Schools: Where Should I Send My Kids?
Panama City
Panama City has three international schools that are fully accredited by an American School Association: The International School of Panama, Balboa Academy and the Oxford International School (not to be confused with the Oxford School).
The International School of Panama (ISP)
This is Panama’s most expensive international school. The high school has the best academic level of the American accredited schools mostly because it is the only school that offers the International Baccalaureate. The location is far away from everything.
Website: www.isp.edu.pa
Balboa Academy (BA) in the former Canal Zone
A more laid back American style education, BA provides a good education and makes room for kids with learning problems. Kids adjust well to this school and are generally very happy. Expensive.
Website: www.balboaacademymyweb.org
Oxford International School, (OIS) Via Espana
Very inexpensive compared to the other American accredited schools, this a tough school especially if your child does not speak Spanish because OIS has a full American curriculum and a full Panamanian curriculum. This is fine if your child starts out here in the primary grades. High school is very difficult- your high schoolers have 13 subjects to study. OIS does not have after school programs and the facilities are a bit crowded. Excellent families.
Website: www.ois.edu.pa
Panama City: Other options:
The Episcopal School in El Carmen (CEP)
CEP is academically top. It is also very inexpensive relative to other English curriculum schools. But it is a very tough, traditional style school and not for every kid. It’s also hard to get into, but at worst you can get on the waiting list. Also your child must speak Spanish or be a kindergardener. Excellent families. CEP also has by far the best after school activities program of any school in Panama- the folkloric dance clubs, debate club, soccer teams are outstanding etc.
Website: www.cep.edu.pa
St Mary’s School in Albrook
Inexpensive, good school but not great academically. A Catholic school but children of other religions are welcome.
Website: www.stmarypa.com
Crossroads Christian Academy in Cardenas
A small school connected to Panama’s largest English speaking evangelical Christian church. Does not have the facilities of a regular school and is more like a home school. Inexpensive. Children of other faiths are not welcome.
Website: www.ccapanama.com
Colegio Isaac Rabin
Jewish school primary through high school.
Website: www.cirabin.edu.pa
Pacific Coast Beaches Near Panama City:
The city of Penonome has a bilingual school. If you have any info on how good it is, please let us know.