High School
Our Learning Approach
Academia Cotopax holds significant international and national recognition, underscoring our commitment to academic excellence and individualized instruction.
As one of the first IB World Schools in the region, and the world, we are proud of our long-standing commitment to the International Baccalaureate and ground ourselves in IB Practices. Additionally, our school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in the United States of America.
Our demanding academic program is structured to be individually crafted for each of our students' personal needs and passions.
Academia Cotopaxi offers multiple pathways to recognize student academic achievement, culminating in three separate diploma options. These pathways provide our students with an individualized educational experience that prepares them for their unique futures.
- Every graduating student receives a United States High School Diploma, which is the equivalent to any diploma administered by schools in the USA.
- Students who complete the coursework required by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education, will also receive an Ecuadorian High School Diploma.
- The highly rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is available to students who successfully complete the two years of coursework and external examinations.
We are committed to balancing academic excellence with student well-being.
Leadership is not taught only in classrooms—it is lived.
A key part of developing student agency is learning to reflect with purpose.
At Academia Cotopaxi, we believe student agency is the foundation for both personal and academic growth.
Experiential Learning in High School
Rigorous IB Academics with Real-World Learning
The Academia Cotopaxi High School experience combines rigorous academics with meaningful real-world application. As one of the pioneering International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in the world, we are proud of our long-standing commitment to the IB Diploma Programme and to academic excellence that prepares students for university and beyond.
CAS: Creativity, Activity, and Service
A core part of High School life is the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program, completed by every Academia Cotopaxi graduate. Through CAS, students grow academically and personally as they explore interests, serve others, and reflect on their development. These experiences build empathy, purpose, and leadership—shaping students into principled, balanced global citizens.
Experiential Education Beyond the Classroom
We believe learning is strongest when students apply skills in authentic settings. Our experiential education program regularly takes learning beyond classroom walls through field-based and community experiences. A highlight is Discover Ecuador, our annual four-day outdoor education trip, where students take on real challenges, strengthen friendships, and develop independence, teamwork, and resilience.
Extended Essay and Independent Scholarship
Our IB Diploma candidates deepen their academic skills through high-level independent research. Each student completes the IB Extended Essay, a 3,000–4,000-word research paper in an area of personal interest. With guidance from expert educators, students learn to ask complex questions, conduct sustained inquiry, and communicate ideas clearly—skills essential for university success and future careers.