Our Graduates Senior Memories Due to COVID-19, this year the Yearbook was created completely by 12th grade students and is dedicated only to Seniors. Yearbook - Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremonies Included in the many adaptations to COVID-19, Academia Cotopaxi was required to rethink graduation. We are proud of our graduates and strive to ensure that completion of their Cotopaxi experience continues to be an unforgettable experience for both students and their parents, worthy of the years of dedication of the students and their teachers and support of their loving parents. The 2020 Graduation Ceremony, and there were many, one for each student, were a fitting example of bringing the community into the school and the school into the community. We look forward to celebrating another graduation in June 2021 with similar success and adherence to the health and safety protocols required of all of us during this year. Yearbook - Class of 2020 51ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 | LEARNING RESULTS
7 Learning Results External Assessment NWEA (MAP Testing) The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) provides Academia Cotopaxi a research-based assessment that precisely measures growth and proficiency—and provides insights to help tailor instruction. The NWEA-MAP assessment tools are used by educators in more than 9,500 schools, districts, and education agencies in 145 countries. MAP Growth is the most trusted and innovative assessment for measuring achievement and growth in K–12 Math, Reading, and Language Usage. It provides teachers with accurate, and actionable evidence to help target instruction for each student or groups of students regardless of how far above or below they are from their grade level. It also connects to the largest set of instructional content providers, giving educators flexibility in curriculum choices. Due to the move to distance learning the MAP tests have also had to move to an online format. Our summative, end of year assessments for 2020-2021 coincide with the timing of the Board General Assembly and preparation of this Annual Report. Results will be communicated separately. MAP Facts: • A computer-based assessment • Three tests - mathematics, reading and language use • Usually administered at beginning, middle and near the end of each school year • Over 5 million students tested annually • Norm-referenced • Compared to millions of same grade students for a percentile ranking • Adaptive • Question difficulty depends on performance on previous questions • Single scale (100-280) • Allows year to year tracking of students’ growth 52 Learn in Community www.cotopaxi.k12.ec
• Predicts yearly student growth • Based on a comparison to similarly performing students world-wide Academia Cotopaxi students in grades 9-10 took the NWEA’s MAP test in December. This was the first time any AC students had taken the MAP during this pandemic and the first time testing was administered to students while at home. After piloting the on-line MAP assessment grades 4-8 did the assessments in January/February. Students in grades 3-10 will do an end of year MAP assessment at the time of the General Assembly and this Report. Findings from these assessments will be communicated at a later date. Analysis of the MAP test growth results for AC’s 9th-10th graders this year: AC Students, grade 9 & 10 AC, performed equally well and, in many cases, grew more than in previous years. • AC grade 9 and 10 students, on average, grew at least twice as much as predicted (2.3 times as much in Mathematics, twice as much in Reading and 2.4 times in Language Usage) based on a comparison to other ninth and tenth graders world-wide. • Among 9-10 students, the growth AC students have made since Jan. 20 is equal to or greater than growth among nearly the same AC students the previous year (Jan ‘19- Jan. ‘20). • AC students grew the most in Reading, where they grew twice as much between Dec. ‘19 and Dec. ‘20 as they did during the same time the previous year. • The trends of above average improvement evident in the MAP results among our high school students were, on whole, sustained in the results of students in grades 3-8, in Reading, Math and Language Usage. Despite the challenges of learning online, our students at each grade level continue to grow - some making impressive strides in achievement levels • The steps taken by AC teachers to minimize learning loss over the 6 six months are having a positive impact. 53ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 | LEARNING RESULTS
7 Learning Results 54 Learn in Community www.cotopaxi.k12.ec
HS - Assessment 2020-2021 During the 2020-2021 school year, we were unable to complete most of the typical external assessments. PSAT was cancelled by the College Board and due to the SAT sites being closed in Ecuador our students, for the most part, were unable to write the SATs. A few students traveled overseas to write the SAT. However, the numbers of participants were so low that the results are meaningless from a data analysis point of view. The majority of universities are waiving and/or not looking at SAT results so it has not been a disadvantage for our students to have not written these tests. IB results were also different. With exams being cancelled last May, our marks did not provide us data to help us determine goals for this year. IB marks were controversial globally so we were only able to assess our internal marks vs. what IB scored. This year, due to a full 14 months of distance learning, AC students will not write exams as decided by the IB. This decision by the IB is based on each country’s situation. Currently about 70% of IB schools will write exams (though this is a changing number). IB transcripts will not show whether a student’s mark is based on exams or the non-exam route. In a typical year we would write the NWEA MAP three times. This year we cancelled the September assessment but did pilot the MAP online in December. The May testing results will help us determine how our students did doing during distance learning and where we should focus our instruction moving forward. 55ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 | LEARNING RESULTS
8 AC Community Positive Collaboration with Parents - PTSA “There is a saying that says “No sabes lo que tienes hasta que lo pierdes”. Which means you don’t know what you have until you lose it. Before, I would always go to the movies with my friends or go to parties and sometimes I was really lazy to go outside. But then the coronavirus came, and I lost all my privileges to go out and do whatever I want and not just me but everyone. And here is where the saying takes place. At first, I didn’t know what I had. I just looked at it as a “normal” thing that I could do every day. But when everything was closed, and we had to stay in our houses I realized what I lost. And I learned that I should never take things for granted.” Juan Francisco S. - Middle School student 56
In 2020-21 the concept of “community” has probably been the most impacted. Empty parks, staying in our homes, not having the ability to greet each other with hugs, and not being able to enjoy each other’s company has left a vacant place in all of our lives. The Cotopaxi Community has a rich history of community events where we normally gather and enjoy each other’s company. As the African proverb says, “It takes a village to educate a child.” This year our village was to a large extent silenced. Our Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) was faced with significant challenges to engage our community in authentic and meaningful ways. The PTSA generated many ideas for community events but unfortunately the majority of these were rendered impossible due to government restrictions. However, their efforts were not limited to events alone. The parent volunteers in the PTSA played an important role as consultants in the development of our Health and Safety Protocols and in the recruitment of our new Middle School Principal, as they did the previous year in the recruitment for our High School and Elementary Principals. PTSA is not just about Bingo and festivals! But 2020-21 has made it clear, after a year of campus shutdown, that those events are fundamentally important to the emotional well-being of our community. We look forward to building stronger and even more meaningful community collaboration next year, which will undoubtedly be very much appreciated. Positive Collaboration with Parents - PTSA • Integral part of recruitment of the new Middle School Principal. • Consultation and advice on the Health and Safety Protocols for Campus Re-Opening. • Assistance with the High School Holiday Food Drive. • Gifts for Teacher Appreciation Day (they REALLY appreciated it!). • Weekend Virtual Fun Run. • Virtual Concert with Ecuador Youth Orchestra. • Parent Book Club Sessions. 57ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 | AC COMMUNITY
9 Building Our Future School Together Campus Improvements - Facilities “Currently our priority An Academia Cotopaxi Facilities Master Plan was developed in is ensuring as safe a coordination with Flansburgh, a world renowned architectural firm campus as possible.” specializing in school design, by the AC Board of Trustees in March 2017. The Masters Facilities Plan was developed to provide a roadmap for constructing new buildings, renovating existing facilities, and creating outdoor environments, all in line with strategic objectives and financial resources. This plan was developed to give insight into how to reshape the physical learning environment with new methodologies as well as creating an environment that offers enhanced flexibility that can accommodate people with a wider range of physical mobility as well as learning needs. The plan was developed to be modular, to be applicable either on the existing campus or possibly a different location in the future. Adaptations to our campus due to health and safety requirements required by COVID-19 and our preparing the school for on-campus learning have helped move the school towards concepts of the Masters Facilities Plan: larger classrooms, greater use of outdoor learning spaces, additional and more accessible medical facilities, more stringent campus entry protocols. Currently our priority is ensuring as safe a campus as possible. However, the resources used to accomplish this goal are not for temporary measures alone. Preparations for instruction during a pandemic have also created a more dynamic, larger and more functional overall learning environment and serve as a catalyst for future improvements. 58 Learn in Community www.cotopaxi.k12.ec
COVID-19 Administration and Management Since March of 2020, the Academia Cotopaxi Administration has had to focus much energy and resources on the impact of COVID-19 and the shift to teaching students in their homes. All facets of teaching and operations have been impacted. While our primary mission is teaching and ensuring continuation of this under all circumstances, we also have an obligation to ensure the health and safety, not only of students, but also our faculty and support staff. Our medical personnel, Human Resource Department, Operations and General Administration teams, in coordination with health and safety experts and government authorities, have implemented a wide range of protocols, procedures and policies to help protect our professional community in order to protect our students and their families. 59ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 | BUILDING OUR FUTURE SCHOOL TOGETHER
10 Finance Highlights COVID-19 Data Total accumulated cases Average in Quito 19% 17 Total cases on campus or 0 with internal staff interaction (7.7% of AC workforce) Epidemiological circles established 5 and controlled Total cases recovered 17 Random tests applied 48 Recovering COVID-19 rate 100% Vaccinations At the time of preparing this Annual Report the government of Ecua- dor initiated the process of vaccinating teachers and school personnel. This is a very positive step forward for Academia Cotopaxi and every- one in Ecuador. We hope that by the time you read this, and definitely by the start of next academic year we will have even more positive news to share regarding vaccinations for members of our community. Summary Vaccination Process Academia Cotopaxi & Imagine Headcount Faculty % Foreign Local Support % Hires Hires Staff Vaccinated 127 57.73% 85 61.15% 32 53 42 51.85% Dessint (1) 25 11.36% 25 17.99% 20 5 0 0.00% Pending ME Plan (2) 58 26.36% 21 15.11% 1 20 37 45.68% Delayed medical (3) 10 4.55% 8 5.76% 1 7 2 2.47% TOTAL 220 139 81 Note: (1) This group mainly is foreign hires who decide to get the COVID-19 vaccine abroad. Only 5 cases from the 25 will not pursue a vaccine. (2) This group is mainly support staff - administrative positions pending to confirm from the Ministry of Education 60 Learn in Community www.cotopaxi.k12.ec
(3) This group has any medical conditions that prevent them from being vaccinated this month, but pursue further appointments. “Fortunately, we can proudly say that we have a very loyal, qualified, and hard- working team of collaborators.” Actions • Online learning/work for 82% of staff. to Mitigate • Transport provided for non online positions COVID-19 (cleaning, security & maintenance) to reduce Risks contact from using public transport. • Daily Health Declaration to access campus for all staff. • Preventive quarantine (home isolation) when symptoms are reported. • Oxygen tanks provided by Insurance Company (PALIG) to confirmed cases. • Workshops about COVID-19 protocols (FaceMasks, hand washing, social distancing) - see Professional Learning. • Education about Health & Safety Protocols at home and with COVID-19 patients. • One on One staff/family health monitoring with reported cases. • School support with oximeter and thermometer to staff. • Support coordinating actions with laboratories and private medical institutions. • Negotiated/reduced COVID-19 tests cost for personnel and staff families. 61ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 | FINANCE HIGHLIGHTS
10 Finance Highlights Finance Review Academia Cotopaxi is a non-profit organization, legally registered in Ecuador, under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. The Board of Trustees appoint a Finance Committee to oversee the school’s finances. This committee meets regularly during the school year. An external audit is conducted each year. AC complies with all local regulations and authorities, such us: Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (IESS), Sistema de Rentas Internas (SRI), Municipio de Quito, Ministerio de Salud, ARCSA, SENAE, ARCOTEL, among others. Our school’s income is derived mainly from tuition and fees. On the income side, the number of students, and therefore the amount of tuition paid, is our primary source of funding for programs, salaries and facilities. Salaries and benefits are our primary operational expenses. Excess in cash flow in a given year funds the school’s operational reserve. This reserve is to be used as approved by the Board of Directors. For this current school year, 2020-21, the Board approved the use of a portion of the reserve to offset the COVID-19 emergency discount approved to support our AC community. Budget Comparison Budget Comparison (in US$) 62 Learn in Community www.cotopaxi.k12.ec
Operational Income (US$) 2020-2021 Operational Expenses (US$) 2020-2021 Budget Comparison (in US$) 63ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 | FINANCE HIGHLIGHTS
10 Finance Highlights Self Payers & Corporations Tuition Increases since SY09-10 Key Benchmarks in Comparison to the Region 64 Learn in Community www.cotopaxi.k12.ec
New Investments and improvements “We also have an (COVID-19 related) obligation to ensure the health and safety, • Classroom expansion and facilities not only of students, improvements $20,000 (HS Annex, Music but also our faculty Room, PK-K Ventilations, etc) and support staff.” • Second Medical Unit $2,500 • Signage $3,000 • New portable sinks $4,000 • New Foggers $4,500 • Acrylic divisions for PK-K $1,500 • Plexiglass for cafeteria tables $5,000 • Tents and cover outdoor areas $4,000 • Occ. Health and PCR tests $4,500 (estimated $8,000) • Thermometers. Face mask, special uniforms, etc $4,000 • Disinfection and cleaning materials $2,000 (estimated $5,000) • Ipads and Stand (hybrid model) $10,000 • Academic software and subscriptions for virtual learning $15,000 • US Embassy Covid Grant Relief $34,500 65ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 | FINANCE HIGHLIGHTS
10 Finance Highlights The ONE Institute “Our goal is The ONE Institute is an English Language institute that serves a broad now to continue range of youth and adults. The ONE Institute shares with Academia consolidating and Cotopaxi and IMAGINE a culture that strongly believes in face to face promoting our online learning, and thus, this year has been challenging. The pandemic hit programs, as we see us very hard especially during the second and third quarters of 2020 in great potential for the terms of enrollment, mainly because students were reluctant to learn future.” a second language online. Our children’s cycle in March 2020 and our summer camp were suspended and we had to pause a few of our adult classes until we determined what actions would allow us to resume our programs. Likewise, promotion of our courses and customer service were impacted, requiring creativity in finding ways to attract students through free classes, discounts, and financial aid. Fortunately, we can proudly say that we have a very loyal, qualified, and hard-working team of collaborators. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our teachers have shown commitment to the Institute and our students beyond endurance. Together we see the crisis as an opportunity to change how we operate and adapt to current reality in order to serve our purpose of “equipping people with the skills to exceed limits and cross borders, while strengthening interculturality”. Our goal is now to continue consolidating and promoting our online programs, as we see great potential for the future. Digital teaching/ learning material, teaching/learning platforms, remote technical support and customer service, and teacher training/workshops are key available resources that The ONE Institute plans to continue exploring and investing in for continued growth as an Online Language Institute. Our coordinated efforts have been fundamental in retaining 12-15 teachers and providing economic stability for them and their families. 66 Learn in Community www.cotopaxi.k12.ec
The ONE Institute’s Actions to Address the Present and Build for the Future: • Transition to a 100% online program for children and adults. • Enhanced technological tools: boost student engagement, guarantee language learning, and increase customer retention. • Enhanced technological tools for communications, tracking classes, payments, programs, schedules, and pedagogical issues. • Remote management of administrative tasks, customer service, sales, billing, inventory, purchasing and invoicing. The ONE Institute Enrollment: IMAGINE COVID-19 Impact SY 18-19 SY 19-20 SY 20-21 SY 21-22 (Real) (Real) (Budget) (Budget) ENROLLMENT 240 Started with 64 150 INCOME $ 1,490,929 240 then dropped $ 370,000 $ 878,859 to 80 on April/20 $ 873,617 EXPENSES SURPLUS/DEFICIT $ 1,120,379 $ 5,242 $ 1,274,412 $1,199,232 $ 526,732 $ 216,517 $ - 78,853 $ -156,732 67ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 | FINANCE HIGHLIGHTS
11 Words of Gratitude and Recognition “We did the campus tour yesterday “I just wanted to thank you again and we were impressed with all the for sharing important COVID-19 preparations. It was sad to see the data with our community.” beautiful campus ready but lacking - ES Parent the spirit of our kids and faculty. Thank you for all you have done!” “Thank you for health and safety - ES and MS Parents reminders, as so many people seem to think that time equals COVID-19 “I know this moment is hard for “starting to end”; which is far from everyone, especially for you as reality, when all are reminded of administrators. I really appreciate science.” everything you are doing for all the - MS Parent community. It is a pleasure to work in this fantastic place.” “We always read the newsletters - HR Support Staff Member and we applaud how you choose to stand by the scientific community.” “It has been very challenging - HS Parent moments in our family and we believe some of our calm and sanity “This is a great school and was thanks to the school that our this position looks like a good daughter belongs to. Hopefully we opportunity for you. I would can return soon and as we said, this certainly recommend you for is a wonderful opportunity to learn it as a strong candidate and I about resilience and commitment.” wholeheartedly suggest you follow - MS Parent up with Rob on this.” - International Recruiter to one of our Perspective New Teachers “I just wanted to share with “Everyone suffered this past year, everyone that I was thoroughly but the way we stood up and kept impressed at what I saw at school persevering is what makes our in regards to all the protocols in community so unique.” place.” - HS Parent - Sofia K., MS Student 68
“I have loved and cherished my “Since this virtual modality began, time at AC more than anyone could we have observed your dedication, imagine. I feel that I found my true preparation and commitment passion at this school and it is the every day so that my son not only wonderful community and ever- continues to be enthusiastic about growing inclusion program that I learning and participating, but we have in part to thank for that.” even notice a very good evolution - Departing Teacher in him that makes us very happy and brings us happiness and “I am sad to hear that I won’t be tranquility in a moment as difficult able to teach at your school. But I as the present one.” am pleasantly surprised to receive your email. That is very kind of you - IMAGINE Parent and, I must say, quite unusual in the international school world that we “En nombre de mi hija y toda la operate in.” familia quiero expresar nuestro - Teacher interested in coming to agradecimiento por el esfuerzo AC que ustedes hicieron estos días. Apreciamos y sentimos el cariño y “Gracias Mr. Rob por ser el capitán las palabras inspiradoras para los de este hermoso barco, ha sabido graduados. Por favor haz extensivo sortear las tormentas y nos ha este reconocimiento a todo su protegido a todos. Mil y mil gracias”. equipo. Es un día que quedará - HS Parent grabado en nuestra memoria. Un abrazo”. “Our experience at IMAGINE was authentic, unique and wonderful.” - Alumni Parent - IMAGINE Parent “In this difficult time for the world, “Thank you for all your support and we can only say THANK YOU for hard work during this pandemic. the great effort and work you have You are doing a fantastic job! We done, teaching children all about feel so proud to be part of this resilience.” community.” - ES Parent - MS and HS Students 69ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 | WORDS OF GRATITUDE AND RECOGNITION
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