International Schools Directory

The American School of Recife (Escola Americana do Recife or EAR, in Portuguese) is a bilingual school founded in 1957 by two missionary mothers. It is a private, coeducational day school which offers an instructional program from early childhood through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The School does not have any religious affiliation. School year comprises two semesters extending from early August to mid-December and from early February to mid-June. The main campus occupies an 8.5 acre site in a magnificent residential area of Recife with separate buildings for the elementary and high school departments. General facilities include 32 classrooms, a science laboratory, a music room, a small theater, a technology lab, a library, a cafeteria, a lunch area, a covered court, a faculty resource center, a maintenance building, the principal’s office, the guidance counselor’s office, the infirmary, administrative offices, a soccer field, exercise room, and playgrounds. EAR offers curriculum patterned after that of U.S. general academic, preparatory schools where instruction are given in English. Portuguese language is taught to all students above pre-kindergarten while ESL and PSL programs are offered to students who are not proficient in English or Portuguese. EAR is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is recognized by the State of Pernambuco Department of Education. Most of the graduates go on to colleges and universities in the United States, Europe, or Brazil. The School is governed by a 7-member Board of Directors elected for a 2-year term by the General Assembly composed of the parents of children enrolled in the school. The School is not incorporated in the United States but is officially registered in the State of Pernambuco as a Civil Society.