Canadian education in Brazil's wine country.

A Canadian school in the Serra Gaúcha.

If your family is moving to — or already living in — Bento Gonçalves, the capital of Brazilian wine in the Serra Gaúcha highlands of southern Brazil, you have exactly one option for a Canadian education: us. Maple Bear Bento Gonçalves is the only Canadian school in the city, operating since 2025 just minutes from the Vale dos Vinhedos, the country's most celebrated wine region.

We are part of Maple Bear Global Schools, a network of more than 600 schools in over 30 countries built on the methodology of the Canadian education system — consistently ranked among the world's best in PISA and OECD assessments. Wherever your family goes next, a Maple Bear education travels with your child.

True English immersion, fully accredited in Brazil.

At Maple Bear, English is not a subject — it is the language of the classroom. Children spend their day immersed in English through Canadian-trained teachers, play-based inquiry, songs, stories and projects, while also developing full literacy in Portuguese. The result is functional bilingualism: children who think, play and make friends in two languages.

At the same time, our program is fully aligned with the BNCC, Brazil's national curriculum framework. That means your child receives an internationally recognized Canadian methodology and a complete, accredited Brazilian education — no gaps, no catch-up needed if your family relocates within Brazil or returns home.

Programs by age.

Why international families choose us.

• Continuity: a global network means your child can transition between Maple Bear schools across 30+ countries.
• English-speaking staff: tours, admissions and day-to-day communication are available in English.
• Soft landing: for children arriving from abroad, the bilingual classroom eases the move into Brazilian life while keeping English alive every day.
• Quality of life: Bento Gonçalves combines the safety and charm of a mid-sized wine-country town with strong schools, healthcare and an exceptional food and wine scene.
• Canadian methodology: inquiry-based learning, continuous qualitative assessment, and integrated social-emotional education.

Many of our families work in the wine, furniture and technology industries that make this region one of southern Brazil's most dynamic. Some are returning Brazilians; others are arriving for the first time. All of them find a school that speaks their language — literally.

Visit us.

The best way to understand Maple Bear is to see it. We welcome visiting families year-round for a personal tour of the school, the classrooms and the program — in English, if you prefer. Enrollment details, including tuition, are presented personally during your visit, so we can tailor everything to your child's age and your family's plans.

You'll find us at Alameda Fenavinho 168, Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brazil — a few minutes from the entrance to the Vale dos Vinhedos. The fastest way to reach us is WhatsApp: +55 54 99931-5480. Just say hello in English and our team will take it from there.