Welcome to the American School of Quito!
“The American School of Quito was founded on the idea that students should develop the skills needed to be leaders and live democracy: to express their opinions, participate, and be heard. A school where sports, art, music, and science labs were just as important as learning English — which became a gateway to new opportunities. A place where democracy was practiced in everyday life and leadership was a natural part of education.
Since then, the American School of Quito has been a school that dares to be different and paves the way forward.
Today, 85 years later, we continue to be committed to an education that combines knowledge, character, and service. We strive to form young people of integrity and values, who find balance in their lives, care for society and the planet, and have the courage to pursue their dreams.”
Cristina Pachano
DIRECTOR GENERAL
A History Committed to Educational Leadership
The school's foundation was initiated in 1939 by Galo Plaza Lasso, President of the Republic of Ecuador and later General Secretary of the Organization of American States (OAS), together with Mr. Boaz Long, representative of the Government of the United States in Ecuador. A group of Ecuadorian families, US diplomatic mission families, as well as others from multinational companies joined in this process. These families were interested in founding a school based on the American model. In which race and religion were not impediments to learning, since the only options at the time were Roman/Catholic School or the German School. By October 14, 1940, the American School of Quito opened its doors to 162 students.
At the beginning, a cooperative of parents was formed that later was replaced by the Foundation in 1988. AdvancED accredited the school in 1948, obtaining the category of “experimental” from the Ministry of Education in 1948, 1985, and finally in 1994.
Academic Growth and Excellence
The International Baccalaureate Program was implemented in 1990. Currently, the American School of Quito offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, Middle Years Program, and Diploma Program. The school has served its students in three different buildings and moved to its current facilities in 1983.
