We are an independent school, fostering each others individuality
English immersion
From the moment school starts up to the last bell of the day, students are immersed in an English-speaking environment. Portuguese and other languages are both taught and spoken, but the vast majority of our day-to-day is English-based.
Ample room to explore
We believe kids learn not only inside classrooms but also by exploring the world around them. For this reason we have built a school which values the environment and offers kids the opportunity to enjoy and learn from the nature that surrounds them.
Montessori pioneers
We’ve been implementing the Montessori Method for 23 years and counting. All of our Early Education staff are qualified Montessori teachers, and our environment has evolved throughout years to offer the ideal space for students to learn and grow by experience.
Tip Toe Discovery is a bilingual K-12 school teaching in English and Portuguese. We are located in Alphaville, a thriving residential and business community on the outskirts of the city of São Paulo, Brazil.
We pride ourselves in offering the Montessori Method as one of the cornerstones of our educational philosophy. Combined with our open school grounds we offer the perfect setting to enable your child to grow and reach their full potential.
How we got here
Tip Toe Discovery was founded by two sisters, Suzana and Vera, who based on their life experiences had a dream of combining the Montessori Method together with a bilingual education proposition.
In 1997 they opened Tip Toe - Alphaville’s Montessori School in a countryside residence and starting teaching English to their first five Early Education students.
As the years went by their approach gained recognition, and they continued expanding both the school grounds and the level of grades offered.
In 1999, their first students graduated to Elementary School. In 2013, Middle School was inaugurated, and in 2020 the school, now named Tip Toe Discovery, celebrated its first group of High School graduates.
With over twenty years of experience, we have created a truly unique environment. Our alumni have gone on to continue their pursuit of higher education in Brazil, the United States, Europe, and around the world.
The Montessori Method for Early Education
Our vision is to ensure that our students grow into respectful and highly regarded human beings. We foster self-confidence and offer an environment which guides students into becoming courteous individuals who will make important contributions to our world.
We use a methodology that encourages students to be receptive to new ideas; expanding their creativity and their eagerness to learn. We aim for the development of a solid foundation that enables students to become accomplished individuals.
FAQs
Do students speak English full-time?
All classes are taught in English, including music, computer science, and physical education. Classes such as Portuguese and BSS (Brazilian Social Studies) are taught in Portuguese.
Do younger students have time to play?
Early Education students have recreation throughout the day as a means to develop their gross motor skills. We believe that symbolic play is of upmost importance at this age. First and second years study halls are located close to the playground to provide children with more free time. The classes last about 45 minutes and, if teachers finish the content in advance, the students play in the remainder of the time until the beginning of the next class.
Does the tuition include food?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks are already included in the tuition. All meals are prepared and provided by the school’s nutrition team, and there is no need to bring any food from home.
What is the level of training of the teachers?
All teachers are graduated and speak English. Teachers until the fifth year are graduated in pedagogy.
Is the courseware already included in the price of the tuition?
There is an annual fee for school supplies, however, this purchase is carried out by the school. The child only needs to bring a backpack with hygiene belongings.
Are high school students prepared for the Brazilian university entrance exam (vestibular)?
Yes, our teachers have years of experience in Brazilian schools and extensive knowledge of the Brazilian university entrance exams. All teachers are instructed to use several preparatory exercises for these exams in the classroom. In addition, students have the option of remaining three extra hours in school during the week to obtain the Duo Diploma, an American and Brazilian diploma, at the end of high school.