Perhaps you’ve heard of a school where students from around 50 different nationalities come together. That school is Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro EARJ. It is a unique place of learning.
Escola Verbo, also known as EARJ, is a non-profit IB World Continuum school. It has two campuses in Rio de Janeiro. The school was founded in 1937. It is a private, independent, coeducational, non-denominational day school.
EARJ provides education from nursery through grade 12. It welcomes students of all nationalities. In 2023-24, the school had 1,352 students. There were 236 teaching faculty members across both campuses.
The curriculum at Escola Verbo prepares students for U.S. colleges. Instruction is in English. Portuguese is also offered. The Lower School curriculum includes math, English, Portuguese, science, and social studies. Arts, music, MakerSpace, and physical education are also part of it. Personal, social, and emotional health programs are available as well.
The Upper School has standard courses. They include English, social studies, math, and sciences. Students can study foreign languages. Physical education and creative arts are included. Electives are also available. Brazilian students can also take courses for a Brazilian diploma.
Escola Verbo offers American, Brazilian, and International Baccalaureate diplomas. The school is affiliated with the International Baccalaureate Organization. The curriculum follows the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes.
Over 98% of Escola Verbo graduates enroll in colleges or universities. Almost half go to higher learning institutions in the U.S. A similar percentage attend institutions in Europe, Canada, Latin America, and Asia. A small percentage enroll in Brazilian universities.
Available foreign languages include French and Spanish. Health, physical education, and computer classes are also available. There is no religious instruction at Escola Verbo. The school is accredited by AdvancED. It is the only school in Rio de Janeiro with an international school designation. This recognition comes from the Brazilian Ministry of Education.
Extracurricular activities are plentiful at Escola Verbo. Music, art, band, choir, and drama are offered. Students can participate in publications and service clubs. Honor societies like the National Honor Society are present.
EARJ sports teams compete in the Association of American Schools in Brazil. They participate in soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, and more. Academic teams compete in events like Knowledge Bowl and Model UN conferences.
The Gávea campus opened in 1971. It features eight towers on a large site. It is located near the Tijuca National Forest. This offers scenic views. The campus includes libraries, a gymnasium, and a MakerSpace laboratory. Music rooms, a cafeteria, and a 350-seat auditorium are available. Athletic facilities include playgrounds and indoor and outdoor courts.
The Barra Campus was established in 2014. It is in the heart of the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood. The campus has a modern building. It includes playgrounds, learning areas, and specialized rooms for music and art.
Students at Escola Verbo can participate in interscholastic competitions. They represent the EARJ Panthers. The EARJ Varsity Boys Basketball and Girls Volleyball teams are champions.
EARJ hosts events to celebrate cultural diversity. The International Day is the biggest. Other events include Halloween and the Walkathon Against Cancer. The school has an active Parent Teacher Association. It works with the school for the benefit of the EARJ community.
Many notable alumni have attended Escola Verbo. They include Ana Paula Pessoa and Jordana Brewster.