It means that Beacon will now have an additional partner in its ownership structure, alongside founders Luciana Leite and Maria Eduarda Sawaya. This will help strengthen the school and expand opportunities for international development and exchange for both students and teachers.

This decision emerged from a reflection on the school’s future: how to ensure its longevity, preserve the strength of what we have built, and continue to innovate and evolve with the same sense of purpose. We sought an international partner whose values align with Beacon’s—one that can walk alongside us and contribute to our ongoing development, with a strong focus on placing students at the center.

Beacon is a life project that we envisioned more than 15 years ago. We are taking this step because we are absolutely convinced that it is the best path for the school and, above all, for our students.

Affinitas Education is an international education institution headquartered in London, working in partnership with 29 outstanding bilingual and international schools across Europe and the Americas.

Its model is based on a long-term vision: supporting well-established schools and making them even stronger by promoting the exchange of experiences and access to a global network of educators and students. Most importantly, Affinitas respects the identity and culture of each partner school.

In addition, during the week of May 18, Affinitas’ leadership will be in Brazil for an initial meeting with Beacon’s Board and will be available to speak with families who are interested. We will soon send an invitation for families to register for these meetings.

Affinitas stood out because of its alignment with Beacon’s values and, above all, its respect for the autonomy of its partner schools. Its model recognizes that each school is unique, and that its success is directly linked to local leadership and the consistency of its pedagogical project.

In Affinitas, we found the ideal partner to strengthen what makes Beacon distinctive and bring new perspectives, without changing what has always been fundamental to us: keeping the student at the center of every decision.

No. The founders Luciana Leite and Maria Eduarda Sawaya will remain as partners and in the school’s leadership, as will the entire current team, including the Head of School Elizabeth Sutherland, the Deputy Head Lais Carvalho, and all coordinators and teachers.

There will be no new professionals involved in Beacon’s day-to-day operations.

For students, the partnership means access to new international opportunities, such as exchange programs and projects involving the sharing of experiences among partner schools in the Americas and Europe.

The partnership will also broaden learning resources and opportunities, while strengthening university guidance, with greater exposure to possibilities in Brazil and abroad.

Beacon’s collaboration with partner institutions expands the school’s repertoire and adds further strength to its ability to continuously offer students an educational experience of excellence.

Beyond the benefits listed above, which will be built together with Affinitas, there will be no changes for students in relation to Beacon’s curriculum, the number of teachers per class, school routines, or our culture.

For teachers and teams, the partnership will contribute to the continuous improvement of pedagogical practices and professional development.

This includes expanded access to international training programs, workshops, and the exchange of experiences among educators from different schools.

No. Beacon will continue with the same pedagogical project that guides its educational proposal.

We remain committed to offering an international education with a Brazilian identity, in a welcoming, respectful, and academically challenging environment.

Beacon’s values, culture, and Brazilian DNA will remain exactly the same.

The education of students as critical, curious individuals prepared for the challenges of the world is built precisely on valuing culture, diversity, and national references, in dialogue with a global perspective.

Yes. Beacon will remain an IB World School, offering the PYP, MYP, and DP programmes, always integrated with the national curriculum and following the Brazilian school calendar.

The IB is an important pillar of Beacon’s educational project and will continue to be so.

Affinitas complements this dimension by promoting more direct and frequent exchange among partner schools and their communities, with collaboration among educators and the joint development of pedagogical initiatives.

This combination expands learning and development possibilities, connecting what Beacon already does with new international experiences and perspectives.

No. Beacon’s tuition policy remains unchanged. As has always been the case, future adjustments will be made responsibly, taking into account the school’s planning and the economic context.

No. The purpose of the partnership is not to promote restructuring. On the contrary, it was designed to strengthen Beacon’s educational project and support its sustainable growth.

Beacon remains committed to the quality of its education, and this is directly connected to valuing its teachers and staff, who are a central part of what we have built.

Recent investments have already defined the school’s planned capacity. The focus remains on the quality of the educational experience, not on increasing the number of students.

The existing governance model, with the Board of Directors and supporting committees, will not change. With Affinitas joining as a partner, it will naturally become part of this governance structure, alongside the current members.

Day-to-day management, as well as pedagogical and operational decisions, will remain under the responsibility of the school’s current leadership team.

International teachers have always been able to join Beacon’s faculty. With the arrival of Affinitas, the school will be better positioned to meet any international recruitment needs that may arise.

No. On a day-to-day basis, the school’s routine will continue to be led by the Beacon team, and the exchange with Affinitas will take place in a complementary way.

No. No changes to the student admissions process are planned as a result of the partnership.

With the partnership, we will expand our infrastructure investments, building on those already announced for 2027, such as the opening of the Middle School building and the Science and Technology Hub.

The partnership with Affinitas does not change the Institute’s operations or its existing programs — Beija-flor, Jatobá, and Semear — which remain a fundamental part of Beacon’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social transformation through education.