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
Our History
1960The school is founded in Campo Grande.
- 1967
The school’s founding families form a General Assembly to establish the “Pan American School of Bahia Association” (Associação Escola Pan Americana).
- 1971/1972
The Goes and Gantois families, together with Alec Watson, Tex Hargon, Bill Born, Maury Lane, and Hermete Frignani, donate an area of over 12,000 square meters to build a new campus in Patamares.
- 1972
The school raises funds for the construction of the new campus.
- 1973
Patamares Campus under construction.
- 1973
Last senior class to graduate in the Campo Grande Campus.
- 1974
The school is officially relocated to the Patamares Campus.
- 1977
New high school building under construction.
- 1978
The first student to spend his entire academic journey at the Pan American School of Bahia graduates.
- 1980-1983
Under Mr. David Marston's leadership, a new art classroom, a covered sports area, and chemistry and physics labs are built.
- 1982
A structure is built to cover the sports court.
- 1985/1986
The school celebrates its Silver Jubilee (25th anniversary) with a series of activities, including a play depicting the school’s founding, an anniversary party for the entire school, and a reception at the end of the year.
- 1997
A semi-Olympic pool, built with funds donated by PASB families, opens to the school community.
- 2010/2011
The school celebrates its 50th anniversary.
- 2012
The school is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), becoming an IB World School.
- 2014
The Early Childhood Center (PASBinha) officially opens. The first class to complete the IB Diploma Programme graduates.
- 2017
The school begins the authorization process to offer the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).
- 2019
The school is authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP).
- 2021
The school enlists Perkins&Will, a company experienced in designing inspiring and innovative educational spaces, to create the New Campus Project.
- 2023
The ECC Library opens to the school community — a welcoming space for young readers, built with funds donated by families and staff.
- 2024
The first phase of the New Campus Project — the Community Hub — is concluded. It houses a Cafeteria/Auditorium, a Black Box, a new Gymnasium, a Music Room with a studio, two MakerSpaces, one Media Lab, and a Multipurpose Room.
