In this guide
Two Christian traditions, two schools
Unlike cities with a dozen faith schools, Sao Paulo's Christian international provision centres on two well established names, one Protestant and one Catholic in heritage. Both teach in English and lead to American and, in one case, IB qualifications, and both enrol families from many backgrounds. The choice is less about academics than about which tradition and community fit your family.
Both schools also offer routes to a Brazilian diploma alongside the American one, which matters for families who may stay in Brazil long term or whose children might attend a Brazilian university. Confirm the diploma combinations and the language of instruction at each stage.
What to check
Ask how each school expresses its Christian heritage today, since a founding tradition and current practice can differ. Ask which diplomas a student can graduate with, American, Brazilian or IB, and what that means for university options. And ask what a place costs once the full schedule and extras are added. These three answers separate the two schools more than any ranking can.
The schools
Pan American Christian Academy
A Protestant American Christian school founded in 1960, accredited by ACSI and the Middle States Association, teaching an American curriculum in English with an optional Brazilian dual diploma. Suited to families who want an explicitly evangelical Christian community and an American university pathway, with a route to a Brazilian diploma if they stay.
Chapel School
Founded in 1947 by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and based in Chacara Flora, Chapel School retains a Catholic Christian heritage while offering American, Brazilian and International Baccalaureate pathways. A good fit for families who want a Christian heritage school with the breadth of an IB option alongside the American diploma.
Compare these schools side by side
Our school compare tool lines up fees approach, curriculum and location for up to three schools at once, and the fees explorer shows how the wider Sao Paulo market is banded.
Fees and value
Both established Christian international schools in Sao Paulo sit within the city's international school fee range, which is broad and rises with the stage a child enters.
Across the Sao Paulo market, faith schools sit in three broad bands. Mission supported and community schools tend to price below the headline secular internationals. Day schools with a full international curriculum sit at or near the market rate for the city. Premium campuses with extensive facilities sit at the top. We do not print a specific figure for any school here, because fees change by stage and year; treat each school's published schedule by grade as the number to plan against, then add registration, deposit and optional costs. Our fees explorer shows how the wider market is banded.
Frequently asked questions
How do the two schools differ?
Pan American Christian Academy is Protestant in heritage with an American curriculum and an evangelical ethos. Chapel School is Catholic in heritage and adds an International Baccalaureate pathway to its American and Brazilian options. The best fit depends on tradition, curriculum and community.
Are they only for Christian families?
Both enrol families from many backgrounds who accept the school's Christian ethos. How central faith feels day to day differs between them, so ask each school directly how its heritage shapes the week.
Can students earn a Brazilian diploma?
Yes. Both schools offer routes to a Brazilian diploma alongside the American one, which matters for families staying in Brazil long term. Confirm the exact diploma combinations and requirements with each school.
How much do they cost?
Fees vary by stage and rise each year, so we do not publish a single figure. Treat each school's published schedule by grade as the number to plan against and budget for registration, transport and examinations on top.