Jewish Schools in Panama: What Are The Best Options?
Published on
Jewish Schools in Panama provide an important combination of culture, values, and academics. There are three main Jewish Schools in Panama City. This means that there are several options to choose from for families who are hoping to find a Jewish school for their children.
Read on to find out more about each of these three options to determine which is the best fit for you and your family.
The Magen David Academy
The Magen David Academy Founded in 2008, the school aims to provide families the high academic standards of international schools. All in combination with the culture and Jewish values offered by Jewish schools.
Since its founding, The Magen David Academy as grown from a K-5 school to include a middle and high school as well. To date, the school has graduated two classes of seniors and hopes to continue to grow and develop in years to come.
Academics at Magen David Academy focus on creativity and student exploration. Administrators and teachers want to prepare students not only to be successful in the academic world but in work and home life as well. As such, instruction focuses just as much on skills as it does on content. With particular emphasis on creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
Families interested in enrolling students in The Magen David Academy should refer to their website. Here you will need to prepare to complete the six-step application process. This process includes an initial screening to check references. These references can be through the local or international community or your synagogue. After screening there is a tour and a meeting with the Head of School. Interested students then submit an application and complete an admissions test. Lastly, admitted students will receive a welcome email and then invited to enroll.
Not sure if The Magen David Academy is right for your children? Check out their website that provides plenty of information as well as a list of why this is the right school for your family.
Isaac Rabin School
Another great option for Jewish Schools in Panama is the Isaac Rabin School (Colegio Isaac Rabin in Spanish). The school was founded in 2000 in the Clayton neighborhood near the City of Knowledge.
The Isaac Rabin School aims to develop students to be responsible for their own personal growth. Both in terms of academics and faith. The school shapes students to become critical thinkers within a multicultural environment. Including, a strong focus on Judaism and its role in the modern world.
As of 2009, the Isaac Rabin School is part of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Therefore, they offer students IB classes and the opportunity to earn an IB diploma. The IB curriculum is an international curriculum composed of rigorous courses that promote critical thinking, and comprehensive, inquiry-based learning. IB courses are offered at all levels, from the primary grades up through to high school.
Apart from the IB program, the Isaac Rabin School is known amongst the Jewish Schools in Panama City for their robust offerings of extracurricular activities. Students can join one of a number of sports teams, play a musical instrument or learn an additional language
Students interested in enrolling at the Isaac Rabin School will complete an interview with the school director. Including psychological and academic tests. They must also provide a number of documents such as a birth certificate.
The Albert Einstein Institute
The third option for Jewish Schools in Panama is the Albert Einstein Institute. Located on Via Israel in San Francisco, the Albert Einstein Institute was founded in 1955. This makes it the oldest of the Jewish Schools in Panama City. This school aims to strike a balance between religious and cultural values. Plus, academic excellence!
The Albert Einstein Institute has an impressive track record for student success. About 90% of each graduating class goes to college. With about 53% of graduates studying at universities abroad.
This school offers classes from preschool through to high school graduation. Here students complete a rigorous curriculum that includes instruction in English, Spanish, and Hebrew. In addition, students complete courses in everything from math, science, geography, and computing.
In addition, there are also tons of opportunities for students to enjoy after school. About 62% of students participate in after school activities which range from gymnastics to robotics to theater.
Apart from that there is the Yeshiva for boys and another small religious school called Mitzvah Tots.
So there you have it! A comprehensive list of the top Jewish schools in Panama City. What the options lack in quantity, they make up for in quality. Each of these schools serves hundreds of satisfied families who are looking to provide their children with an education that combines top-notch academics with Jewish faith and culture.
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.
Paola Malca
on said
Hi! Just for the record we have 4 jewish schools in Panamá:
Academia Hebrea (othodox)
Intituto Alberto Einstein (orthodox)
Maguen David (orthodox)
Isaac Rabin (reform)
Apart from that there is the Yeshiva for boys and another small religious school called Mitzvah Tots.
Maguen David is by far not the only othodox school in Panama and less so in Latin America! Thanks though for the page
Kent Davis
on said
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback 🙂 We’ll get this article updated now!
Chaim
on said
Hello Paola
Thanks for your comments.
Is there a Jewish orthodox school for girls in which the teach in English?
Regards,
Chaim
Fabricio
on said
Hi Everyone,
I am planning to work in Panama for the next few years and I have two kids, one of four years old and the other 18 months. Could you please advise on Isaac Rabin school? It is bilingual with english?
We are analyzing where should we live according the school. My question is if there is any school where jewish people send their kids without being religious. Although here in Argentina we send to a jewish but not ortodox school, I think in Panama there is no many options, specially if I am not planning to live in Clayton.
I look forward to reading your response!
Many thanks,
Fabricio
Kent Davis
on said
Hi Fabricio, I would suggest checking their website or giving the school a call.
Todd B. Cutick
on said
I can’t find any information about tuition at the orthodox day schools. Any insight?
Kent Davis
on said
Not sure on this one Todd, apologies!