Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
585 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
13 |
| Most common nationality |
Brazilian |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1:20 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Not all of them. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Portuguese, Spanish |
| Max. number of students per class |
24 |
| Average number of students per class |
20 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
All students have their own Ipads(provided by the School) or computers, and we use different learning platforms. Students also have digital education and LEGO education classes in specific rooms. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, we already use them. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
We are a catholic School, but students of all different religions are accepted. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
They attend religion classes and services, but the catholic rituals like first communion and confirmation are not mandatory. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
MAP tests, AP (Advanced Program - College Board), Pre-SAT and SAT.
|
| Results in these examinations |
Our results are quite high in all of them. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
From 3 days to one week. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
Almost 100%. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
We have a Learning Resource Center with 10 members that give support to |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Students are assisted in the following areas: literacy, PFL (Portuguese as a Foreign Language), EFL (English as a Foreign Language and Special Needs. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes, from 2nd Grade onwards. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Students are given math, Portuguese and English tests. |
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Admissions are accepted all year round. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:00 |
| School finish time |
15:30 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
No, unless a student is enrolled in an After School Program activity. |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Sports, drama, capoeira, judo, ballet, modern dance, yoga, music. arts, among others. |
| Sports activities included |
Physical education (volleyball, football, basketball and cheerleading). |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, auditorium, science lab, maker space, LEGO Education space, studio, music room, art room, drama room. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Two courts and a smaller gym for young children. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Our Lady of Mercy School is a Catholic American School whose mission is to enable each student to achieve their full potential by providing an outstanding education in a supportive and safe learning environment. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence through enquiry, exchanging ideas and proposing solutions with their peers. |