The objectives of this study are: (1) evaluate and compare the values of self-esteem in the different stages of adolescence (early adolescence, middle adolescence and final adolescence) and (2) verifying the existence of differences in self-esteem of adolescents by gender, social context, intention of enter a higher education and sport practice. The instruments used in this investigation were a Sociodemographic Questionnaire and the Escala de Auto-Apreciação Pessoal ou Auto-Estima (Ribeiro, 2003). A sample of 360 adolescents between 12 and 17 years old was collected. The results suggest that the adolescents with higher self-esteem are older, male, from the urban context and attend the 11th grade and practiced sport.