The American School opened its doors on October 1940 and is currently located at the Northern end of the capital of Ecuador, Quito. The school was founded by a former President of Ecuador, Galo Plaza Lasso, and the United States Ambassador, Boaz Long, to provide an American-type education based on democratic values to Ecuadorian students. It has been known to educate the leaders of Ecuador and other Latin American countries over the years.

The school is well-known in the community and our graduates attend such universities as Boston College, Colombia University, Notre Dame University, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, New York University, among others, as well as local universities. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (now AdvancED) has accredited the school since 1948. And, it is currently recognized by both the International Baccalaureate Organization and the Ministry of Education. Our students begin at three years old in the Nursery and graduate upon completing Grade 12.

Quito, known as the City of Churches based on the number of spectacular colonial churches, was founded in the late 1400s and has been named Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. The school is located on a 24-acre campus that includes 125 classrooms, a full-service cafeteria, two libraries, eight renovated science labs, six computer labs, wireless internet access, five soccer fields and two covered, regulation gyms. Teachers are provided with computers in their classrooms and ample teaching resources. Housing is not provided but teachers are given a housing allowance and assistance in finding an apartment and getting settled in. There is a new teacher induction process and continual support is provided for new staff members.

Our Mission: To educate with excellence, in an environment of liberty, responsibility, and democracy, well-rounded human beings with integrity, committed to their well-being, that of society, and the environment. School Values: Respect, Solidarity, Honesty, Responsibility, Inner Strength