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Inter-American Academy

Ecuador, Guayaquil

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $6,551 - 18,876
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 225
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Spanish, Italian, French, Mandarin
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

InterAmerican Academy in Guayaquil is a private, non-profit day school delivering an American-style education from nursery (age two) through grade twelve. The curriculum is English-language and leads to a United States high school diploma, with Cognia accreditation ensuring standards-based, project-based learning. The school offers Advanced Placement through the AP Capstone program, including AP Seminar and AP Research, and emphasizes college admissions guidance through the Center for International Education. A Maker Space, a STEM initiative, and a complete Fine Arts program anchor hands-on inquiry and creative expression. Early years follow a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, while project-based learning pervades the elementary and secondary years. The campus sits in Guayaquil's Puerto Azul area and serves a diverse community of more than 29 nationalities, about 252 students in total. A strong student-support system, language immersion through the International Language Academy, and extensive test-prep resources support well-being and global readiness. Only AP Capstone in Ecuador.

Vía a la Costa Km 10.5, Guayaquil, Ecuador

The Essentials

Inter-American Academy has 225 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

Puerto Azul Km 10.5 via a la costa, Guayaquil, Guayas 090902

Stages

Early Childhood Center; Elementary School; Secondary School

Type

Private international school

Pupil Nationality Mix

Over 26 nationalities represented

Additional learning support

Student Support (SST) and MTSS provide Tier 1–3 interventions; Gifted Program (TAG); ELL Program

Country affiliation

United States curriculum; US high school diploma

School day structure

Calendar runs August–June
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniform consists of solid khaki, black, or navy shorts, slacks, skorts, or skirts; white, red, and navy polo shirts with the IAA logo. Athletic-type shoes are required; flip-flops, crocs, or slide-in sandals are not permitted; hats and sunglasses are not worn during class.

Food Options

The cafeteria is run by an outside provider, The Academy Shop, offering hot lunch for students and staff; students may also bring lunch from home with microwaves available. A snack bar serves grades 6-12; a snack cart is available for K-5 during recess. Families pay directly to the cafeteria provider, and a food calendar is emailed every eight weeks.

Governance and Ownership

The InterAmerican Academy is governed by an eight-person Board of Directors. Board members are elected to three-year terms and serve as stewards for the legal and moral owners of the school, defining the school's purpose and direction (the Ends) and delegating day-to-day management to the Executive Director.
Fees

Annual tuition at Inter-American Academy ranges from USD 6,551 to USD 18,876 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees
Application fee (all grade levels): USD 150 (non-refundable and non-transferable).
Registration fee is payable annually and must be paid in full before the start of the school year. Registration and application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Tuition Fees (Annual Totals)
Nursery II: USD 6,551 per year.
Nursery III: USD 7,149 per year.
Pre-Kinder: USD 9,891 per year.
Kinder: USD 13,830 per year.
Grades 1–5: USD 16,335 per year.
Grades 6–8: USD 16,976 per year.
Grades 9–12: USD 18,876 per year.

Annual tuition is payable in 10 scheduled installments (August–May). A 5% discount applies for full-year prepayment made by bank transfer or check before July 30. Credit/debit card payments are excluded from this prepayment discount.

Additional Fees
PSAT (Grades 9–11): USD 35.
MBTI (Grade 11): USD 40.
YouScience (Grade 12): USD 30.
Educational Support (Tiered): USD 60–USD 500 depending on level and services required.
Summer School (optional): USD 149–USD 730 depending on duration and grade level.

Discounts
A 20% tuition discount applies to the third and additional sibling. Military and alumni discounts may apply under specific conditions. Only the highest eligible discount is applied.

Boarding
The school does not offer boarding.

Payment Methods
Payments are accepted by check, domestic or international wire transfer, and ACH transfer. Parents remain responsible for fees until official withdrawal is completed.
Academics

Inter-American Academy teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum

The school provides English-language instruction from nursery through grade twelve and offers a U.S. college-preparatory curriculum leading to a U.S. high school diploma. It follows Cognia-accredited, standards-based mastery with project-based learning and emphasizes SHARK values (Safety, Honesty, Accountability, Respect, Kindness). The Center for International Education supports college admissions and guidance, and the school offers Advanced Placement through the AP Capstone program, which includes AP Seminar and AP Research; it is described as the only AP Capstone program in Ecuador.

Student Teacher Ratio

Enrollment is about 213 students and 36 faculty, yielding an approximate student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1.

Exam Results

SAT mean test results (2024–2025): ERW 481; MATH 481. CEEB code: 930100.

Higher Education Progression

Most seniors attend post-secondary institutions in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Ecuador, with support from the Center for International Education.

Gifted and Talented

IAA identifies gifted students using MAP mathematics and reading tests and intelligence testing; eligible students receive a specialized Student Learning Plan with goals for critical thinking and metacognition and an accelerated program, including instances of students in High School classes while in middle school.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

InterAmerican Academy emphasizes holistic development, nurturing the intellectual, personal, social, physical, and affective growth of each student. Belonging and respect are core values that guide daily interactions and the school community. Safety, belonging and happiness are highlighted in a diverse, inclusive environment with a strong Student Support Department. MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) provides interventions or extensions to meet learning needs for all students. Eligible students may participate in a Gifted Program with a specialized Student Learning Plan (SLP) that includes critical thinking, metacognition goals, and accelerated coursework. The Center for International Education supports university admissions and scholarships paths for students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Gifted Program identifies learners using MAP tests and intelligence tests to place students in appropriate pathways. Eligible students in the Gifted Program receive a specialized Student Learning Plan (SLP) with goals in critical thinking, metacognition, and accelerated coursework. It is common for a middle school student to take high school classes or participate in multi-age literacy groups based on learning needs. MTSS provides interventions or extensions to support learners at different levels.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

ILA Language Academy is the International Language Academy in Guayaquil, administered and supported by InterAmerican Academy. ILA provides access to native-speaking teachers who help students understand language nuances. ILA allows students to experience IAA in a language-based setting with immersion. Services include small group classes, private/individual classes, test preparation (TOEFL, SAT, IELTS, GRE, etc.), on-site classes, and translations. For more information, contact ILA or download the brochure for services and prices.

Mental Wellbeing

InterAmerican Academy aims for safety, belonging and happiness within a diverse, inclusive community. A dedicated Student Support Department works to support student well-being. The Curriculum Philosophy states the school seeks to nurture the intellectual, personal, social, physical, and affective development of the whole student. Belonging is a core value guiding school life and interactions. The school's values-based approach emphasizes empathy, responsibility and respect to support the emotional health of learners.

Safeguarding

The Board of Directors has adopted a Child Protection Policy to guide staff and families in safeguarding the health, safety and care of children. The policy is based on international law and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as Ecuadorian law (Codigo de la Niñez). The school provides age-appropriate lessons on personal safety, information sessions for parents, and annually trains faculty, parents, volunteers and staff to recognize and report issues of abuse. Enrolling your child at IAA involves partnership with the school to uphold safety and respectful treatment, and you can contact the school counselor or principal with questions. Updated June 17, 2024.
Parent Experience

History

InterAmerican Academy is a private, non-profit day school in Guayaquil. It is governed by a rotating eight-member Board of Directors. The program is co-educational, non-residential, and provides English-language instruction from nursery (age two) through grade twelve. The Academy offers a college preparatory curriculum leading to a U.S. high school diploma and is accredited by Cognia, formerly AdvancedEd. IAA's current enrollment is about 252 students, reflecting a diverse community of more than 29 nationalities.

Community

InterAmerican Academy has an inclusive multicultural community with representation from over 26 nationalities. The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, including National Honor Society, Student Council, Model United Nations, choir, drama, yoga, swimming and dance, as well as varsity sports such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball. A robust Student Support Department helps students across the division. The school emphasizes experiential learning and Project Based Learning as part of its curriculum.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

IAA's Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is comprised of parent volunteers who dedicate their time to building a school community that reinforces the school's goals and traditions. It is headed by a PTO Board whose role is to represent the parents in communicating their views and interests to the school administration and its board of directors, in order to preserve harmony within the school community and create understanding between parents and teachers. The PTO Mission Statement emphasizes making the school a great place for kids to thrive and learn, and the PTO organizes fundraisers and events that benefit the students and the school. Past funded projects include musical instruments, outdoor stage, outside lighting, playground equipment, construction projects in the cafeteria and multipurpose rooms, Teacher Appreciation Day, and seasonal events such as Halloween, Winter Festival, Café Concierto, and International Day. As a parent of a child at IAA you are automatically a member of the PTO, and meetings are held monthly with plenty of volunteer opportunities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

InterAmerican Academy is located at Puerto Azul Km 10.5 via la costa, Guayaquil, Guayas. The school teaches in English with 100% English instruction (except for world languages). The campus supports a STEM initiative and a complete Fine Arts Program. The early years follow a Reggio Emilia approach, and the elementary school features a Maker Space. The Center for International Education provides Guayaquil students with options to study at universities around the world.

Academic Facilities

The school has a STEM initiative and a complete Fine Arts Program. The early years are Reggio Emilia inspired, and the elementary school has a Maker Space. A Project Based Learning philosophy guides instruction. Internationally accredited in Guayaquil since 1982 and grants a US high school diploma. Advanced Placement Capstone is offered as part of the program, and the school is the only AP Capstone program in Ecuador.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Summer Camp provides activities in English including Art & Crafts, Zumba, Mindful Coloring, Origami, and Sports. We receive students from outside the IAA community starting at age 3. A schedule is provided to registered participants. Experiential Learning is emphasized, with Education without Frontiers enabling real-world hands-on experiences.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers the Advanced Placement Capstone program, the only AP Capstone program in Ecuador. The school is Cognia-accredited and authorized to grant a U.S. high school diploma. The Center for International Education provides college admissions guidance, career guidance, and test preparation resources to students.

Arts & Creative

The school has a complete Fine Arts Program. In the early years the approach is Reggio Emilia, and in elementary there is a Maker Space. The school embraces a Project Based Learning philosophy.

Cultural & Language

The school is 100% English speaking, except for world languages. The International Language Academy provides language immersion with native-speaking teachers. Services include small group and private language classes, test preparation (TOEFL, SAT, IELTS, GRE), on-site classes, and translations.

Community & Service

The Parent-Teacher Organization funds fundraisers and events that benefit students and the school community, including musical instruments, outdoor stage, lighting, playground equipment, cafeteria projects, and charity work. The PTO also runs seasonal events such as Halloween, Winter Festival, Cafe Concierto, and International Day. The PTO Board represents the parents and communicates with the school administration to strengthen the school community.

Leadership & Professional

PTO leadership is provided by a Board that represents parents and coordinates with the school administration. The Center for International Education offers College Admissions and Career Guidance to students. The Gifted Program uses individualized Student Learning Plans with an accelerated program of study and opportunities for cross-grade learning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Safety, Belonging and Happiness are emphasized in an inclusive multicultural setting. The school has a robust Student Support Department and a diverse student body representing many nationalities. The environment supports well-being and social-emotional learning within the school community.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the primary language of instruction; ILA is administered and supported by InterAmerican Academy and offers immersion experiences through ILA, with world languages offered under the ILA program.

Bilingual Teaching

The school is not bilingual; instruction is conducted entirely in English, with world languages offered as separate programs.

Immersion Programs

ILA Language Academy in Guayaquil provides language immersion with native-speaking teachers, small-group and private instruction, on-site classes, and language-related services such as test preparation (TOEFL, SAT, IELTS, GRE) and translations.
Reputation

Accreditations

Cognia re-accreditation completed in 2021-2022 (international accreditation).
School Improvement Plan created as part of the accreditation process.
The Ministry of Education of Ecuador recognizes IAA as an International School that grants a high school US Diploma.
IAA is an AMISA member.
IAA is an AAIE member.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Fill Admissions Information Request form. The school responds within two working days with an overview of the offer. If ready to apply, request the application guide and the list of requirements and follow the provided instructions. 2. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Visits and campus tours are by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The North American Grade Scale is used, and the standard international calendar runs from August to June (updated June 19, 2024).

Scholarships

The school offers scholarships and financial aid. Last year 10 graduates received 58 offers of admission from 40 universities and were offered over $1,914,980 in scholarships and financial aid. The Center for International Education helps local students get into universities and apply for scholarships, specializing in sending students to the United States with scholarships and financial aid.
School Events
The school has not added events