International Schools

Academia Cotopaxi is a private, independent, coeducational day school which offers an American program of studies from preschool (beginning at 20 months) through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The School, founded in 1959, is located in the northern part of Quito. The academic year comprises two semesters extending from late August to mid- December and early January to mid-June. The School is governed by a 9-member Board of Director representing parents and teachers, all of whom are automatically members of the Cotopaxi Academy Cultural Association, the sponsoring body which owns and operates the School. The School is recognized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education. The curriculum is that of a U.S. college-preparatory school. The program is designed to meet the students’ intellectual, social, and psychological needs. Instruction is primarily in English, with Spanish taught both as a secondary and primary language. All subjects, other than Spanish classes, are taught in English. The staff includes a librarian, 2 guidance counselors, 3 learning disabilities teachers, 3 English-as-a-Second-Language specialists, a curriculum coordinator, a technology curriculum coordinator, a school psychologist, and a school nurse. The International Baccalaureate Diploma is offered in high school. The IB Primary Years Program (PYP) is offered at the elementary level. The School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is affiliated with the International Baccalaureate Office in Geneva. The School moved to the present, modern, 15-acre campus in 1991. The facilities include 64 classrooms; special facilities for preschool students; art rooms; a gymnasium; an enclosed heated pool; playing fields; an auditorium; 2 cafeterias; 4 science laboratories for biology, chemistry, and physics; and a music complex with band, orchestra, and vocal rooms. There are 4 computer centers. The library/media center, the heart of the school, is divided into elementary and secondary sections. The library consists of over 35,000 volumes and has CD-ROM resources linked through a fiber optic network.