When it comes to international schools, the choice may not be as wildly exciting or exotic as the Amazon jungle. But with one or two exceptions, are all externally accredited by the recognised independent American body, Cognia, or - in the case of the French Lycée - part of AEFE (Agency for French Education abroad), both of which are positive signposts.
Education in Brasilia
International families arriving here almost all live around the lakes, with families tending to choose the South (Lago Sul) rather than the North (Lago Norte) Lake. If you have school age children, it’s an attractive option as one of the big pluses of Lago Sul is that all the international schools are a hop and a skip, or at least a short (less than 15 minutes) drive, away. There are constant rumours that a bridge is about to be built across the lake to make Lago Norte more accessible but don’t bank on it when paying the deposit - no signs of construction yet.
Choosing a school in Brasilia
Only one of the international schools provides the option of the International Baccalaureate Diploma, along with American or Brazilian qualifications. But two others offer the American High School Diploma. The full French curriculum up to the French Baccalaureate is also available, as is an adapted national curriculum for England. There’s also a bilingual education available from Canadian run schools.
Best schools in Brasilia
American School (EAB) 
(pending)
Adapted American curriculum/ Brazilian curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ Brazilian Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 400 students
Historically the school for ‘expat kids’ and the first English speaking school in Brasilia, here since the first ground was broken. Accredited by Cognia (previously AdvancEd). The cohort tends to be well over 50 per cent Brazilian (playground language is Portuguese), 15 per cent US and the remainder from over 20 nationalities. All lessons in English with fees reportedly on the high side, including an ‘association fee’ for expats.
British School of Brasilia (pending)
Adapted National Curriculum for England; ages 3-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 100 students
Opened in 2016 in a purpose-built modern building designed by Brasilia’s architect, Oscar Niemeyer. Part of the British Schools Foundation, a non-profit group that establishes and runs schools in Asia, South America and Europe. Stunning building with great playgrounds and one on our list to be reviewed.
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Brasilia International School
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 180 students
Founded in 1999 and recommended, in particular, for younger (elementary level) students; much lower numbers at junior/senior level. Although the teaching is considered good, the school obviously lacks some of the facilities provided at other local schools and cannot offer as many options (eg. foreign languages, AP programmes etc). Completely bi-lingual (half day lessons in English, half day lessons in Portuguese). Strong Christian emphasis, accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and by Cognia (formerly AdvancED).
French Lycée Francois Mitterand
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; state; 400 students
Only students who have fluent French are considered. Part of the network of the French Agency for Education Abroad (AEFE) and accredited by the French Ministry of Education. French students account for 20 per cent of the intake.
School of the Nations
American curriculum/ Brazilian curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ Brazilian Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 860 students
A bilingual (English/Portuguese) school founded on the basis of the Bahá’í faith which believes in creating the opportunity for people of all races and beliefs to benefit from learning together. This approach has been successful in Brasilia and the school has continued to grow. Accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED) and by the local Secretary of Education.
SIS Swiss International School Brasilia
PYP/ Adapted bilingual curriculum/ Brazilian Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Like its sister school in Rio de Janeiro, owned by the Kalaidos Swiss Education Group, who own and run schools in Brazil, Germany and Switzerland. A bilingual Portuguese/English education, culminating in either the national diploma or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (although at present they are only authorised to teach the Primary Years Programme).
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on the Good Schools Guide international search.