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Ecuador, Quito
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The school was founded in 1939 by Galo Plaza Lasso, then President of Ecuador, and Boaz Long, with participation from Ecuadorian families, US diplomatic mission families, and others from multinational companies. The American School of Quito opened on October 14, 1940 with 162 students. A cooperative of parents guided the school at the outset and was replaced by the FCAQ Foundation in 1988. AdvancED accredited the school in 1948, and the Ministry of Education recognized it as experimental in 1948, 1985, and 1994. The International Baccalaureate Program was implemented in 1990; FCAQ currently offers the IB Primary Years Program, Middle Years Program, and Diploma Program, and the school moved to its current Carcelén facilities in 1983 after occupying three previous buildings.
Traditions unite the community and reflect shared values. Carnaval Week is the longest-standing tradition and a student-driven week to elect a representative to the Student Council. Halloween Activities celebrate creativity with a parade of costumes for primary students and grade-themed activities for secondary students, organized by the Secondary Student Council. The Art Expo is a school-wide exhibit of artwork from primary, secondary, and IB programs, and the Musical Gala is a grand concert that brings together the whole community to celebrate student talents.
Colégio Americano de Quito is a day school for ages 3–18, offering the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP) alongside U.S. college-preparatory standards. It operates two sections: National Section (50% English, 50% Spanish) and International Section (90% English, 10% Spanish). Graduates earn a U.S. high school diploma and an Ecuadorian Bachillerato; the IB Diploma is optional and noted on the transcript. Recognized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education, the IBO, and Cognia, the school was founded in 1939 and opened in 1940, moving to Carcelén in 1983; a new campus is planned. Facilities include a School Stadium, Secondary and Primary Coliseums, multiple soccer fields, indoor courts, outdoor track, and a weight room. The campus supports robotics and computer laboratories, BYOD from grade 6, a secure Wi‑Fi network, and libraries with print and digital resources. Extracurriculars include coding/robotics, book club, diversity club, and extensive arts and music offerings.
