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Ecuador, Quito
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The school originated as the San Estanislao School, founded in 1892 by D. José Olavarrieta y López. An official recognition for the College was sought in 1902, and ownership changed in the 1932–35 period, with Dr. Andrés Chiclana Molino and later D. Felipe Segovia Martínez, who renamed the College San Estanislao de Kostka. During the war, the school was renamed Numancia after being seized by anarchists, and it resumed the San Estanislao de Kostka name in 1939. SEK International Institution began expanding internationally in the 1980s, opening SEK Ecuador in 1984, and in 1999 established management independence from the old Madrid schools. SEK Los Valles joined SEK in 2005 and, in 2006, the International Education System was created as an autonomous management branch for English-language schools; in 2025, Ms. Mónica Segovia assumed the presidency of SEK and IES.
SEK Los Valles offers a bilingual, secular education and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at all stages. Pedagogical innovation with an international vision guides learning, and sports and extracurricular activities form the basis for personal development, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle. The school provides an inspiring environment with modern facilities that stimulate learning, creativity, and coexistence. We personalize learning so each student can reach their full potential.
Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) is an active network that works alongside the school to improve the educational experience.
SEK Los Valles International School in Costa Rica serves students aged 2 to 18. The school offers all three International Baccalaureate programmes—PYP, MYP and DP—alongside a bespoke curriculum. Preschool follows the PYP with inquiry-based learning and English as the everyday language. Primary Education uses the PYP framework with integrated English and French and arts subjects, supported by the iPad project, robotics, and a MAC lab to develop digital literacy. Secondary Education follows the MYP with science, art and languages, and the upper grades offer the Diploma Programme (and the Unified Baccalaureate). The IB experience fosters inquiry, critical thinking, autonomy and an international mindset. Facilities include English from age 3, French as a third language, augmented/virtual reality elements, an iMac lab, and a 360º virtual tour. A Real Madrid Foundation partnership expands the sports program, including swimming. SEK Los Valles joined SEK in 2005 and remains part of a long international network.
