Return to classes in Quito will have coordination between Police and Education

Quito, Ecuador, is preparing for the start of the new school year on September 1, 2026, with a focus on bolstering security within educational institutions. The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Education are collaborating to ensure a safe return to classrooms for students in the Sierra and Amazonia regions.

Interior Minister John Reimberg announced that discussions with the Minister of Education have focused on specific protection and prevention strategies for schools. This coordination is a response to recent incidents where students have reportedly attacked one another. "With the minister, we are working and articulating in a way that we can provide security, protection, and prevention within the institutions," Reimberg stated.

The enhanced security measures for schools are part of a larger city-wide plan called "Protección para Quito," which began on August 3. This initiative has seen an additional 2,000 police officers deployed to the capital, supplementing the existing force of 6,658 officers. The police presence will be visible in various public areas, including the Metro, bus routes, parks, banks, shopping centers, and educational establishments.

The return to classes will be staggered. On September 1, students in grades 1-3 of Bachillerato and children in initial education (ages 3-4) will resume classes. September 2 will see the return of students in grades 8-10 of General Basic Education and grade 1 (Preparatoria). Finally, on September 3, students in grades 5-7 (General Basic Education Media) and grades 2-4 (General Basic Education Elemental) will return. Private, fiscomisional, and municipal schools will follow their own calendars.

Administrative processes for the 2026-2027 academic year are also underway, with deadlines for new student enrollments, transfers, and ordinary and extraordinary matriculations extending into early 2027.

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With the minister, we are working and articulating in a way that we can provide security, protection, and prevention within the institutions.