The American School of Quito opened
its doors on October 14, 1940 to 162 students, offering
a non-sectarian education based on the teaching of democratic
values. The school’s founders, Galo Plaza Lasso
and Boaz Long, the representative of the United States
Government in Ecuador at that time, initated a long
relationship between these two countries by educating
future leaders in the prinicples of equality, active
participation, freedom of expression and mutual respect.
The founders of our school lived in a time characterized
by the fascist movements in Europe. They had a vision
of educating the youth of Ecuador in democratic values
knowing these students would become the future leaders.
This vision can be evidenced in the long list of outstanding
graduates that have been leaders in politics, finances,
industry, law, medicine, education, journalism among
other areas
Throughout
its history, the students and staff of the American
School have been recognized both nationally and internationally
for their accomplishments in many different arenas,
educational, sports and cultural. Today, the American
School has 2,240 students from Pre-Kindergarten to Twelfth
Grade. Among these students are the children and grandchildren
of our founding families. Currently the school is co-educational,
non-religious and is a non-profit foundation. It is
accredited by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools) and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education
and Culture. Additionally, it is recognized by the International
Baccalaureate Organization and offers both I.B. Programmes:
Middle Years and Diploma. Our graduates can obtain three
diplomas: a high school diploma accredited in the United
States, the Ecuadorian Bachillerato Unico and the I.B.
Diploma.
The original vision and philosophy
of the school have been maintained over the years and
are evident in our mission:
"To
educate with excellence, in an environment of liberty,
responsibility, and democracy, well-rounded human beings
with integrity, committed to their well-being, that
of society, and the environment."
The American School of Quito celebrates
its 70 years with a history full of
remarkable people and extraordinary accomplishments
that often mirror national events and hopefully reflect
a vision of the future.
