More than a school – a life project.
We asked our community: “Why did you choose PASB for your children?”
For most families, PASB represents more than just a school—it’s a life project. They saw the opportunity to give their children a well-rounded education that goes beyond academics, focusing on knowledge, skills, and values (conceptual learning, competency development, and character building).
Some parents had initial doubts, as PASB has always stood out from other local schools during its more than 60-year history. But once they got to know the school, they fell in love. Our authenticity is lived out in many ways—one of the most meaningful is our strong culture of collaboration, both with people and society.
This spirit has been part of our identity since the beginning. PASB was founded by international families who believed that contributing to society should be at the heart of their children’s education.
That’s what it means to belong to a world without borders.
International School
PASB is a member of several international school associations around the world. Our students benefit from the exchange of best practices in global education, such as:✪ Holistic Child Education
Education focused on the development of the individual as a whole. Students are encouraged and guided to become experts and the protagonists of their own learning journeys.
✪ Digital Fluency
A Google reference school; the student acquires knowledge for the instrumental and conscious use of technology; familiarity with the Maker Culture and the possibility of developing projects in MakerSpaces.
✪ Future Fluency
Development of essential skills to deal with the exponential speed of changes, including critical thinking, creativity, complex problem solving, cognitive flexibility, decision making, empathetic leadership, and more.
✪ 3 C’s Based Education
Conceptual Learning, Competency Learning, Character Learning – education based on understanding concepts, building skills and competencies, and strengthening core values to develop character.
✪ International Mindedness
An inclusive mindset, which works towards full development of autonomy and purpose.
We are not a commercial school.
We are a parent association.
PASB is more than a school, it's a community of knowledge led by a parent association. We seek to open a world of unlimited possibilities for our children through a truly international education.
We are raising people who are capable of being the authors of their own stories, which start here, from ages 2 to 18.
Early Childhood Center – Pre K-2, Pre K-3, Pre K-4, and Kindergarten
Elementary School – Years 1 through 5
Middle School – Years 6 through 8
High School – Years 9 through 12
Three Diplomas
Being a global citizen not only means possessing language and cultural skills. You also need the opportunity to decide where you want to build your storyAt PASB, our students have access to three diplomas: the Brazilian Ensino Médio Diploma, the American Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is a rigorous university preparatory program at an advanced level, which prepares students to succeed at the university level and in life. The program is designed for highly motivated students and is offered during the last two years of High School. At the same time, it also allows students to meet the requirements of the national educational system and the regulations established by the Brazilian Ministry of Education – MEC. This diploma is accepted for admission to several Brazilian universities and other universities worldwide.
🎖️International Baccalaureate (IB DP)
🎖️American High School Diploma
🎖️Brazilian Ensino Médio Diploma (MEC)
About the IB Program
PASB is one of the IB world schools, authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for Years 11 and 12, and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) from Pre K-3 to Year 5. This authorization is granted to schools which offer rigorous, challenging, and differentiated IB educational programs.
Message from the Superintendent
Dear PASB Families,
Welcome to the Pan American School of Bahia! Whether this is your first year with us or you’ve been part of the community for some time, I’m honored to join you as PASB’s new superintendent.
Since 1960, PASB has stood as a beacon of international education in Salvador, rooted in a spirit of curiosity, excellence, and connection. We are proud to serve a dynamic student body, and we believe deeply in the power of education to shape not only future scholars but also engaged, compassionate human beings. Across all divisions, from Early Childhood through Year 12, you’ll find a learning environment that is both rigorous and caring, global in scope and deeply personal in approach.
Our school is accredited by both the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Brazilian Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), and we are proud to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) as the capstone of a college-preparatory curriculum designed to open doors to universities around the world. But more importantly, we want our students to become lifelong learners and thoughtful citizens, prepared to lead with integrity.
As I step into this role, I bring with me a deep respect for the school’s legacy and an eagerness to listen, learn, and grow alongside our students, staff, and families. My family and I have already experienced the warmth of this remarkable community, and I look forward to meeting you in the days ahead.
Dr. Stephen BigelowSuperintendent
Teaching and Learning Team
- Mrs. Letícia Daza
Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning
l.daza@pasb.com.br - Ms. Maria Camogli
Teaching and Learning Strategic Lead
m.camogli@pasb.com.br
Language – More Than Bilingual: Living English in a Multicultural EnvironmentAt PASB, English is more than a subject—it’s part of everyday life. As our official language, all classes across all grade levels and subjects are taught in English. The only exceptions are Brazilian History and Geography (Secondary School), Spanish (Secondary), and Portuguese (ECC, Elementary, and Secondary).
Students are encouraged to use English beyond the classroom as well, engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds in a multicultural setting. In this way, they don’t just learn the language—they live it, connecting with the world through meaningful, everyday experiences.
- School Routine - Immersion in an active knowledge community
The school calendar consists of 200 days, including a number of academic, cultural, and sporting events held on Saturdays fulfilling both Brazilian and U.S. requirements.
Based on a North-American school calendar, the academic year begins in early August. The first semester lasts until mid-December and the second semester goes from late January until mid-June.
For the Early Childhood students, classes start punctually at 7:45 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m., with the option of extracurricular activities and sports from 2:40 to 3:20 p.m., from Monday to Thursday.
For Elementary School students, classes start punctually at 7:45 a.m. and end at 2:50 p.m., from Monday to Friday. The afterschool program is offered from Monday to Thursday, from 2:50 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For the older students in Middle and High School, the classes start punctually at 7:45 a.m. and end at 3:15 p.m., from Monday to Friday. The sports program is offered until 6 p.m.
- Service Learning – Becoming Agents of Change
At PASB, we believe that education is not only about academic success, but also about shaping responsible, compassionate citizens.
Our culture of collaboration—with each other and with society—goes back to our roots. PASB was founded by foreign families who believed in the importance of giving back and making a difference. That spirit lives on today through our Service Learning program.
From an early age, students participate in community projects that help them understand their role as changemakers. Service is woven into the fabric of who we are at PASB. This is what it truly means to belong to a world without borders.
Our History
1960School was founded, Campo Grande campus.
- 1967
School families gathered for a General Assembly to establish the “Pan American School Association” and founded the school.
- 1971/1972
Goes & Gantois, Alec Watson, Tex Hargon, Boll Born, Maury Lane, and Hermete Frignani, donated more than twelve thousand square meters of land for the construction of a new school building.
- 1972
Funds were raised for the construction of the new campus.
- 1973
Patamares Campus was under construction.
- 1973
Last class graduates on the Campo Grande campus.
- 1974
The school was officially transferred to the new campus in Patamares.
- 1977
New High School building constructed.
- 1978
The first student to have spent an entire academic career at PASB graduated.
- 1980-1983
Under the direction of Mr. David Marston, new chemistry and physics laboratories were built along with an art room.
- 1982
The indoor Sports Court was built.
- 1985/1986
The school celebrated its Silver Jubilee (25th anniversary).
- 1997
Inauguration of the school’s pool.
- 2010/2011
PASB celebrated its 50th anniversary.
- 2012
PASB is authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, becoming an IB World School.
- 2014
The Early Childhood campus (PASBinha) is inaugurated.
- 2017
PASB starts the process of authorization for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB).
- 2019
PASB gets full authorization for the Primary Years Programme (PYP).
- 2021
New Campus Project - created by Perkins&Will, who have vast experience in the idealization of inspiring and innovative educational environments, with projects in the U.S., Canada, and China.
