International Schools in Ecuador — The Complete Guide for Expat Families

Here is the uncomfortable truth that nobody in the Cuenca expat Facebook groups wants to say out loud: if you are moving to Ecuador with school-age children, Quito is almost certainly the better choice. Cuenca has the lifestyle, the weather, the walkability, the lower cost of living. But Quito has the schools. And when you have kids, school is not a nice-to-have — it is the single factor that determines whether your family's move succeeds or fails.

This guide covers every serious international and bilingual school option across Ecuador's three major cities, with real tuition numbers, curriculum details, and practical advice for navigating enrollment. If you are a retiree or moving without kids, you can skip this one. If you have children between 4 and 18, keep reading.

How Ecuador's School System Works

The Academic Calendar

Ecuador runs two different academic calendars based on region:

• Sierra and Oriente (highlands and Amazon): School runs from approximately September to late June/early July. This includes Quito and Cuenca.
• Costa and Galápagos (coast and islands): School runs from approximately April/May to January/February. This includes Guayaquil.

This means if you transfer a child between regions mid-year, the calendars do not align. Plan accordingly.

The Grading System

Ecuador uses a 10-point scale. Passing is typically 7/10. Schools report grades as: Domina los Aprendizajes (9–10), Alcanza los Aprendizajes (7–8.99), Próximo a Alcanzar (4.01–6.99), and No Alcanza (4 or below).

International schools often use their own grading systems (letter grades, percentage-based, IB scales) in addition to or instead of the Ecuadorian system, depending on their accreditation.

Legal Requirements

All schools in Ecuador — including international schools — must be registered with the Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación). Foreign students need a student visa or be dependents on a parent's residency visa. Most schools will help you navigate the paperwork. You will typically need:

• Apostilled transcripts from the previous school (translated into Spanish by a certified translator)
• Valid passport and visa documentation
• Vaccination records
• A cedula or visa processing receipt

Quito — The Clear Winner for International Education

Quito has the largest concentration of embassies, international organizations, and multinational companies in Ecuador. This has created genuine demand for world-class international education, and the supply has risen to meet it. If your priority is a school that could seamlessly transfer your child back into a competitive US, UK, or European school system, Quito is where you need to be.

Colegio Americano de Quito

The gold standard. Founded in 1940, the Colegio Americano is accredited by AdvancED (now Cognia) and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education. It offers an American curriculum from pre-K through 12th grade, with an IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma Programme in the final two years. Instruction is bilingual (English/Spanish), with the majority of academic content delivered in English.

Location: Cumbayá valley, about 25 minutes east of central Quito. Cumbayá has become the preferred residential area for expat families specifically because of school proximity.

Tuition: Approximately $800–1,200/month depending on grade level. There is also an enrollment fee (matrícula) that can run $1,500–3,000 for new students.

Student body: A mix of Ecuadorian upper-class families, embassy kids, and children of international business professionals. The expat percentage is significant.

What you should know: Waiting lists are real, especially for popular grade levels. Apply well in advance — ideally 6+ months before your planned move. Entrance exams and interviews are standard. The campus is modern, with strong athletics, arts, and extracurricular programs.

Academia Cotopaxi

The other premier international school in Quito. Cotopaxi was founded in 1959 as a cooperative school by the international community. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS) and offers the IB programme across all levels: PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme), and DP (Diploma Programme).

Location: Monteserrín neighborhood in northern Quito, with a shuttle system for students from various parts of the city.

Tuition: $700–1,000/month depending on grade level. Capital fee for new families can be $2,000–5,000.

Student body: Highly international — students from 50+ countries. This is the school that embassy families, UN staff, and NGO workers tend to choose. The diversity is a genuine strength.

What you should know: Smaller than Americano, which can be a plus (more individual attention) or a minus (fewer sports teams, smaller peer groups). Strong sense of community. Excellent college placement record, particularly for US universities.

Alliance Academy International

A Christian international school offering an American curriculum with an explicitly faith-based worldview. Accredited by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and Cognia.

Location: Northern Quito (Conocoto area).

Tuition: $500–800/month. Generally more affordable than Americano or Cotopaxi.

Student body: Mix of missionary families, Christian expats, and Ecuadorian families who want a values-based English-language education.

What you should know: If your family aligns with the Christian mission, this is an excellent and more affordable alternative to the secular international schools. Strong community, active parent involvement. Academics are solid — graduates attend US universities regularly.

Liceo Internacional

A well-established bilingual school (not to be confused with a fully "international" school in the American/British sense). Offers the Ecuadorian curriculum alongside IB, with strong English-language instruction.

Location: Northern Quito, San Isidro del Inca area.

Tuition: $300–600/month. Significantly more affordable than the American schools.

Student body: Predominantly Ecuadorian, with some expat families who want bilingual education at a lower price point.

What you should know: This is a good option if you want your child immersed in Ecuadorian culture with strong English instruction, rather than an American-style bubble. The IB programme is credible. But the overall experience is more "Ecuadorian bilingual school" than "international school."

British School Quito

UK curriculum (following the English National Curriculum and IGCSE/A-Level pathway). One of the few British-system options in the country.

Location: Northern Quito.

Tuition: $500–900/month depending on level.

What you should know: If you are from the UK or planning to send your child to a British university, this is the obvious choice. The A-Level pathway is well-recognized. Smaller than the American schools, with a more intimate feel.

Other Quito Options Worth Knowing

• SEK International School — part of a Spanish educational group, IB curriculum, $400–700/month
• Colegio Menor San Francisco de Quito — bilingual, well-regarded among Ecuadorian families, $400–700/month
• Tomás Moro — Jesuit school, bilingual, strong academics, $300–500/month
• Einstein School — German curriculum with bilingual instruction, $400–600/month

Cuenca — Limited but Improving

This is where the honest talk comes in. Cuenca is a wonderful city for retirees, couples, and remote workers. For families with school-age children who need English-language international education, the options are thin.

CEDFI (Centro Educativo de Formación Integral)

The most commonly recommended school for expat families in Cuenca. CEDFI is a bilingual (Spanish/English) school that follows the Ecuadorian curriculum with enhanced English instruction.

Location: Av. 24 de Mayo, south of the city center.

Tuition: $200–400/month depending on grade level.

What you should know: CEDFI is a good Ecuadorian bilingual school. It is not, however, an "international school" in the sense that Colegio Americano de Quito is. The primary language of instruction is Spanish with English classes. Your child will be immersed in Spanish, which can be a positive if that is what you want. The academic level is solid by Ecuadorian standards. Some expat families love it; others find the transition difficult for older children who do not speak Spanish.

Santana

A well-regarded private school popular with upper-class Cuencano families and some expats. Bilingual instruction.

Location: Av. del Estadio, south of the center.

Tuition: $250–450/month.

What you should know: Santana has a good reputation locally. Instruction is more Spanish-dominant than CEDFI. The social environment is predominantly Ecuadorian, which some expat parents view as a feature (cultural immersion) and others view as a challenge (limited English interaction outside of English class).

Unidad Educativa Bilingüe Interamericana (UEBI)

Another bilingual option, smaller and more intimate.

Tuition: $200–350/month.

Other Cuenca Options

• Verbo Cuenca — Christian bilingual school, $150–300/month
• Liceo Cristiano — evangelical, bilingual, affordable
• Local public schools — free, fully in Spanish (more on this below)

The Cuenca Reality Check

There is no school in Cuenca accredited by a US, UK, or international accrediting body (like Cognia, MSA, or CIS). There is no IB Diploma Programme school in Cuenca. If your teenager needs AP courses, IB exams, or a transcript that will be seamlessly recognized by competitive US or European universities, Cuenca cannot deliver this through its school system alone.

This is not a criticism of Cuenca's schools — they serve Ecuadorian students well. But they are not designed for families who plan to eventually repatriate or send children to selective English-language universities.

Workarounds Cuenca families use:

• Homeschooling (see below) combined with extracurricular activities at local schools
• Online American or British schools (accredited distance learning programs)
• Sending older children to board at international schools in Quito
• Accepting that younger children will adapt to Spanish-medium education and supplementing English at home

Guayaquil — Strong Options, Tough Climate

Guayaquil is hotter, more humid, and less popular with North American expats than Quito or Cuenca. But its international school options are solid, and the city's business community supports quality education.

Inter-American Academy

Guayaquil's equivalent of the Colegio Americano. American curriculum, accredited by Cognia, IB Diploma Programme available.

Location: Via a la Costa, a suburban area where many expat and upper-class families live.

Tuition: $600–1,000/month.

What you should know: Strong academics, good facilities, international student body. If you are in Guayaquil for work, this is the default choice for an English-language education.

Colegio Menor Guayaquil

Part of the same network as Colegio Menor in Quito. Bilingual, well-regarded.

Tuition: $300–500/month.

Other Guayaquil Options

• Colegio Americano de Guayaquil — bilingual, $400–700/month
• British School Guayaquil — UK curriculum, $400–700/month
• Colegio Alemán Humboldt — German curriculum with bilingual instruction

Costs Beyond Tuition

Tuition is the big number, but it is not the only number. Budget for these:

Expense	Typical Range
Enrollment/registration fee (matrícula)	$200–3,000 (one-time, varies wildly)
School uniforms	$100–250/year
Textbooks and materials	$100–400/year
School bus/transport	$50–120/month
Lunch program	$30–60/month (or pack lunch)
Extracurricular activities	$0–100/month
School trips	$20–200/year
Graduation fees (senior year)	$100–500

Total annual cost at a top Quito international school: $12,000–18,000 per child including all extras.

Total annual cost at a Cuenca bilingual school: $3,500–7,000 per child including all extras.

The price difference is significant, but so is the product.

The Language Factor

This is the most important decision you will make about your child's education in Ecuador, and it has nothing to do with school rankings.

Full Spanish immersion (local schools or Spanish-dominant bilingual schools): Your child will be uncomfortable for 2–3 months and fluent within a year. Children under 10 adapt with remarkable speed. Children 12+ have a harder time socially, though they still learn faster than adults. The upside is genuine bilingualism and deep cultural integration. The downside is academic disruption — a child who was a strong student in English may struggle to demonstrate their abilities in Spanish for the first semester.

English-dominant international schools: Your child continues their education with minimal disruption. They learn some Spanish but remain primarily in an English-speaking environment. The upside is academic continuity. The downside is they live in an English bubble and may not integrate into Ecuadorian culture as deeply.

What actually happens: Most expat families initially plan for immersion ("the kids will learn Spanish!") and then, after a difficult first month, switch to an international or bilingual school. This is fine. There is no wrong answer. Just be honest with yourself about your family's tolerance for disruption.

Age-based guidance:

• Ages 3–7: Full immersion works beautifully. Children this age absorb languages naturally. Even a local public school can work.
• Ages 8–11: Bilingual school is the sweet spot. They get Spanish immersion with English support.
• Ages 12–14: International school recommended unless the child is motivated and adaptable. Social dynamics at this age make a language barrier much harder.
• Ages 15–18: International school strongly recommended. These are transcript years, and academic continuity matters for university applications.

Homeschooling in Ecuador

Homeschooling is legal in Ecuador under the "educación en casa" provision. You must register with the Ministry of Education through a local school that serves as a supervisory institution (institución educativa de apoyo). The process involves submitting a curriculum plan and having the child evaluated periodically.

In practice: The expat homeschooling community in Ecuador is active and growing, particularly in Cuenca. Many families use US-based online curricula (such as those offered by accredited online schools) while supplementing with local activities, sports, and Spanish tutoring.

Cuenca homeschool resources:

• The expat homeschool community organizes meetups, co-op classes, and group activities. Find them through Facebook groups ("Homeschooling Cuenca Expats" and similar).
• Spanish tutoring is abundant and cheap — $8–15/hour for a private tutor.
• Local sports clubs, music schools, and art classes accept homeschooled children.
• The Cuenca library system and cultural centers offer free programming.

Quito homeschool resources:

• Larger community with more structured co-op options.
• More English-language extracurricular options available.

The biggest challenge: Socialization. If you homeschool, you need to proactively build a social life for your child. Ecuador's culture revolves around school communities — birthday parties, social groups, and friendships all flow through school connections. Homeschooled kids miss this unless parents actively create alternatives.

Local Public Schools

Ecuador's public education is free for all residents, including children of foreign residents with valid visas. The quality is decent in major cities — Ecuador has invested significantly in education infrastructure over the past 15 years, building new "unidades educativas del milenio" (millennium schools) with modern facilities.

What to expect:

• All instruction in Spanish
• Class sizes of 30–40 students
• School hours typically 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Uniforms required
• Generally solid instruction in math, science, and Spanish language arts
• English instruction exists but is often basic
• No electives in the American sense — the curriculum is standardized nationally

Who this works for: Families committed to full immersion, particularly with younger children (under 10). Some adventurous expat families have had excellent experiences in public schools — their children became fully bilingual and made lifelong Ecuadorian friends. Others found the adjustment too difficult, particularly for older children.

Cost: Free tuition. Budget $50–100/year for uniforms and materials.

University Education

A quick note for families thinking long-term.

Ecuador has free public universities for citizens and permanent residents. The top public institutions — Universidad Central del Ecuador, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, and Universidad de Cuenca — are academically rigorous, particularly in engineering, medicine, and law. Admission is competitive and based on the SENESCYT exam (national standardized test).

Private universities cost $2,000–8,000/year — dramatically less than US tuition. Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is widely considered the best private university in the country, with tuition around $6,000–8,000/year. Universidad del Azuay in Cuenca is well-regarded regionally.

For families considering having their child attend university in Ecuador, a secondary education in the Ecuadorian system (or IB diploma) is the most direct path.

The Quito vs. Cuenca Decision for Families

This is the section that generates angry emails, but it needs to be said plainly.

Choose Quito if:

• Your children are 12+ and need English-language, internationally accredited education
• You plan to send your children to US, UK, or European universities
• You want a large international student community where your child is not the only foreigner
• You value extracurricular breadth (sports leagues, theater, debate, Model UN)
• You or your partner work for an international company, embassy, or NGO

Choose Cuenca if:

• Your children are under 10 and you want full or partial Spanish immersion
• You plan to homeschool and want a lower cost of living
• You prioritize lifestyle, safety, and walkability over school options
• Your children will attend university in Ecuador
• You are comfortable supplementing with online or distance learning programs

The Cumbayá factor: Most expat families in Quito settle in the Cumbayá or Tumbaco valley east of the city, not in central Quito. This suburban valley has a completely different feel from the dense, high-altitude capital — it is warmer, greener, quieter, and centered around family life. The major international schools are all within a 15-minute drive. Rent runs $600–1,200/month for a house, which is more than Cuenca but less than you might expect. Many families who arrive thinking "definitely Cuenca" end up in Cumbayá once they research school options.

Enrollment Timeline

For top international schools, do not wait until you arrive in Ecuador.

12+ months before move: Research schools, contact admissions offices, request information packets.

6–9 months before: Submit applications, schedule entrance assessments (many can be done remotely), pay enrollment deposits.

3–6 months before: Apostille and translate transcripts and records from your child's current school. The apostille process takes time — do not leave this until the last month.

1–2 months before: Confirm enrollment, arrange uniforms, coordinate transportation, attend orientation (virtual or in-person).

Upon arrival: Complete final registration with original documents, attend parent orientation, and help your child through the first week — which will be the hardest.

The Bottom Line

Education is the one area where Ecuador's cost advantage does not fully apply. You can live beautifully in Cuenca for $2,000/month, but if you need to send two children to a Quito international school, add $2,000–3,000/month for tuition and transport alone. Factor that into your budget before you move.

The good news: even the most expensive international school in Ecuador costs less per year than a single semester at many US private schools. And for families willing to embrace bilingual education or homeschooling, the cost drops to near zero while giving children something no money can buy — genuine bilingualism and a second cultural identity.

For families considering the move, start with the school decision. Everything else — which city, which neighborhood, what budget — flows from there.

For more on the cities, see our Cuenca vs. Quito guide for expats. For visa information that makes the move possible, visit EcuaPass.