Schools in Panama: How to Choose the Right School

How Do You Choose the Right School?

Choosing the right school in Panama is essential, whether you’re a long-time resident or recent expat looking for education options for your children. With various options for public and private schools, making the proper decision depends on your child’s needs and your location.

Choosing the Right Panama School

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for families moving to Panama with children. The country offers a wide range of educational options, including public, private, bilingual, religious, and international schools. Some of Panama’s leading private schools are also considered among the best in Central America.

At Panama Equity Real Estate, we know that it helps to understand how Panama’s educational system differs from those in other countries if you’re planning to buy property here. This guide compares public and private education, explains academic calendars, costs, locations, and facilities, and provides detailed profiles of the country’s best-known schools. It can help you compare your options and find a school that fits your child’s needs and your family’s budget.

Public Schools Vs. Private Schools

While many countries offer high-quality education at public schools, this isn’t always the case in Panama. Unfortunately, the Panamanian public school system is underfunded. As a result, classrooms are often lacking.

Public schools don’t always have access to basic resources, experienced teachers, or a rigorous curriculum. This isn’t to say that there aren’t talented and passionate teachers in public schools. There are plenty; however, the quality of schools is highly variable, and it’s hard to know how one might be until your child is already enrolled.

Private schools in Panama do have an admission cost (more on that to come), but the price is well worth it. Most private schools have well-equipped classrooms, effective teachers, and a safe and happy learning environment. Of course, which private school you end up choosing will depend on many factors. Read on to find out more about how to choose the right school in Panama for your family.

Common Yearly School Calendar

One consideration to take into account when choosing a school in Panama is the yearly calendar. Most countries follow an academic calendar that applies to all schools. In Panama, though, this isn’t always the case. Essentially, there are two different academic calendars operating simultaneously. Each school follows one of these two schedules.

One option is based on the North American schedule from September to June. The other is based on what was traditionally more common in Central America and runs from March to December. It’s worth noting that all schools still have breaks during Christmas, Easter, and Carnival.

Depending on where you come from when you move to Panama, and how long you’ll be living here, you might have a strong preference for one of these two calendars. Many expats from the United States prefer a typical American school year so that their children can spend their summers in the United States. Others prefer the opposite schedule, as it’s often cheaper and less hectic to travel during the off months of January and February.

Location and Facilities

The majority of Panama’s private and international schools are located within the capital city limits. That said, some new international schools have recently opened in other parts of the country. Not surprisingly, the locations of these schools tend to directly affect real estate prices in the area. Schools also help shape nearby communities, and neighborhoods with multiple private schools tend to be more family-oriented than others.

As far as facilities go, this is another area where there’s a large amount of variation between schools. Top-notch school facilities in Panama typically include athletic facilities, pools, and modern, high-tech classrooms. Most schools also provide either in-house or contracted transportation services, as well as catering, often at an additional cost.

Most Expensive Schools in Panama (Ranked)

Private school costs in Panama vary considerably. Some schools charge annual tuition, while others require a one-time enrollment fee followed by monthly payments. Annual tuition can range from approximately $1,000 to $16,000 per student. Enrollment fees may fall between $400 and $2,000, while monthly tuition can range from about $100 to $1,500 over a 10-month school year.

Certain schools also charge capital donations, registration fees, technology fees, or other expenses in addition to tuition. Families with more than one enrolled child may qualify for sibling discounts. Because pricing structures differ, parents should consider the full cost of attendance rather than tuition alone. The school profiles and tables below provide more detailed figures for individual schools.

Tuition at Panama’s private and international schools varies by grade level, curriculum, and fee structure. Among the schools covered in this guide, King’s College Panama has the highest top-end annual tuition, followed by the Metropolitan School of Panama and the International School of Panama.

The table below ranks the schools from our guide according to their highest stated annual tuition. Monthly amounts have been multiplied by the number of installments specified by the school. Admission fees, registration charges, capital donations, and other additional costs are not included.

These figures provide a useful comparison, but tuition alone does not represent the full cost of attendance. Some schools charge substantial one-time admission or capital fees, while others add annual registration, transportation, meals, technology, uniforms, or activity fees. Families should contact each school directly to confirm its latest rates and required charges.

Schools in Panama: Full Directory

Panama offers schools with a wide range of curricula, languages, calendars, class sizes, and tuition rates. The directory below profiles 20 well-known schools and compares the information families commonly consider, including grade levels, educational programs, annual costs, and extracurricular activities.

#1 The International School of Panama (ISP)

The International School of Panama (ISP) is located in Cerro Viento and offers education from Pre-K (3 years old) through 12th grade, serving 1,240 students. The school focuses on smaller class sizes, with two teachers per classroom for early education (max 18 students) and grades 1–12 having a maximum of 25 students per teacher.

The ISP curriculum follows Common Core Standards and offers the national Meduca diploma. High school students can also enroll in IB and Innovation & Entrepreneurship programs. Tuition ranges from $2,440 per quarter for Pre-K to $4,622 for high school, which covers textbooks and instructional materials. The school year runs from mid-August to mid-June.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Performing Arts
• Ceramics
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Swimming

#2 Balboa Academy

Balboa Academy, located in the City of Knowledge in Clayton, provides an English-language education for students from PK-3 to 12th grade, with 901 students enrolled. The school year runs from early August to mid-June, offering small class sizes with a maximum of 12 students in PK and 25 students in K–12. Balboa Academy adheres to both Panamanian and U.S. education standards and holds accreditations from MEDUCA and COGNIA.

High school students have the opportunity to take AP courses, and the curriculum includes Spanish and a foreign language, typically French. Tuition for non-sponsored students ranges from $7,966 for PK3 and PK4 to $14,006 for grades 6–12, with additional fees for new and returning students.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Soccer and tennis
• Arts and crafts
• Chess
• Gymnastics

#3 The Metropolitan School of Panama

The Metropolitan School of Panama in Clayton offers an international education from Early Childhood to 12th grade. As part of the Nord Anglia Education network, the school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum in English, with a strong bilingual focus through mandatory Spanish lessons. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1, the school provides personalized attention to its 800 students.

The academic year runs from August to June. Enrollment requires a $200 non-refundable application fee and a one-time admission payment of $12,000, with flexible payment options available. Tuition varies based on grade level, with annual fees ranging from $10,974 to $22,572 for non-sponsored families.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Sports
• Arts
• Robotics
• Community service

#4 The Oxford School

The Oxford School in Edison Park provides a well-rounded education for students from Pre-K to 12th grade. With more than 3,000 students enrolled, the school maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1, ensuring personalized attention.

It follows both the Cambridge Curriculum and the National Curriculum of England, with English as the primary language of instruction. In accordance with Panamanian law, students are required to take two mandatory Spanish classes, Spanish and Social Sciences.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Dance
• Chess
• Music
• Swimming
• Robotics
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Mandarin
• Video Games
• French Club
• Arts and crafts

#5 Colegio Javier

Colegio Javier in Clayton follows Panama’s national curriculum and serves about 2,300 students. The school year runs from March to December, and while the student-to-teacher ratio can vary, especially when students rotate for subjects like music, each classroom usually has up to 35 students.

Classes are taught in Spanish, and the school offers education from kindergarten through 11th grade. Enrollment costs are $50, with graduates earning a bachelor’s degree in science, literature, or philosophy.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Swimming
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Theater
• Music lessons (guitar, piano, and violin)
• Robotics
• Chess
• Athletics

#6 Boston School International

Boston School International in Costa del Este follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, primarily in English. It serves 514 students from Pre-K to Grade 12. Preschool classrooms have about 18 children with two teachers, while primary and secondary levels have one teacher for every 20 students.

The school year runs from August to June. Enrollment involves a one-time $150 fee for admissions testing, an annual enrollment fee of $832, and a $10,000 Capital Fee for new students, with discounts for secondary students and additional children.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Basketball
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Robotics
• Video game design
• Yoga

#7 The Panamerican School

The Panamerican School in Cerro Viento has around 670 students, with class sizes ranging from 20 to 27 and two classrooms per grade level. Preschool to 2nd-grade classrooms have two teachers (one for English and one for Spanish), while from 3rd grade onward, subject-specific teachers take over.

The school follows a March-December calendar and offers a bilingual curriculum in English and Spanish. Enrollment includes a one-time entry fee of $2,000 and an annual fee of $750. The school serves students from preschool (age 4) to 12th grade, with graduates earning a Bachelor’s in Sciences or Humanities.

The annual tuition is $750, with monthly payments of $440 for 1st to 3rd grades, and $462 for 4th to 12th grades.

Extracurricular activities include:

• Art
• Music
• Dance
• Theater
• Sports
• Academic clubs

#8 Colegio Isaac Rabin

Colegio Isaac Rabin in Clayton serves students from kindergarten (age 3) to 12th grade (age 17/18). The school operates from March to December and maintains small class sizes of up to 25 students per grade, ensuring a close student-to-teacher ratio. With 280–300 students, it is part of the global ORT network and a founding member of Ciudad del Saber.

The school is accredited by the IBO and Cambridge, offering a curriculum that focuses on technology, the arts, and multilingual education, including Spanish, English, French, and Hebrew. Tuition includes a one-time admission fee of $6,000 for first-time students or $5,500 for siblings.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Sports
• Swimming
• Robotics
• Chess
• Music
• Olympics

#9 St. George International School of Panama

St. George International School of Panamá in Brisas del Golf offers education from Pre-Kinder to 12th grade. The school operates from March to December and has 420 students, with class sizes of no more than 27–30 students and assistants for grades up to 2nd.

Tuition ranges from $3,550 to $4,320, depending on the grade level. The primary language of instruction is English, and the school follows an American curriculum.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Fairs
• Sports
• Congresses
• Swimming
• Chess
• Robotics
• Olympics
• Music

#10 Colegio San Agustín

Colegio San Agustín in Costa del Este offers education from Maternal to 12th grade, with around 1,700 students. Classrooms typically have 30 to 35 students. The academic year runs from March to December, and enrollment fees are included in tuition costs.

The school follows a Spanish-language curriculum, with English taught daily. Students graduate in science, literature, or commerce, with a commerce degree awarded in the 10th grade. The annual tuition for all grade levels is $3,050.

Extracurricular activities include:

• Robotics
• Debate
• Athletics
• Choir
• Rhythmic dance

#11 Kings College

King’s College Panama in Clayton is an international school offering education for children aged 2 to 18, covering Pre-Nursery through Year 13. The school follows the English National Curriculum until Year 11 and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for Years 12 and 13.

With 400 students from 37 nationalities, the school provides a diverse and inclusive environment. Class sizes average 20 pupils, with a two-form entry system from Reception to Year 9. Certain subjects use a “setting” system, dividing students into smaller groups for a more personalized approach.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Football
• Athletics
• Volleyball
• Running
• Ballet
• Yoga
• Taekwondo
• Basketball
• Handball
• Icon-clubs
• Chess
• Student Newspaper
• Construction Club
• French
• Chinese
• Spanish Literature
• Drama
• Music

#12 Colegio Brader

Colegio Brader, located in Casa Blanca, Chanis, is a bilingual school offering education from Prekindergarten to 12th grade. The school operates on a calendar year from March to December and serves around 1,176 students.

Each grade level has three classrooms, with 28 students per class. The enrollment fee is $3,000, and monthly tuition fees range from $600 to $760, depending on the grade level.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Folklore Ensemble
• Photography
• Debate
• Theatre
• Art (Painting)
• Harpy Eagle mission
• Choir
• Community service
• Film
• Orchestra

#13 York International School

York International School in San Francisco serves students from PreKinder 4 to 12th grade, with 267 students. The school follows the National Curriculum, and classes are taught in Spanish. The student-teacher ratio is 7:1.

Monthly tuition ranges from $275 for PreK 4 and Kindergarten to $350 for 10th to 12th grade. There is a one-time registration fee of $1,000 for every grade level. The academic year runs from March to December, with tuition paid in 10 monthly installments. The school currently does not offer extracurricular activities.

#14 The Casco School

The Casco School has campuses in Albrook and Costa del Este, offering bilingual education in English and Spanish for children aged 2 to 17. The school follows the National Primary Curriculum of England & Wales, IGCSE, Cambridge AS and A Levels, and MEDUCA for Pre-School through High School.

With 340 students and a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio, classes have a maximum of 20 students, with one English-speaking and one Spanish-speaking teacher. Annual tuition fees range from US$6,100 for Pre-School to US$9,800 for Middle and High School, with a US$1,350 registration fee and a US$2,500 capital donation. The school year runs from August to June.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Jiu-Jitsu
• Yoga
• Dance
• Soccer
• Tennis

#15 Smart Academy

Smart Academy in Brisas del Golf operates from March to December, with a mid-year break at the end of July and the beginning of August. The school has between 750 and 850 students, with class sizes ranging from 15 to 22 students, though classrooms can hold up to 33.

The admission exam costs $30, and the registration fee is $755. Monthly fees range from $325 to $400. The English program is led by a qualified instructor with DELTA and ZETA certifications, following Cambridge and Oxford standards.

Over 85% of students graduate with a C1-C2 English level, completing around 3,000 hours of English instruction, or 12-20 hours per week, depending on the grade. While Spanish is the primary language, many students have strong English skills and take the TOEFL exam for university admission abroad.

Extracurricular activities include:

• Sports
• Robotics
• Debate
• Computer programming
• Entrepreneurship
• SINGAPORE maths

#16 Crossroads Christian Academy

Crossroads Christian Academy (CCA) is located in Clayton and serves students from K3 through Grade 12. The school year runs from August to mid-June, with classes averaging 13 students per class. The entrance fee is $5,000, and tuition varies by grade level: K3 and K4 are $7,270, K5 through Grade 4 are $7,930, Grades 5-8 are $8,570, and Grades 9-12 are $9,270.

CCA follows an accredited curriculum recognized by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), the Middle States Association (MSA), and Panama’s Ministry of Education. While the school is not bilingual, students entering Grades 1-11 must show English proficiency. All students take Spanish classes.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• STEM
• Introduction to Music
• Drama
• Chess
• Cheerleading
• Art
• Dance

#17 AIP Academia

AIP School, located in Costa del Este, follows the national curriculum and provides bilingual education in English and Spanish starting from preschool. The school currently has 1,464 students and 136 teachers, with a student-teacher ratio of approximately 10.8:1.

The academic year runs from March to December. The single admission fee is $7,500, and the registration fee is $800. Monthly fees range from $625 to $850, depending on the grade level.

Tuition costs include:

Extracurricular activities include:

• Sports
• Theatre
• Debate Club
• Finance Club

#18 Scala International School

Scala International School is a bilingual school network with campuses in Brisas del Golf in Arraiján, Penonomé, Vacamonte, and Panamá Este. Its educational model emphasizes values, leadership, communication, teamwork, and practical skills. Approximately 70% of instruction is provided in English and 30% in Spanish.

Available grade levels vary by campus. A publicly available 2025 fee schedule for the Panamá Este campus covers preschool through 8th grade. The published annual amounts include enrollment, educational content, and 10 monthly tuition payments.

Tuition costs include:

These figures apply to the Panamá Este campus for 2025. Because tuition may vary by campus and school year, families should confirm current costs directly with Scala International School.

Extracurricular activities include:

• Soccer
• Folkloric activities
• Chess
• Dance
• English reinforcement

#19 Colegio Episcopal de Panama

The Episcopal School of Panama, also known as Colegio Episcopal de Panamá, is a small, coeducational college-preparatory school in El Carmen. Founded in 1960, it provides bilingual instruction, with Spanish and English taught as first languages.

Students in Grades 7–12 receive intensive instruction in French language and literature. Japanese is also available to students in the humanities program during Grades 11 and 12. The school offers secondary diplomas in Sciences, Arts, and Humanities with an emphasis on languages. Its educational approach also reflects the religious values and traditions of the Episcopal Church.

Current tuition rates are not listed on the school’s public website. Families should contact the school directly for information about tuition, enrollment fees, and other required costs.
Extracurricular activities include:

• Sports programs
• Social service
• Pastoral programs
• Peace and justice initiatives

#20 Magen David Academy

Magen David Academy is an international Jewish day school serving more than 500 students from early childhood through high school. The school combines Jewish traditions and values with a modern academic program focused on personal growth, critical thinking, leadership, and preparation for life after graduation.

Magen David Academy uses small classes and student-centered teaching to address each child’s needs and strengths. It currently offers 15 Advanced Placement courses and is certified by Cognia International. The school operates campuses in Obarrio and Panamá Pacífico.

Current tuition rates are not published on the school’s public website. Families should contact the admissions office for information about tuition, enrollment fees, and other required costs.

How to Choose the Right School in Panama

A school may look impressive on paper but still be a poor fit for a particular student. Before enrolling, consider how each option fits your child’s needs and your family’s everyday routine.

• Curriculum: Consider whether the school follows Panama’s national curriculum or an international, American, British, or IB program. Your family’s future education plans may make one option more practical than another.
• Language: Decide whether your child needs instruction in English, Spanish, or both. Some schools also offer French, Mandarin, Hebrew, or other languages.
• Class size and support: Ask how many students are in each classroom and whether the school provides learning, language, or counseling support.
• Location and schedule: Compare the commute, transportation options, daily schedule, and academic calendar. These factors can have a major effect on family life.
• Total cost: Look beyond monthly or annual tuition. Enrollment fees, capital contributions, uniforms, meals, transportation, technology, and activities can increase the full cost of attendance.

Visiting the campus can help you compare the learning environment, facilities, teachers, and overall atmosphere before making a final decision.

FAQs About Schools in Panama

What Are the Best Schools in Panama?

The best school depends on a student’s academic needs, preferred language, and future education plans. Well-known options include the International School of Panama, King’s College Panama, the Metropolitan School of Panama, Balboa Academy, and Boston School International. Families should also compare curriculum, class size, location, extracurricular activities, and total cost before choosing a school.

How Much Does Private School Cost in Panama?

Private school tuition in Panama ranges from a few thousand dollars to more than $20,000 per year. Costs depend on the school, curriculum, and grade level. Families may also need to pay enrollment fees, capital contributions, transportation, meals, uniforms, technology charges, and activity fees. Contact each school for a complete and current breakdown of its costs.

Are Public Schools Free in Panama?

Panama’s public schools do not charge private-school tuition and primarily teach classes in Spanish. However, available resources, facilities, class sizes, and academic programs can vary considerably between schools. Many expatriate families select private or international schools because they want instruction in English, smaller classes, a particular curriculum, or credentials that can make moving to another country’s education system easier.

When Does the School Year Begin in Panama?

Schools in Panama generally follow one of two academic calendars. Schools using Panama’s traditional calendar usually operate from March through December. Many international schools follow a North American-style schedule that begins in August or September and ends in June. Families should check the exact dates before enrolling because holidays, application deadlines, orientation, and midyear admission policies differ between schools.

Find the Right School and Community for Your Family

Panama offers educational options for many different priorities, from bilingual instruction and international curricula to religious education and smaller learning environments. Comparing tuition, location, class size, academic calendars, and student support can help your family narrow the choices.

The school you select may also influence where you decide to live. A home near the right campus can reduce daily travel and make it easier for children to take part in school activities. If you’re planning a move and need help finding a home near your preferred school, the team at Panama Equity can help you explore properties that fit your family’s needs. Contact Panama Equity Real Estate today.