History and School Development
Nestled in a river valley surrounded by rolling hills some 47 miles from Sao Paulo (the world's third largest and still growing city) and 15 miles from Campinas, the cultural, business, and government center of the Campinas Region (one of the richest and fastest expanding regions of Brazil) lies the small city of Vinhedo. Nearby is one of South America's most important airports (the recently expanded Viracopos International) as well as two of the country's primary highways (Bandeirantes and Anhanguera).
In this pastoral but business-supporting setting, Vinhedo plays three roles. To some degree, it is a dormitory city for Sao Paulo and Campinas; in its own right, it is a peaceful home and work location; in addition, it has become a popular target for œPaulistanos (residents of Sao Paulo) for day and weekend visits, due to the excellent quality of life Vinhedo offers its residents and guests. Given its location, its facilities, and its inherent charm, Vinhedo (population 54,000) has increasingly become home to the families of multinational and national companies -- who demand top quality education for their children.
To meet this strongly growing demand, Sant'Anna American International School was founded in Vinhedo in 1988 with the clear objective of providing a first class standard and type of education that would serve the needs of its Brazilian and worldwide clientele. From the very start, the founding directors were aware that what was needed was not just œanother school, but a haven of learning and personal development that would equal the best available anywhere in providing not only the formal, academic requirements of student education but also a well-supported, student stimulating and motivating environment. Thus, in addition to academic excellence, four main principles govern the school: individual character development, world view, positive awareness of cultural variation, and lifelong respect for learning.
The 26,000 square meter school campus is near the downtown area of Vinhedo. It is housed in a spacious, historic structure which offers comfort, security, and a great many resources to enhance student learning and improvement:
