Unidad Educativa Santana

The school is located in Cuenca, Ecuador, with two campuses. La Ciudad de los Niños Campus serves students aged 3 to 11 and is described as a child-centered campus surrounded by mountains. Main Campus serves high school students aged 12 to 17 and is located in the northwest of Cuenca. Contáctanos: Av. Los Cerezos s/n y Camino a San Pedro del Cebollar, Parroquia San Sebastián, Cuenca - Ecuador.

Ciudad de los Niños Campus houses nursery (3 years) to Seventh Grade; Matriz Campus provides secondary education from Eighth Grade to Twelfth Grade (Bachillerato). The campus network supports an international curriculum across both campuses.

The Department of Guidance and Student Counseling provides personalized assistance and psychological follow-up. The admission process includes a semi-inclusive approach for students with learning difficulties, with in-person tutoring or semi-face-to-face support as needed.

Ecuador

Since April 2011, Santana has been authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Diploma Programme in its final three years of high school. The Diploma Programme is a rigorous and balanced program for students aged 16 to 19, typically taught over two years and culminating in examinations. It provides excellent preparation for university and is widely recognized by leading universities worldwide. Santana is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, with candidacy started in October 2024. The curriculum is trilingual, with English at the city's highest level—accredited by Cambridge English Language Assessment—and French taught by native speakers in partnership with the Alliance Française de Cuenca. Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) is a core IB component, emphasizing experiential learning beyond academics, and since 2017 Santana operates two campuses: Ciudad de los Niños for early years through 7th grade and Campus Matriz for 8th grade through the third year of Bachillerato.

The Diploma Programme provides rigorous preparation for university study and is widely recognized by leading universities worldwide. The program is designed to facilitate admission to universities globally.

1. Process overview. Unidad Educativa Santana offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and multilingual learning, with English and French as part of the curriculum. Families contact the school by phone, in person, or through campaigns to learn about the educational offer, and campus visits may be arranged with the admissions team. To begin the process, the admission fee is paid and a completed admissions form is submitted; the admissions department then schedules interviews with the Student Guidance Department and conducts level-appropriate diagnostic assessments, with the admissions committee determining acceptance.

2. General aspects of admission. The admission process is accessible and flexible, allowing potential students to join at any time during the school year and tailored to individual family needs. Families can receive assistance by phone or WhatsApp for each step—from submitting the application to integrating the student after approval. The school provides campus tours in conjunction with the admissions process.

3. Initial level (Prekindergarten to 1st grade). Requirements include payment of the admission fee and a complete application form; copies of the guardians' and applicant's IDs; preschool records if applicable; a psychological or psycho-pedagogical report if required; a family interview with the DECE; a pedagogical observation of the applicant; a letter of recommendation from a Santana family; and a sworn statement regarding the family's judicial and credit history. The process also involves a paper review by the admissions committee, a DECE report on the family interview, and an observation report of the applicant.

4. Education Básica General (2nd–7th grade). Requirements include payment of the admission fee and a complete ficha; copies of guardians' and applicant's IDs; report cards from the last two years; a DECE report; an academic report with diagnostic results; a psychological or psycho-pedagogical report if required; a family interview with DECE; an observation report; and the applicant may be tested in language, mathematics and English, plus a letter of recommendation and sworn statement. The admissions process reviews all documents submitted to the Admissions Commission and considers the DECE report and diagnostic/academic information.

5. Educación Básica Media (8th grade to secondary). Requirements include the standard admission steps (fees and forms) plus a psychological/psycho-pedagogical report if required; a family interview with DECE; administration of diagnostic examinations in language, mathematics and English; a letter of recommendation; and a sworn declaration about family information. The committee reviews the documents, the DECE report, and the diagnostic/academic results to determine eligibility.

6. Bachillerato Internacional (IB) applicants). Applicants to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (second or third year) have additional considerations and follow a separate IB admissions timetable. Santana includes the IB Diploma Programme in its curriculum, with English and French taught as part of the program.

7. Criterios de admisión (admission criteria). The policy outlines institutional principles, a flexible admission approach, and criteria aligned with the level applied for; interviews, observations, and DECE reports inform decisions, along with documentation reviewed by the Admissions Commission. Additional sections address inclusion considerations and language policies, while specific criteria for each level guide eligibility.

Política de Becas y Asistencia Financiera 2025-2026 outlines multiple scholarship and discount categories. Automatic discounts exist for families with three or more enrolled children, with the third child receiving 40% off the tuition; a second-child discount of 10% requires a completed application. Families of alumni receive a 5% discount for one child. Students with a disability requiring a tutor may receive a 40% discount, provided a tutor is present. The policy also provides 40% discounts for chronic illness cases with ongoing medical treatment when supported by medical documentation. Families in adverse economic situations may apply for financial assistance with discounts up to 25% in certain cases. Merit-based scholarships include up to 25% for high academic achievement or exceptional athletic merit, and employees' children may receive scholarships beginning in the second year of employment, with a cap and conditions described in the policy. Applications require a formal scholarship request via the specified survey link and supporting documents (income, tax, asset and other financial information, and a detailed explanation of financial need). Scholarship funds are allocated per category and are not cumulative; refunds/suspensions are possible for breaches of school policy or failure to meet conditions. The policy further notes that the document is updated periodically.