Panama City, the bustling capital of Panama, serves as a vibrant hub bridging the Americas with its rich multicultural tapestry and strategic location. As of February 20, 2025, the city hosts 17 international schools, offering a diverse range of curricula including British, IB, American, German, French, and Canadian systems. These schools cater to students from early childhood to Grade 12, blending global educational standards with Panama’s unique cultural context to prepare students for international opportunities. With fees ranging from affordable to premium and options for co-educational and bilingual environments, Panama City provides a wealth of choices for families. This detailed guide lists all 17 schools, explores their unique offerings, and includes a personalized search tool to help you find the perfect match.
Overview of International Education in Panama City
Panama City’s international schools reflect its role as a global crossroads, serving a mix of local Panamanian families and expatriates across areas like Clayton, Costa Verde, and Casco Viejo. The IB curriculum is prominent, alongside British and American systems, emphasizing academic rigor and global citizenship. Bilingualism (English-Spanish) is a common feature, with some schools offering additional languages like German or French, aligning with Panama’s diverse population and international business environment. Emphasis is placed on holistic development, integrating academics with extracurriculars, values, and modern facilities. Fees vary, with some schools transparent about costs and others requiring inquiries, catering to diverse socioeconomic needs in this thriving urban center.
Complete List of International Schools in Panama City
Below is a detailed breakdown of all 17 international schools in Panama City, including their curricula, languages of instruction, age ranges, fees (where available), and standout features.
1. Metropolitan School of Panama (MET)
- Description: Offers a world-class IB program for students from Early Childhood 3 to Grade 12.
- Curriculum: IB
- Language: English
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees (2024/2025): B/. 12,099–B/. 19,965
- Reviews: 6
- Highlights: Diverse community with over 45 nationalities and a focus on academic excellence.
2. International School of Panama (ISP)
- Description: A non-profit, independent IB World School certified by Cognia and MEDUCA.
- Curriculum: IB
- Language: English
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees (2025/2026): B/. 10,013–B/. 18,966
- Reviews: 1
- Highlights: Multicultural environment fostering critical thinking and leadership.
3. The Casco School
- Description: A boutique British school across three locations offering bilingual education.
- Curriculum: British
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Ages: 2-17
- Fees (2024/2025): B/. 7,762–B/. 8,792
- Highlights: Affordable with small groups and an after-school program including French and robotics.
4. The Oxford School
- Description: Provides a holistic British education from Pre-Kinder to Grade 12.
- Curriculum: British
- Language: English
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees: Not publicly available
- Highlights: Focuses on comprehensive student development.
5. Sabis International School Costa Verde
- Description: A multinational school in a state-of-the-art campus opened in 2017 within the SABIS® Network.
- Curriculum: International
- Language: English
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees: Not publicly available
- Highlights: Prepares students for top universities with a strong knowledge foundation.
6. Boston School International
- Description: A private bilingual IB World School offering college preparatory education.
- Curriculum: IB
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees: Not publicly available
- Reviews: 3
- Highlights: Combines bilingual learning with IB rigor.
7. Oxford International School (OIS)
- Description: Serves San Francisco and Panama City with a diverse student body.
- Curriculum: International
- Language: English
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees: Not publicly available
- Highlights: Reflects Panama’s cultural diversity in its educational approach.
8. Balboa Academy
- Description: Part of Inspired Education, offering U.S. and Panamanian diplomas with over 20 AP courses.
- Curriculum: American
- Language: English
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees (2024/2025): B/. 9,017–B/. 15,859
- Highlights: Located in Ciudad del Saber with a focus on global perspectives.
9. King’s College, The British School of Panama
- Description: Panama’s first British curriculum school, established in 2012 in Clayton.
- Curriculum: IB, British
- Language: English
- Ages: 2-18
- Fees (2024/2025): B/. 8,000–B/. 23,639
- Reviews: 2
- Highlights: Diverse student body from 47 nationalities with a rainforest-bordered campus.
10. United School of Panama
- Description: Opened in 2021, focusing on preparatory curricula in a multicultural setting.
- Curriculum: American
- Language: English
- Ages: 4-10
- Fees (2024/2025): B/. 8,600 (flat rate)
- Highlights: Affordable with emphasis on discipline and teamwork.
11. Colegio Alemán del Istmo
- Description: A German school with a trilingual curriculum (German, English, Spanish).
- Curriculum: German, International
- Languages: English, German, Spanish
- Ages: 2-16
- Fees (2024/2025): B/. 5,488–B/. 12,202
- Reviews: 2
- Highlights: Most affordable option with a strong multilingual focus.
12. Panama Prep International School
- Description: A private bilingual school offering a comprehensive international education.
- Curriculum: International
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees: Not publicly available
- Highlights: Balances bilingualism with global standards.
13. Crossroads Christian Academy
- Description: An English-speaking Christian school offering K3-12 education.
- Curriculum: Christian, International
- Language: English
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees (2024/2025): B/. 7,897–B/. 9,891
- Highlights: Affordable with a faith-based approach.
14. Howard Academy
- Description: A full-English school with unique services like special needs support and daycare.
- Curriculum: International
- Language: English
- Ages: 2-15
- Fees: Not publicly available
- Highlights: Inclusive with extensive after-school offerings.
15. Lycée Français International de Panama
- Description: A plurilingual French school part of the AEFE network with over 700 students.
- Curriculum: French
- Language: French
- Ages: 2-18
- Fees (2024/2025): B/. 6,322–B/. 8,963
- Highlights: Trilingual education (French, English, Spanish) with a global network.
16. American School International (ASI)
- Description: A full-English school in Costa Verde focusing on student-centered learning.
- Curriculum: American
- Language: English
- Ages: 3-14
- Fees: Not publicly available
- Highlights: Develops individual talents in West Panama.
17. TRAIL School
- Description: An American school bringing U.S. culture and community focus to Panama.
- Curriculum: American
- Language: English
- Ages: 3-15
- Fees (2024/2025): B/. 6,301–B/. 9,302
- Highlights: Affordable with a strong community ethos.
Curriculum Options
- IB: Prevalent (e.g., MET, ISP), offering PYP, MYP, and DP.
- British: Common (e.g., Casco, Oxford), with British National Curriculum and IGCSE.
- American: Widespread (e.g., Balboa, United), aligned with U.S. standards.
- German: Colegio Alemán provides a trilingual German curriculum.
- French: Lycée Français offers a French-language program.
Fee Structures
- Budget-Friendly: Colegio Alemán (B/. 5,488–B/. 12,202), TRAIL (B/. 6,301–B/. 9,302), Lycée Français (B/. 6,322–B/. 8,963).
- Mid-Range: Casco (B/. 7,762–B/. 8,792), Crossroads (B/. 7,897–B/. 9,891), United (B/. 8,600).
- Premium: MET (B/. 12,099–B/. 19,965), King’s College (B/. 8,000–B/. 23,639).
- Not Disclosed: 7 schools require direct inquiries.
Personalize Your Search
To find your ideal school, answer these questions for a personalized score:
- Curriculum: IB, British, American, German, French, or International?
- Age Range: Early years (1-5), primary (6-11), secondary (12-18), or full (1-18)?
- Budget: Low (<B/. 10,000), mid (B/. 10,000–B/. 15,000), premium (>B/. 15,000)?
- Languages: English only, English-Spanish, or trilingual options?
- Values: Secular, Christian, or multicultural focus?
Examples:
- IB + Full Range + Premium: MET or ISP.
- British + Mid-Range + Bilingual: Casco or King’s College.
- Affordable + English: TRAIL or Crossroads.
Conclusion
Panama City’s 17 international schools offer a dynamic range of educational options, from the affordable Colegio Alemán del Istmo to the premium Metropolitan School of Panama. Whether you prioritize cost, global curricula, or cultural integration, there’s a school to match your needs as of February 20, 2025. Use the personalization tool to rank your top choices and ensure your child thrives in this vibrant Central American capital.
