Graded, American School of São Paulo

Sao Paulo, Brazil

About Graded: The American School of São Paulo is an independent, coeducational, not for profit American school that caters to pre-primary through to Grade 12 students.

School Mission: Inspire, Challenge, Succeed: Every student, every heart, every mind.

School Vision: Individuals empowered to reach their potential and positively impact the world.

Core Values: Intellectual curiosity, perseverance, respect, integrity and kindness.

Visit the school’s website for more details.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Highly recommend – although some people warn about safety in Sao Paolo our research indicates that the school is located in safe neighbourhood, offers a family-friendly lifestyle, great package and an excellent working environment for teaching families.

Overall compensation package rating

Salaries are paid in Brazilian real and are very generous for the region, with a good ability to save and still live comfortably. Bear in mind that taxes are 27.5%.

Tuition benefits

100% tuition coverage is offered for up to two to three dependent children (conflicting information found in our research – if you have personal experience with this school please get in touch with us).

Housing

Fully furnished housing is provided to teachers and their families as part of the teaching package. A utilities allowance is also included to help cover bills.

Flights

Annual flights are provided for teachers and their dependents.

Healthcare

Graded offers teachers worldwide medical insurance. This includes dental coverage and emergency out of country coverage.

Adjustment for kids

The school is home to over 1,300 students who come from around 40 different nationalities, although the majority of students are local. Over 60% of the staff are also international.

Average class sizes

Classes average 20 students across primary and secondary school. Post 16 classes are usually no more than 10 students.

Teaching experience required

Graded won’t hire teachers who don’t have teaching experience. The age limit for teachers at this school is 65 years.

Curriculum

American, International Baccalaureate

Retirement/pension benefits

A retirement benefit is included as part of the teaching package. Teachers are required to contribute 4% your salary, and the school puts in 8%.

School history & stability

The school was first established in 1920 and has a long history.

Graded (American School of São Paulo) – Additional Benefits

  • Relocating allowance beginning and end of contract
  • Settling in allowance
  • Life insurance
  • Long term disability coverage
  • Set PD budget
  • Bereavement and sick leave

What Teachers are Saying Online About Graded (American School of São Paulo)

Graded offers teachers a very good package and the full program of sports, activities and service for your kids to access. Everyone is super friendly and there is a great sense of community.

CURRENT TEACHER, GRADED

Sao Paolo is actually a really beautiful city and the school has awesome students and parents. The school itself is very progressive and it’s what you make it. It offers a great overall package with amazing facilities.

EX TEACHER AT GRADED

The students are very positive and engaging. They’re very interactive in class and I get a lot of joy teaching them. My colleagues are amazing and the admins are hardworking and supportive.

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, SAO PAULO
Aerial view of Pedra Bela with iconic hilltop cross in São Paulo, Brazil - you may see if it you work at Graded!
Lively street gathering in São Paulo, Brazil
Aerial view of São Paulo showcasing skyscrapers and the skyline under a blue sky - what you might expect if you choose to work at St Paul's School!

The teaching staff and administration are excellent at this school. If you’re an ‘average’ teacher who doesn’t go above and beyond be warned – you’ll probably be out of your league at Graded as they expect a lot of their teachers.

EX TEACHER, SAO PAULO

Graded is regarded as a dream school for anyone interested in South America. The campus is beautiful and the package lets you live a nice lifestyle. Brazil is lovely, I can’t recommend it enough – the travel opportunities are fabulous and your pay will go far.

CURRENT TEACHER AT GRADED

Moving with our two young boys to Graded has been the best decision our family has made. Our sons want to graduate here. We have a true community where it feels like home.
The administrators give me support when needed, I feel respected and I have autonomy in my role but always feel like I’m working with a team.
You can be professional and live an amazing life here.

CURRENT TEACHING FAMILY

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair to Poor – São Paulo is a big city, and there are certain parts of the city that can be dangerous. However if you live in expat friendly neighbourhoods near the school they are safe choices. Be smart when travelling around the city though and take precautions to stay safe.
  • Adaptability: Moderate – The local language is Portuguese and English isn’t widely spoken. So understanding some basic Portuguese will help with your transition. While the city is dynamic and vibrant, it can take a while to get used to Brazilian bureaucracy and service delays.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate to High – Local markets, street food and using public transport are affordable in São Paulo. But if you want to live a Western style lifestyle and live in expat-friendly neighbourhoods it can start to be expensive. That said, Graded pays a good salary that families should be able to live comfortably on.

General Overview for Teaching Families

Graded – The American School of São Paulo is one of the oldest and most prestigious international schools in Brazil. Founded in 1920, Graded offers an American-style curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Located in the Morumbi neighbourhood of São Paulo, the school serves around 1,300 students from approximately 40 nationalities.

Instruction at the school is primarily in English, with Portuguese also integrated into the curriculum. Students range from early childhood to Grade 12, and while the school isn’t academically selective, it maintains high academic standards and a strong track record in the IB.

Many teachers at the school come from the U.S., U.K., and other English-speaking countries. There are approximately 150 teachers on staff, and the school supports professional growth, innovation, and collaboration. The school year runs from August to June, and there is specific and allocated professional development funding available to staff.

Based on our research, the salary and benefits package at Graded is among the most competitive in South America. Teachers earn between USD $50,000–$68,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Savings can be anywhere from $25,000–$48,000 USD per year depending on your lifestyle. You’ll also receive fully furnished housing or a housing allowance, utilities support, worldwide health insurance that includes dental and life cover, and annual return flights for you and your family. There is also a generous retirement plan that includes employer-matching contributions.

São Paulo offers excellent restaurants, cultural events, parks, and a strong international expat community. Graded’s competitive salary, housing support, and benefits help make life in São Paulo comfortable and financially sustainable for teachers and their families.

Do you currently teach at Graded in Brazil? Please get in touch to let us know about your experience or complete our teacher survey to let us know more!

Latest from the Blog (For Teachers)