St Nicholas School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: BRL 94,500 - BRL 159,125
Curriculum: IB
Age Range: 1.5-18
Students: ~1,300
Location: Pinheiros, Sao Paulo
Updated April 2026
In Brief
St Nicholas is the IB purist's choice in Sao Paulo - it has offered nothing but the IB framework for over two decades, and the results bear that out. If your family values genuine linguistic diversity and a tight-knit community over a large campus, it is worth a visit before you default to Graded.
St Nicholas has occupied a specific niche in Sao Paulo for more than 60 years: an IB-only school in the Pinheiros neighbourhood that teaches to the full continuum from PYP through MYP to the Diploma. Authorised since 2000, the school has had time to bed in the programme properly, and the numbers reflect that - over 90% of diploma candidates pass, 87% earn bilingual diplomas, and the highest recorded score is 44 out of 45. Around 70% of graduates go to universities abroad. The 5:1 student-teacher ratio is one of the lowest in the city.
The multilingual dimension is not window dressing. Native-level instruction is available in English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish at IGCSE and Diploma level - a range you will not find at Graded or BCB. The student body reflects that breadth, and families describe the community as genuinely diverse rather than Anglo-American with a token international intake. The Pinheiros location is central, easy to reach from most parts of the city, and a comfortable neighbourhood for walking.
The trade-off is space. Pinheiros is a dense urban area and the campus reflects that - functional rather than expansive. Families used to the large, verdant campuses of Graded or Avenues will find St Nicholas more compact. Fees run from BRL 94,500 to BRL 159,125 per year depending on year group, putting it roughly in line with BCB. A second campus in Alphaville serves families based further west.
What parents value
- –90%+ IB Diploma pass rate and 87% bilingual diplomas over a sustained period - not a one-year anomaly. The school has been refining the same programme since 2000.
- –Native-level instruction in six languages including French, Japanese, and Korean. Few schools anywhere in Latin America offer this range within a single IB framework.
- –5:1 student-teacher ratio and a community-scale of around 1,300 students gives the school a personal feel that larger competitors cannot replicate.
Points of consideration
- –The Pinheiros campus is compact for an urban school - no large playing fields or sprawling sports facilities. Ask specifically about PE and outdoor space during your visit.
- –An IB-only school suits families committed to that pathway. If there is any chance you will need a US High School Diploma or British A-levels, St Nicholas cannot accommodate that.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny Tots / Nursery / Primary (Age 1.5-10) | 1 | NaN |
| Middle & Secondary Grade 6+ (Age 11-18) | 11 | NaN |
Fees converted from BRL. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Academic Results
| IB Diploma pass rate | 90%+ |
| Bilingual diplomas | 87% |
| Highest score | 44/45 |
Key results: IB Diploma pass rate 90%+, Bilingual diplomas 87%, Highest score 44/45.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a typical week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Sao Paulo's international schools draw families from across Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia. Contact the school for current enrolment and nationality breakdown.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for details.