Associação Escola Graduada de São Paulo

"Associação Escola Graduada de São Paulo, known widely as Graded, is an English-language international school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 in São Paulo, Brazil."

As a private institution supported by the U. S. State Department, Graded has built a strong reputation as one of the premier American-curriculum schools in South America, offering a rigorous academic environment that serves the city's diverse community of expatriate families, relocating professionals, and internationally minded Brazilian families alike. Founded in 1985, Graded has developed over the decades into a well-established institution with deep roots in São Paulo's international community. The school's mission centers on providing a high-quality, English-medium education that prepares students to thrive in an interconnected world, balancing academic excellence with personal growth and global awareness. Academically, Graded follows an American curriculum framework across its grade levels while also offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at the secondary level. This combination gives students a strong foundation in the American educational tradition throughout their earlier years, while the IB Diploma in the upper grades provides an internationally recognized credential that opens doors to universities around the world. For families moving frequently between countries, or those planning for higher education abroad, this dual-track approach offers both continuity and flexibility. English is the primary language of instruction throughout the school, making Graded a natural choice for English-speaking families arriving in São Paulo who are seeking an academically familiar environment during what can otherwise be a significant transition. At the same time, being situated in Brazil means students are immersed in the Portuguese language and Brazilian culture beyond the classroom, enriching the overall international experience in ways that few other settings can replicate. São Paulo itself is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the world, a global business hub that draws professionals and families from across the globe. Graded's location within this vibrant metropolis means students grow up in a city of extraordinary cultural diversity, economic energy, and opportunity. The school community reflects this cosmopolitan character, drawing together students and families from a wide range of national backgrounds who share a commitment to international education. What sets Graded apart is the combination of American educational tradition, IB academic rigor, State Department affiliation, and a genuinely international student body — all situated within one of Latin America's most compelling cities. For expat families arriving in Brazil, the school offers not only academic quality but also a welcoming community of fellow international families who understand the particular joys and challenges of life abroad. For parents evaluating schools in São Paulo, Graded represents a thoughtful choice for children at any stage from early childhood through the final years before university, offering the kind of consistency, credibility, and community that internationally mobile families depend on.