Exploring Schools in Panama: A Guide for Parents
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Choosing the right school in Panama is a crucial decision for families moving to Panama City, Panama. And the great news is that we have a tremendous range of schools in Panama to choose from in this guide to Panama schools! From budget conscious to world class, there really is a school to fit every student’s needs.
Whether you are looking for schools offering Spanish-language instruction, English-based curriculums, or those with a strong religious focus, there are literally dozens of great institutions to choose from, often at a fraction of the price of what they might cost in the US, Canada or Europe.
In our revised and updated 2025 Panama school guide, we provide a comprehensive overview of what we believe are the top schools in Panama City, Panama. You’ll find important information all in one place including the location, school size, curriculum structure, student-to-teacher ratios, primary languages of instruction, academic calendars, extracurricular activities, grade levels served, and tuition costs.
Whether you’re seeking a small, nurturing environment, a globally connected institution, or a school with religious and cultural values at its core, this is our top list of what we believe to the best schools in Panama.
And of course if you need help finding a wonderful property in Panama for sale or rent, you have also come to the right place 🙂
Check out the YouTube video below.
#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 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:
| Due Date | Start Date | PK3 | PK4-5 | 6-8 | 9-12 | |
| Q1 | Jul 24 2024 | Aug 17 2024 | $2,440 | $3,726 | $4,087 | $4,622 |
| Q2 | Sep 27 2024 | Oct 14 2024 | $2,440 | $3,726 | $4,087 | $4,622 |
| Q3 | Jan 2 2025 | Jan 15 2025 | $2,440 | $3,726 | $4,087 | $4,622 |
| Q4 | Mar 17 2025 | Mar 31 2025 | $2,440 | $3,726 | $4,087 | $4,622 |
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:
| Tuition (non sponsored families) | Tuition (sponsored families) | Annual Enrollment Fees | |||
| Grade | Per Trimester | Annual | Per Trimester | Annual | Registration |
| Early Childhood 3-4 | $3,658 | $10,974 | $4,504 | $13,512 | $1,160 |
| Kinder to 5th Grade | $5,280 | $15,840 | $6,569 | $19,707 | $1,700 |
| 6th to 8th Grade | $5,984 | $17,952 | $7,453 | $22,359 | $1,900 |
| 9th to 12th Grade | $6,041 | $18,123 | $7,524 | $22,57 | $1,900 |
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:
| Grade | Yearly Tuition Fee |
| PK1 – PK3 | $3,216.51 |
| Kinder | $3,799.62 |
| 1st – 5th | $4,204.04 |
| 6th – 8th | $4,796.55 |
| 9th – 10th | $5,088.11 |
| 11th – 12th | $5,765.27 |
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:
| Academic Section | Yearly Fee |
| Maternal | $2,700 |
| Pre-Kinder and Kinder | $2,600 |
| Primary (1) | $2,700 |
| Primary (2,3,4,5,6) | $2,670 |
| Secondary (7.8) | $2,670 |
| Secondary (9,10,11) | $2,770 |
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 B/2000 and an annual fee of B/750. The school serves students from preschool (age 4) to 12th grade, with graduates earning a Bachelor in Sciences or Humanities.
The annual tuition is B/750, with monthly payments of B/440 for 1st to 3rd grades, and B/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:
| Level | Tuition Fees per Year |
| Young Children | $1,190 |
| Prekinder | $1,550 |
| Kinder | $1,650 |
| 1st – 5th Grade | $2,255 |
| 6th Grade | $2,330 |
| 7th Grade | $2,530 |
| 8th Grade | $2,530 |
| 9th Grade | $2,530 |
| 10th Grade | $2,560 |
| 11th | $2,560 |
| 12th | $2,560 |
Extracurricular Activities include:
- Sports
- Swimming
- Robotics
- Chess
- Music
- Olympics
#9 St. George International School of Panama
St. George International School of Panama 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:
| Grade | Total Yearly Tuition |
| Pre-Kinder – Kinder | $3,550 |
| 1st – 6th | $3,550 |
| 7th – 9th | $3,860 |
| 10th | $4,320 |
| 11th – 12th | $4,320 |
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 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:
| Grade | Fees |
| PRE-Nursery | $7,995 |
| Nursery | $16,716 |
| Reception | $17,474 |
| Year 1- 2 | $18,822 |
| Year 3 – 6 | $20,840 |
| Year 7 – 9 | $21,473 |
| Year 10 – 11 (IGSCE) | $22,656 |
| Year 12-13 (IB) | $23,624 |
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 3 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:
| Grade | Monthly Fees |
| PK and Kinder | $600 |
| 1 – 3 | $645 |
| 4 – 6 | $670 |
| 7 – 9 | $725 |
| 10 – 12 | $760 |
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 B/. 275 for PreK 4 and Kindergarten to B/. 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.
| Grade | Monthly Fees |
| PreKinder 4 | $275 |
| Kinder | $275 |
| 1st Grade – 3rd Grade | $290 |
| 4th Grade – 6th Grade | $305 |
| 7th Grade – 9th Grade | $330 |
| 10th Grade – 12th Grade | $350 |
#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:
| Grade | Monthly Fees |
| Pre-School | $507 |
| Pre- and Primary School | $776 |
| Middle and High School | $879 |
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—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:
| Grade | Yearly Fees |
| K3 + K4 | $7270 |
| K5 + Grades 1- 4 | $7930 |
| Grades 5 – 8 | $8570 |
| Grades 9 – 12 | $9270 |
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:
| Grade | Monthly Payments |
| PK-K | $625 |
| 1st – 3rd | $750 |
| 4th – 6th | $775 |
| 7th – 9th | $800 |
| 10th – 12th | $850 |
Extracurricular activities include:
- Sports
- Theatre
- Debate Club
- Finance Club
Panama offers a diverse range of schools to suit every family’s needs, from Jewish schools with strong cultural foundations to Spanish and bilingual institutions that prepare students for a globalized world. Whether you’re seeking a rigorous academic program, values-based education, or an immersive language experience, there’s something here for everyone. With so many excellent options, families relocating to Panama can feel confident in finding a school that aligns with their priorities and sets their children up for success.
Kent Davis, founder of Panama Equity Real Estate, is a leading expert in Panama’s competitive real estate market. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, he holds a Marketing Information Systems degree from James Madison University. After a successful corporate career managing multimillion-dollar inventories at Hajoca Corporation, Kent pursued his dream of living abroad, moving to Panama in 2007.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he established Panama Equity to connect buyers, sellers, and investors with Panama’s top properties. Known for his transparency, expertise, and market insights, Kent has helped hundreds navigate Panama’s real estate landscape. Fluent in Spanish, he frequently publishes market reports to empower clients with informed decisions.
Beyond real estate, Kent is passionate about Panama’s culture, landscapes, and surf-friendly beaches. He lives in Panama with his wife and three sons, embracing the vibrant lifestyle the country offers.
