Colegio Americano de Guayaquil

"Colegio Americano de Quito is a private college preparatory school located in Quito, Ecuador, with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and international education."

Founded in 1940 by Galo Plaza Lasso — who would later serve as both President of Ecuador and President of the Organization of American States — and Boaz Long, the school carries a distinguished heritage rooted in the vision of cross-cultural understanding and rigorous academic preparation. That founding spirit continues to shape the school's identity today, making it one of the most established international schools in the country. The school offers an internationally recognized curriculum through the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, delivering both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The PYP provides younger students with an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary approach to learning that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of global citizenship from an early age. At the upper end of the school, the IB Diploma Programme prepares students for university entrance on an international stage, offering a challenging and well-respected qualification recognized by leading universities around the world. Families considering a school that combines academic rigor with a globally minded philosophy will find the IB framework here a compelling fit. Instruction is delivered in both English and Spanish, reflecting the school's unique position as a bridge between Ecuadorian culture and the wider international community. This bilingual environment is a significant draw for expatriate families and relocating professionals, as it ensures students maintain and develop strong English-language skills while also gaining genuine fluency and cultural grounding in Spanish — an invaluable asset for students who will go on to live and work in Latin America or beyond. Situated in Quito, one of South America's most historically and culturally rich capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage city, the school benefits from an inspiring setting that reinforces its international outlook. Quito's growing expatriate community means that Colegio Americano draws students from a diverse range of national and cultural backgrounds, creating a student body that reflects the kind of global diversity that enriches classroom discussions and prepares young people for an interconnected world. For expat families and relocating professionals, Colegio Americano de Quito offers something relatively rare: a school with deep historical roots in its community, a genuinely bilingual environment, and an internationally portable curriculum. The combination of the IB framework, English and Spanish instruction, and a founding mission oriented toward international cooperation and college preparation makes this school a strong candidate for families seeking continuity of high-quality education during a relocation to Ecuador. Parents interested in learning more or arranging a visit can reach the school by phone at +5930958670300 or through the school's website at colegioamericano. edu. ec.