Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Florianópolis
Summary: If you're moving to Florianópolis with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Florianópolis
Florianopolis, Brazil, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, is a popular destination for expats and digital nomads. While it may not have the extensive selection of international or bilingual schools found in some of the world's largest cities, Florianopolis does offer a handful of reputable options for expat families. Among the most popular are the Maple Bear Canadian School and the School of the Nations, both of which cater to the international community with comprehensive bilingual curriculums. Here are some of the international and bilingual schools that expat parents might consider for their children while living in or near Florianopolis.
Maple Bear Canadian School
Grades: Nursery to High School
Location(s): Florianopolis
Website: www.maplebear.com.br
Maple Bear Canadian School offers a bilingual education with a curriculum based on Canadian methodology and practices. Emphasizing English and Portuguese language development, the school provides a global education that prepares students for the challenges of a changing world. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and spaces for art and physical education. Extracurricular activities are also available to enhance the learning experience.
School of the Nations (Escola das Nacoes)
Grades: Nursery to High School
Location(s): Florianopolis
Website: www.escoladasnacoes.com.br
The School of the Nations is a bilingual school that offers an international education with a focus on the holistic development of students. The curriculum is designed to foster academic excellence, cultural understanding, and social responsibility. The school boasts a range of facilities, including science labs, sports courts, and a theater. A variety of extracurricular activities are available, from sports to arts and community service programs.
International School of Florianopolis (ISF)
Grades: Nursery to Grade 9 (expanding to Grade 12)
Location(s): Florianopolis
Website: www.isf.school
The International School of Florianopolis is committed to providing a high-quality international education with a curriculum that encourages critical thinking and global awareness. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and is developing its Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. Facilities include technology-integrated classrooms, a library, and sports areas. ISF also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including language clubs, sports teams, and arts programs.
Barra International School
Grades: Nursery to Grade 5
Location(s): Barra da Lagoa, Florianopolis
Barra International School provides a bilingual education with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and community engagement. The school's curriculum integrates Brazilian and international educational standards, aiming to develop multilingual, culturally aware students. The school's location near the beach allows for unique environmental education opportunities, and its facilities support a range of learning experiences, from science experiments to artistic expression.
Colégio Catarinense
Grades: Nursery to High School
Location(s): Florianopolis
Website: www.colegiocatarinense.g12.br
Colégio Catarinense is a traditional school with a strong bilingual program. It offers a Brazilian curriculum with a significant portion of classes taught in English. The school is known for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to forming ethical and socially responsible individuals. Facilities include science labs, a library, sports courts, and an auditorium. The school also provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and robotics clubs.
Colégio Santa Catarina
Grades: Nursery to High School
Location(s): Florianopolis
Website: www.colegiosantacatarina.com.br
Colégio Santa Catarina offers a bilingual education with a focus on the integral development of students. The school combines the Brazilian curriculum with international teaching methods, providing a broad educational experience. With a variety of sports and cultural activities, students are encouraged to develop their talents and interests beyond the classroom. The school's facilities are designed to support a diverse range of educational activities.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


