Back to school in Ecuador strains family budgets with costs for supplies, uniforms, and tuition

The return to classes for the Sierra-Amazonía 2026-2027 school year in Ecuador is placing a considerable strain on family finances. The cost of school supplies, uniforms, and other essential items is adding up, particularly for parents with children in private institutions who must also cover monthly tuition and associated educational services.

For example, Adriana T., whose two children attend a private school in the Los Chillos valley, dedicates $250 per month to tuition. Before the new academic cycle began, her family had already spent approximately $350 on supplies and uniforms. While Gladys Y.'s son attends a public school and does not pay monthly tuition, her family also faces expenses for school necessities.

Jeaneth Torres, a professor at the Universidad Internacional del Ecuador's Business School, emphasizes that the cost of returning to school extends beyond the initial purchase of supplies. The budget must also account for uniforms, shoes, backpacks, digital platforms, and ongoing expenses throughout the 10-month school year, such as transportation and food. If Adriana's children were to use school transport, it could add between $60 and $100 per student monthly, depending on the distance and provider. Daily meals outside the home could further increase costs by $40 to $80 per student monthly.

These figures serve as reference points, as Adriana has not declared her specific expenses. The unified basic salary in Ecuador is $482, a figure that also serves as a reference for the fourteenth salary payment. Torres suggests this income could help cover some of the initial back-to-school expenses.

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Un üst rütbeye terfi eden ve yeni görev yerlerine atanan teşkilat mensuplarımıza yeni rütbe ve görevlerinin hayırlı olmasını diliyor, görevlerinde üstün başarılar temenni ediyorum.