Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Puerto Lopez

Puerto Lopez, is a small coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and the Machalilla National Park. As a smaller community, the options for international or bilingual schools are limited compared to larger cities. However, expats and digital nomads with children can still find quality education nearby. Two of the most popular options in the region are the Montessori School in nearby Montañita and the Academia Cotopaxi in the city of Manta. Here is a list of international or bilingual schools within a reasonable driving distance from Puerto Lopez.

Montessori School Montañita

Grades: Preschool through Elementary
Location(s): Montañita

The Montessori School in Montañita offers a bilingual education following the Montessori method, which encourages self-directed learning and hands-on experience. The school caters to the expat community with a curriculum that blends local Ecuadorian culture with international standards. Facilities include classrooms designed for Montessori education, outdoor play areas, and a community garden. Extracurricular activities focus on environmental education and cultural integration.

Academia Cotopaxi American International School

Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Manta

Academia Cotopaxi American International School, located in Manta, offers an American-style education with English as the primary language of instruction. The school provides the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for its high school students and boasts a diverse student body representing various nationalities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and sports fields. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports teams to music and arts clubs.

Surf & English Academy

Grades: Various age groups
Location(s): Montañita

Surf & English Academy combines language learning with surfing, catering to the unique lifestyle of digital nomads and expat families in the area. While not a traditional school, it offers structured English language classes alongside professional surf instruction. This academy is ideal for families looking to immerse their children in an English-speaking environment while embracing the local surf culture.

Canadian School of Manta

Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Manta

The Canadian School of Manta provides a bilingual education in English and Spanish, following Canadian educational standards. The school offers a global perspective with a focus on developing critical thinking and multicultural understanding. Facilities include technology-equipped classrooms, a library, and sports areas. The school's extracurricular program is robust, featuring a variety of sports, arts, and cultural activities.

Trinity School Manta

Grades: Preschool through High School
Location(s): Manta

Trinity School Manta is a bilingual institution that offers an education based on Christian values and principles. The school's curriculum is designed to prepare students for both local and international academic challenges. With a focus on English language proficiency, the school provides a supportive environment for expat children to thrive academically and socially. Extracurricular activities include sports, music, and community service projects.

CEDEI School

Grades: Preschool through High School
Location(s): Cuenca (Note: This is over 40 minutes away but included for additional options)

CEDEI School, located in Cuenca, offers a bilingual education with a focus on English immersion. The school follows an international curriculum that integrates local Ecuadorian content, providing a balanced education for its students. CEDEI School is known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, ensuring that each student's educational needs are met. The school also emphasizes cultural exchange and global citizenship.