For families moving to Florianópolis, or even for local residents seeking the best education, choosing a school is one of the most impactful decisions. The “Magic Island” offers a growing educational landscape, but the terms “international” and “bilingual” can be confusing.

This choice defines not only fluency in a second language but also the academic curriculum, teaching philosophy, and your child’s future opportunities.

This guide is designed to help you navigate this complex, high-stakes decision, detailing the differences, the leading schools, and where to live to ease your family’s logistics.

The Crucial Difference: International vs. Brazilian Bilingual Curriculum

The most important point to understand is that “international” and “bilingual” are not synonymous. The difference lies in the curriculum.

Bilingual School (Brazilian Curriculum – BNCC)

By law, a bilingual school in Florianópolis follows Brazil’s National Common Curricular Base (BNCC). The final diploma is the Brazilian high school certificate (Ensino Médio).

Bilingualism is applied through extended hours in the second language (usually English). Instead of just having “English class,” students take subjects like Science, Math, or Arts taught in English.

  • Best for: Families who want their children to be fully fluent in English but whose primary focus is on Brazilian universities (vestibular) and cultural integration in Brazil.
  • Examples in Floripa: Escola Dinâmica Bilíngue, Maple Bear Canadian School, Escola St. Patrick.

International School (Foreign Curriculum – IB, American)

An international school does not primarily follow the Brazilian curriculum. It is accredited by global organizations, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization or American educational boards (like AdvancED).

The curriculum is the same as schools in other countries, allowing a student to transfer easily. Many offer “dual certification,” validating the Brazilian diploma as well, but the focus is on preparation for universities abroad.

  • Best for: Expat families who may move again or Brazilian families whose primary goal is admission to international universities.
  • Examples in Floripa: Dual International School (IB World School), Escola Internacional de Florianópolis (EIF – American Curriculum).

A Profile of the Top Bilingual & International Schools in Florianópolis

Here is a breakdown of the most sought-after options on the island and mainland, based on the categories we’ve defined.

International Curriculum Options

  1. Dual International School:
    • Curriculum: This is the island’s premier IB World School. It offers the renowned International Baccalaureate program, plus dual (Brazilian) and American certification, resulting in a triple certification for graduates.
    • Location: Itacorubi neighborhood.
  2. Escola Internacional de Florianópolis (EIF):
    • Curriculum: EIF offers a robust hybrid model. It follows the Brazilian curriculum (BNCC) in one period and a full, internationally certified American curriculum in the other. It’s a full bilingual immersion with a strong international component.
    • Location: Trindade neighborhood.

Bilingual Curriculum Options (BNCC)

  1. Escola Dinâmica Bilíngue:
    • Curriculum: One of the most traditional bilingual schools, it follows the Brazilian curriculum (BNCC) and offers a High School Dual Diploma program (American) in partnership with foreign universities, making it an excellent “middle-ground” option.
    • Locations: It has several campuses, covering the entire island: Centro, Rio Tavares (South Island), Passeio Primavera / SC-401 (Access to North Island), and Jurerê.
  2. Maple Bear Canadian School:
    • Curriculum: Part of a famous global network, it uses Canadian bilingual immersion methodology. The curriculum is Brazilian (BNCC), but the pedagogical approach is entirely focused on immersion from a young age.
    • Locations: Also has multiple strategic campuses: Ilha (near Centro), Continente (Estreito/Coqueiros), and Norte da Ilha (North Island).
  3. Escola St. Patrick:
    • Curriculum: A bilingual school focused on Early Childhood and Elementary/Middle School (up to 9th grade). It follows the Brazilian curriculum with the distinction of “English every day” and full-time options.
    • Location: Centro neighborhood.

The Investment: Average Costs (Tuition) & Admissions

This is the most sensitive topic, as schools rarely disclose values openly and they change annually. The values below are estimates based on past data (c. 2018-2023) and may be outdated. Use them only as an initial reference.

  • Bilingual Schools (Preschool & Elementary): Tuition for half or full-day programs generally ranges from R$ 2,800 to R$ 4,500 per month.
  • Bilingual Schools (Middle & High School): Costs tend to increase, falling in the R$ 3,500 to R$ 6,000+ range.
  • International Schools (IB/American): Because they offer foreign certifications, they generally have a higher cost, which can significantly exceed the range of bilingual schools.

Admission Process: The admission process for most of these schools is selective and involves multiple steps:

  1. Online Application: Payment of an application fee.
  2. Visit/Interview: An interview with parents and, often, a “discovery day” or visit for the student.
  3. Assessment: Older students (Elementary onwards) typically undergo proficiency tests in Portuguese, Math, and English.
  4. Document Analysis: Submission of report cards and records from the previous school.
  5. Enrollment: After approval, the family is invited to complete the enrollment.

Where to Live: Neighborhoods Close to These Schools

Logistics in Florianópolis can be challenging. Choosing a neighborhood near the school is vital for quality of life.

1. Central Axis (Itacorubi, Trindade, Santa Mônica, Centro)

This is the “hub” for the main schools. Living here offers the best access to most options.

  • Schools Nearby: Dual International School (Itacorubi), EIF (Trindade), St. Patrick’s (Centro), Escola Dinâmica (Centro), Maple Bear (Ilha).
  • Recommended Neighborhoods: Itacorubi, Trindade, Santa Mônica, Córrego Grande, Agronômica, Centro.

2. North of the Island (SC-401, Jurerê)

For those who prioritize living near the northern beaches or in gated communities.

  • Schools Nearby: Escola Dinâmica (Passeio Primavera / Jurerê), Maple Bear (Norte).
  • Recommended Neighborhoods: Jurerê Internacional, Santo Antônio de Lisboa, Cacupé, João Paulo (for quick access to the SC-401 highway).

3. South of the Island (Campeche, Rio Tavares)

Ideal for those seeking a lifestyle more focused on nature and surfing, the South Island also has its elite option.

  • Schools Nearby: Escola Dinâmica (Rio Tavares).
  • Recommended Neighborhoods: Rio Tavares, Campeche, Novo Campeche.

4. Mainland (Estreito, Coqueiros)

Living on the mainland often offers a more affordable cost of living and quick access to the island (outside of peak hours).

  • Schools Nearby: Maple Bear (Continente).
  • Recommended Neighborhoods: Coqueiros, Estreito, Abraão.

What’s the Right Choice for Your Family?

The best school isn’t the most expensive or the most “international,” but the one that aligns with your long-term goals.

  • Choose an International School (like Dual or EIF) if your primary goal is to prepare your child for universities abroad and you need a global curriculum.
  • Choose a Bilingual School (like Dinâmica, Maple Bear, or St. Patrick’s) if your goal is total fluency in English, but with strong roots in the Brazilian curriculum and a focus on national universities (vestibulares), without closing the door to opportunities abroad (especially with Dual Diploma programs).