Brazil's top ENEM schools are predominantly selective public institutions

Analysis of the 2025 ENEM results shows that all public schools ranking among the 30 highest‑scoring institutions use competitive admission processes. Twelve of these are military schools linked to the Armed Forces or state police, and the only public school without a selection exam is the Naval College in Angra dos Reis. Experts say such selection can exclude poorer and disabled students.

A separate list of the 50 schools with the highest ENEM averages is dominated by private institutions, with only two public schools (both university‑affiliated) among them. The data suggest that private schools may concentrate high‑performing students in select campuses, creating the impression of exceptional overall performance while mask broader enrollment trends.