"Colégio Luiz de Queiroz, known as CLQ, is a private school located in Piracicaba, Brazil, that represents an exciting new chapter in international education for the region."
Founded in 2025, CLQ is one of the newest additions to Piracicaba's educational landscape, bringing an internationally recognized framework to a city known for its rich agricultural heritage and growing professional community in the interior of São Paulo state. At the heart of CLQ's academic approach is the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), a globally respected curriculum designed for students in the early years of their education. The PYP is distinguished by its inquiry-based, transdisciplinary framework, which encourages young learners to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and develop a genuine love of learning. Rather than relying on rote memorization, the programme emphasizes conceptual understanding, international-mindedness, and the development of the whole child — qualities that resonate strongly with families who value both academic rigor and personal growth. CLQ conducts instruction in both English and Portuguese, with additional languages also forming part of the school's offering. This multilingual environment is a significant draw for expatriate families and relocating professionals, who can take comfort knowing their children will be immersed in English-medium international education while also gaining meaningful fluency in Portuguese — an invaluable asset for any child growing up in Brazil. The bilingual and multilingual dimension of the school reflects a broader commitment to preparing students for an interconnected world. Piracicaba itself is a mid-sized city approximately 160 kilometers from São Paulo, with a vibrant university presence anchored by ESALQ, the prestigious agricultural sciences campus of the University of São Paulo. The city attracts professionals from the agricultural, energy, and technology sectors, and has a steadily internationalized community that makes a school like CLQ a timely and relevant addition. Families relocating to the region — whether from abroad or from other parts of Brazil — will find in CLQ a school that understands the needs of a globally mobile student body. As a newly established institution, CLQ carries with it both the energy of a fresh start and the credibility that comes with aligning to the IB framework from its very inception. Rather than retrofitting an international philosophy onto an existing structure, CLQ has been built from the ground up with international standards and best practices in mind. This is a meaningful distinction for parents who want their children educated in an environment where the international vision is woven into the school's DNA rather than layered on as an afterthought. For expat families and relocating professionals evaluating educational options in the interior of São Paulo state, CLQ offers a compelling combination: an internationally recognized curriculum, bilingual instruction, and a community-oriented setting in a city with genuine character and strong institutional roots. Families interested in learning more can reach the school at +55 19 3429-1100 or visit the school's website at www. clq. com. br.