private school, colegio privado, QuiƩnes somos

Explore Our World

Academia Cotopaxi: Shaping Global Education in Quito for Over Six Decades.
private school, colegio privado, QuiƩnes somos

High Quality Learning at Academia Cotopaxi

We believe that exceptional learning begins with a clear, shared vision. Together, our entire staff co-constructed a High-Quality Learning statement, built around five essential dimensions that guide our daily practices:

private school, colegio privado quito ecuador

Genuine Belonging developing positive identities

Equitable Access ensuring gateways to essential knowledge and skills.

Agency and Ownership empowering engagement

Meaningful Connections & Assessment creating opportunities to deepen understanding

Productive Struggle challenging and supporting a growth mindset

INNOVATIVE EDUCATION

Mission: Our learning community inspires all students to shape their lives as principled, skillful, and appreciative contributors to the world

PASSIONATE LEARNERS

Core Values: We strive for excellence with integrity, respect, responsibility, and empathy

SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Mission Impacts: All students engage in the pursuit of personal purpose. Each student pursues meaningful and positive action in the community

GLOBAL CITIZENS

Strategic Direction: We will develop a learning model that is aligned with our mission. We will develop a sustainable business model that supports our learning model

Our story Academia Cotopaxi

1959

Foundation:

Academia Cotopaxi was established in response to the needs of the American community in Quito, providing education that meets U.S. standards.
1968-1969

Expansion:

The school builds a three-story building under the leadership of Felda Hockstetler, accommodating up to 350 students.
1977

Revitalization:

Donald A. Fournier revitalizes the school, facing challenges ā€“ By the end of his tenure in 1991, enrollment had surged to 670 students.
1981

U.S. School Accreditation:

Academia Cotopaxi receives an excellent rating from SACS accreditation review team, reflecting its high standards in education.
1982

Introduction of the IB Diploma:

The school becomes the first in Ecuador to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a significant academic milestone.
1990

New Campus:

With help from the U.S. government, the school moves to its current campus in MonteserrĆ­n, expanding its facilities and capacity.
1994 - 1995

Enrollment Growth:

Enrollment steadily increases, reflecting school’s evolving reputation and appeal.
2004

Launch of IMAGINE:

The bilingual preschool opens, starting with 40 children and expanding rapidly due to high demand, emphasizing early childhood education.
2005

IB Primary Years Programme:

Academia Cotopaxi becomes the first school in Ecuador to offer the PYP, enhancing its commitment to comprehensive international education.
2006

Infrastructure Development:

Significant improvements are made, including renovations to science labs, a new sports complex, and upgraded facilities.
2013

International Student Body

The school serves 550 students, including those in IMAGINE, with 60% local students and 40% representing over 30 nationalities.

2021

Hybrid Learning Innovations:

Development and implementation of a hybrid model combining in-person and online instruction, ensuring flexibility and continuous learning.
2023

STEM Excellence Center:

Opening of a center dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, supporting student interests in these critical areas.
2024

Introduction of CASEL framework:

Introduction of comprehensive social-skills programs focusing on students’ mental and physical health, preparing them for personal and social well-being.

Meet our Board of Trustees Governance

Academia Cotopaxi is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees. The Director, reporting to the Board, collaborates with the administrative team to fulfill our mission, strategic plan, and core values.

1 Member appointed by the U.S. Embassy of Quito.

6 Members elected by the American School Association of Academia Cotopaxi:

4 serve three-year terms.
2 serve two-year terms for smooth transitions.

2 Faculty Members elected by the Association, serving one-year terms.

The Board, in partnership with the school administration, values transparent and constructive input from our community. For questions or concerns about Strategic or Governance-related topics, please contact us at board@cotopaxi.k12.ec.

Our Academic Approach

At Academia Cotopaxi, every child is at the heart of our learning journeyā€”from their very first steps at IMAGINE to the proud moment they graduate from high school. Our future-driven program empowers them to grow, thrive, and shape the world ahead.

Explore our learning program