Academia Cotopaxi American International School

The Counseling Department provides professional, consistent, and student-centered care. It is led by the school Psychologist and Head Counselor, Tania Espinosa del Durán-Ballén, and is aligned with international best practices. The department supports student well-being across all divisions. It uses a comprehensive social-emotional learning (SEL) approach that includes group and grade-level lessons and support, individual counseling sessions, family guidance and support, parent and community education opportunities, and teacher training and collaboration. The program integrates SEL into the school culture to support students' social and emotional development.

The Learning Support Program serves students from 12 months through Grade 12. It provides support for mild and moderate learning needs, and for a limited number of students who require significant learning support. The program is led by Learning Support Coordinator Soledad Valencia, and the team maintains a unified, schoolwide approach with ongoing professional learning to ensure high-quality support and care for all students. The program emphasizes that all children can be successful learners and grow into confident self-advocates. The Learning Support team collaborates with teachers to tailor accommodations and interventions as needed.

Academia Cotopaxi is a language-rich, English-medium international school. English is the primary language of instruction, and all students also receive Spanish language instruction tailored to their fluency level—from beginner to native speakers. Most students join with English as an additional language (EAL), so a robust English Language Support program is provided. Internal English Language Support for Grades 1–12 is available, and external support through the Language and Testing Center includes an Intensive English Program. The English Language Support Coordinator and dedicated EAL teachers provide individualized planning, scheduling, and instruction for every student receiving services, with the goal of developing strong English skills quickly to engage in the school's rigorous academic and enrichment programs.

Mental well-being is supported through the Counseling Department, which provides professional, student-centered care and SEL programming across divisions. Counseling services include group and individual sessions and are designed to support emotional health and resilience. The team offers family guidance and support, and provides parent and community education opportunities. Teachers receive training and collaborate with counselors to integrate well-being practices in daily learning. The department maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development to sustain high-quality mental health support.

The school is committed to safeguarding and child protection. It has a Child Protection Policy and Protocols that follow international safeguarding standards. It complies with Ecuadorian educational regulations. Safeguarding is integrated into school operations through policies, training, and everyday practice to protect students and maintain a safe learning environment. The school communicates safeguarding measures to families and staff.