposure to student-centered learning to enable them to thrive at Avenues.
Are recommendation letters required?
Recommendation letters are not required, but are highly encouraged.
Are any applicants given special consideration?
In keeping with our mission to graduate global citizens, Avenues seeks to assemble a diverse student body. Avenues does not discriminate in either its admission process or education program on the basis of gender, sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap.
What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition information for the current school year is available here.
Is there an entrance fee?
Unlike most international schools in São Paulo, Avenues does not require an entrance fee or capital contribution.
Does Avenues offer a sibling discount?
Avenues does not offer a discount on tuition and fees for families with multiple children enrolled.
Is financial assistance available?
Consistent with our mission and vision, Avenues allocates a portion of its resources to providing financial assistance to qualifying families on the basis of financial need. You may learn more here.
