Ecuador sets 2026-2027 school calendar for Sierra-Amazonía

The Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture has established the 2026-2027 academic calendar for the Sierra-Amazonía region in Ecuador. Classes will begin progressively starting September 1, 2026, with a staggered schedule: Initial education (ages 3 and 4) on September 1, Preparatory on September 2, and Elemental EGB on September 3.

Extraordinary enrollment for the public system will run from September 4, 2026, through January 28, 2027. The academic year will consist of 200 working days divided into three trimesters. The first trimester is scheduled from September 1 to December 1, 2026.

In Zonal 6, covering Azuay, Cañar, and Morona Santiago, authorities are preparing infrastructure and resources. A budget of $700,000 has been allocated for maintenance, including a phase to intervene in 29 educational units in coordination with the Cuenca Mayor's Office. Additionally, the ministry is preparing for potential El Niño weather impacts by acquiring water pumps for high-risk schools. Textbook distribution in this zone is expected between October and November. Officials emphasized that public education remains free and that no payments should be required for enrollment.