Boston School International vs Metropolitan School of Panama
Boston School International and Metropolitan School of Panama are both in Panama City, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Metropolitan School of Panama also offers Reggio Emilia. Published annual fees are $11,335 - 33,105 at Boston School International and $12,410 - 20,302 at Metropolitan School of Panama, which puts Boston School International roughly 36% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. Metropolitan School of Panama is the larger school, with around 800 pupils to Boston School International's 520. Typical class sizes are 16 at Boston School International and 20 at Metropolitan School of Panama.
Located in Costa del Este, Panama City, Panama. The campus is at Edif H-51, Paseo del Mar, in the Costa del Este district.
Location
The Metropolitan School of Panama is located at Calle Primavera, Green Valley, Panama Norte, Panama City, Republic of Panama. It sits in the Green Valley neighborhood of Panama Norte within the Panama City metropolitan area. It is part of the Nord Anglia Education family. It serves students from Early Childhood through High School.
Stages
Stages
Ages 3 to 18. The school offers four IB learning stages: Early Years (IB Early Learning Program) for ages 3–5; Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 6–11; Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 12–18; and Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18.
Stages
Early Childhood (3–6), Elementary (6–11), Middle School (11–14), High School (14–18)
School type
School type
IB international school; ISP member.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Panama
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:30 pm
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a school transport service. Bus routes cover Costa del Este, Santa María, Amador, and Panama Pacifico, with trips of about 40–45 minutes. Buses depart at 3:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 12:30 p.m. on Fridays; monthly fees vary by location. To enroll, complete the transport registration form and contact the Transportation Office.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and admission fees - Application fee (one-time): USD 150.00, charged at the admission interview/application stage. - Single (one-time) Admission/Entry fee: USD 10,000.00 (one-time payment at enrolment). - Capital fee for applicants to Secondary (Grades 7–12): USD 7,000.00 (one-time).
Billing schedule and payment terms - The fee schedule is shown as both a monthly amount and an annual total; annual totals correspond to ten monthly payments (monthly × 10 = annual), indicating a common billing structure based on ten instalments across the academic year. One-time fees (application, admission, capital fee) are billed separately at application/enrolment.
Other mandatory or recurring charges - Annual didactic / technology resource payments (by level): Pre‑school USD 510; Primary USD 680; Secondary USD 765 (listed as annual resource/technology charges). - A specified annual payment of USD 869 appears in the published fee schedule as a separate annual charge related to class enrolment/registration. - Language-program / additional-family discounts (regular extras): USD 200 per month for a single student or USD 150 per month for two siblings; families with three or more students are listed as exempt from that monthly charge. - Sibling discounts on fees: second child — 20% discount on the capital fee and 10% discount on monthly tuition; third child — 30% discount on the capital fee and 25% discount on monthly tuition.
Boarding - Boarding is not listed as part of the school's offerings; the school operates as a day school serving ages 3–18. No boarding fees are shown in the published fee schedule.
Other possible costs (examples listed in the schedule) - Incidental or program-specific fees (field trips, extracurricular activities, examinations, uniform and consumables) are referenced generally in institutional documents but specific, itemised uniform or cafeteria fees are not listed in the published fee summary. The published schedule lists the didactic/technology charges above and the language-program monthly figures.
Refund information - The published fee schedule shows one-time application, admission and capital charges and annual/ monthly tuition and resource charges; specific refund terms and conditions for those fees are not itemised in the publicly released fee schedule. The application fee is presented as a one-time fee at application.
Fee payment options - Billing and family account management are handled through the school's parent portal (iSAMS). Commonly used methods for international schools with this portal include bank transfer and credit/debit card processing; families are billed and pay through the parent-portal/payment arrangement established at enrolment.
Notes on discounts and promotions - The school runs a referral/discount programme that grants a 10% tuition discount for the entire 2026–2027 school year for each successfully referred and enrolled student; other promotional discounts (early‑payment or similar) are not itemised in the fee schedule excerpt.
Fee details
Application / One‑time admission fees - One‑time admission payment: USD 12,000 payable upon acceptance. A single full payment of this amount receives a USD 500 discount. Students entering Early Childhood 3–4 may delay the one‑time payment until Kinder and pay it in three instalments; students entering Kinder–Grade 10 may pay the one‑time payment in two instalments (second instalment due 12 months after acceptance). New students entering Grades 11–12 pay half of the one‑time admission payment at enrolment.
Annual enrollment (registration / technology) fee - Early Childhood (3–4): USD 1,160 per year. - Kinder–Grade 5: USD 1,700 per year. - Grades 6–8: USD 1,900 per year. - Grades 9–12: USD 1,900 per year.
Tuition fees (per trimester and annual) — day students (non‑sponsored families) - Early Childhood (3–4): USD 3,750 per trimester — USD 11,250 annual. - Kinder–Grade 5: USD 5,412 per trimester — USD 16,236 annual. - Grades 6–8: USD 6,134 per trimester — USD 18,402 annual. - Grades 9–12: USD 6,192 per trimester — USD 18,576 annual.
Tuition fees (per trimester and annual) — sponsored families - Early Childhood (3–4): USD 4,616 per trimester — USD 13,848 annual. - Kinder–Grade 5: USD 6,734 per trimester — USD 20,202 annual. - Grades 6–8: USD 7,640 per trimester — USD 22,920 annual. - Grades 9–12: USD 7,712 per trimester — USD 23,136 annual.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Two accepted tuition payment methods: a single annual payment, or three instalments corresponding to the three academic trimesters. A single annual payment is due by mid‑July (example date shown: July 14, 2025) for the academic year schedule published. Trimester instalments are payable before the start of each trimester (example trimester start dates shown: First Trimester in late July, Second Trimester in late October, Third Trimester in late February). Late payments are subject to a surcharge of 10% of the overdue amount. The school offers a 5% tuition discount for a third sibling and a 10% discount for a fourth sibling.
Other fees and typical additional costs - English as an Additional Language (EAL) support: additional charges apply where required. - Exceptional Education Program (EEP): additional charges apply where required. - IB Diploma Programme fees (Grades 11–12): registration and examination fees payable on registration / re‑enrollment; optional online DP courses are charged separately. - Extracurricular activities (ECAs), field trips, and athletics program: programme participation or trip fees may apply. - Passport Adventures and summer camps: separate charges apply for participation. - Transportation (school bus): the MET offers a private bus service for students living in Panama City; bus service is an additional paid service. - Uniforms and school clothing: all students wear a school uniform; uniforms are purchased from the authorised vendor Galápagos (online, phone or in‑store). Athletic team uniforms are supplied and charged where applicable. - Meals: balanced snacks and lunch are provided and stated as included in the tuition fee.
Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. The Metropolitan School of Panama operates as a day school and provides transport services rather than boarding accommodation.
Refunds and withdrawal terms - One‑time admission payment (OTP) refund schedule: refunds of the OTP (when applicable) are calculated on a trimester basis; partial refunds may apply early in the student's attendance record but no refund is due from the 6th trimester of attendance onwards. The Annual Enrollment (re‑enrollment) fee is refundable only up to July 31 of the year; after that date it is not refundable, and no re‑enrollment fee refund is provided for students who withdraw during the school year. - Tuition refunds: once a student has attended any day within a trimester, that trimester's tuition is payable in full; if full annual tuition was paid in advance, reimbursement (if any) is limited to the portion that applies to future trimesters not yet started at the date of withdrawal. - Refund payment method: refunds are returned by bank transfer to the payer name that appears on the original payment documents; the school will not transfer refunds to third parties without written authorization. Parents/guardians must follow the school's withdrawal procedure and submit the required withdrawal form and two weeks' notice.
Fee payment options and instructions - Accepted methods: debit card and credit card (Visa and MasterCard), check (payable to The Metropolitan School of Panama, S.A.), direct bank deposit to Banco General (the school provides account numbers for one‑time and other payments), and international wire transfers. For bank deposits and wires, parents must send proof of payment to the school accounting email with student details to ensure correct allocation. - For one‑time payments and other bank deposits the school publishes beneficiary and account details for Banco General (savings/checking account numbers are provided by the school for proper application of payments). Parents must supply deposit/wire confirmation to accounting to have payments applied.
If a specific numeric item above requires verification for a particular contract or invoice, rely on the invoiced amount the school issues at enrolment.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
The Metropolitan School of Panama has a House system with four houses that fosters school spirit and community bonds.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is part of International Schools Partnership (ISP).
Governance and ownership
MET Panama is part of Nord Anglia Education, a global network of international schools.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Boston School International is an IB World School offering the IB Early Learning Program (PK), Primary Years Program (PYP) for Kindergarten–Grade 5, Middle Years Program (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and Diploma Program (DP) for Grades 11–12. The PYP and MYP emphasize inquiry-based learning, independent thinking, and learning through units of inquiry, while the DP develops breadth and depth of knowledge with a core that includes independent research and a community service project. The IB education centers on learners and international-mindedness, and is recognized worldwide by universities. After finishing the MYP, students are prepared for further education, including national and international courses of study for 16–19 year olds; DP students study at least two languages and engage with Theory of Knowledge.
Curriculum details
The MET uses the International Baccalaureate continuum in English from early years to high school. Early Childhood (ages 3–6) follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with a Reggio Emilia–inspired approach; Elementary (ages 6–11; Grades 1–5) also follows the IB PYP; Middle School (ages 11–14; Grades 6–8) uses the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP); High School (ages 14–18; Grades 11–12) prepares students for the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Languages taught across EC–MS are English and Spanish; average class sizes are 15 (EC), 20 (Elementary), and 22 (Middle School).
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Average class sizes are 15 in Early Childhood, 20 in Elementary, and 22 in Middle School.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
Highest IBDP score achieved: 44/45 in 2024; average DP score over the last five years: 35/45. In 2022, 68% of graduates earned bilingual diplomas in English and Spanish. The program reports a 93% IB Diploma success rate, with graduates gaining places at world‑leading universities and many entering their top-three choices.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
After the MYP, students are prepared for further education including national and international courses of study for 16–19 year olds. The Diploma Program is recognized worldwide by universities and requires students to study at least two languages and complete core components such as Theory of Knowledge.
Higher education progression
Graduates gain admission to world‑leading universities; 93% of Diploma students earn the IB Diploma, with many graduates entering top global universities and securing places at their preferred institutions.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
Talent development is supported through the IB framework, including opportunities to pursue passions via the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and programs like METMUN.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
In homeroom, the wellness activity centers students and connects with what makes them happy. An elementary counsellor greets students at the start of the day and supports their wellbeing. In homeroom, students check in about personal goals, wellbeing and academic progress. The IB programme components promote inquiry, reflection and collaborative learning across the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) encourages students to lead, help others and make an impact in the community. MIT challenges and the Global Games provide opportunities to apply learning beyond the classroom and build resilience.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
English and Spanish are languages taught at Metropolitan School of Panama. English and Spanish are taught at Early Childhood. English and Spanish are taught at Elementary, Middle School and High School.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
In high school, the wellness activity centers students and connects with what makes them happy. Elementary counsellors greet students at the start of the day and support their wellbeing. In homeroom, students check in about personal goals, wellbeing and academic progress. TOK and CAS in the IB programme promote independent thinking, reflection and community involvement. MIT challenges and the Global Games provide opportunities to apply learning beyond the classroom and build resilience.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Boston School International has modern facilities designed to provide a comprehensive environment for learning and development. Spaces are dedicated to science, the arts, sport, and recreation to promote curiosity and ongoing learning. The campus includes a Science Laboratory, a Technology and Robotics Laboratory, an Art Room, and a Music Room, and modern classrooms with interactive displays. A bright Library offers reading and study spaces and a broad collection of books and digital resources to support tasks and projects. The Cafeteria serves nutritious meals that support daily growth and energy.
Facilities overview
The MET Panama offers Early Childhood (ages 3–6), Elementary (ages 6–11), Middle School (ages 11–14), and High School (ages 14–18). English and Spanish are taught at all levels. Nationalities represented include 35+ in Early Childhood, 45 in Elementary, 45 in Middle School, and 35+ in High School. Average class sizes are 15 in Early Childhood, 20 in Elementary, and 22 in Middle and High School.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The soccer field is a large outdoor space where students practice, compete, and develop teamwork. The multifunctional basketball court is a versatile area for various sports, practices, tournaments, and school events. Covered and open courtyards provide safe, ventilated spaces for students to play, socialize, and enjoy breaks regardless of weather. The playground is designed to stimulate creativity, coordination, and safe, supervised fun.
Sports facilities
The school offers a range of extracurricular sports including soccer, basketball, swimming, and triathlon, with swimming lessons beginning at age three. These activities are integrated into the school day and community life, supporting physical development and teamwork.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The campus includes a Science Laboratory and a Technology and Robotics Laboratory. There is an Art Room and a Music Room for creative expression. Modern classrooms are equipped with interactive displays. A bright Library provides reading and study spaces with a wide collection of books and digital resources. The School Cafeteria offers nutritious meals to support student growth.
Academic facilities
The curriculum includes the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is part of the Diploma Programme. MIT challenges provide opportunities to apply STEAM knowledge. Music education is provided with instructors from The Juilliard School. The library supports reading development with a literacy coach.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
18 distinct extracurricular activities are offered. As part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), students participate in international opportunities that challenge thinking, spark curiosity, and create global connections. Experiences include Model United Nations, international chess tournaments, and collaborative projects.
Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular activities include art, drama, STEAM, guitar, Violin, soccer, basketball, swimming, and triathlon. Music instruction features visiting performers from The Juilliard School. IB components include CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) to encourage community engagement. MIT challenges promote creative problem-solving. Global Games and Junior Global Games offer cross-school competition with Nord Anglia peers. Diploma Programme students can use the DP Lounge for study and collaboration.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Boston School International was established in 2012 in Costa del Este, Panama. In 2021, the Main Campus relocated from the historic Panama Canal Administration site in Ancón to Paseo del Mar in Costa del Este. In January 2022, a new Early Learning Campus opened in Costa del Este, uniting the school across two campuses as one school. The school participates in the International Schools Partnership, joining a global network of member schools.
History
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Community
Community
Boston School International fosters a warm, safe, and close-knit atmosphere where students and families stay connected with teachers. It is an ISP School, linking to a global community that encourages cross-cultural collaboration and shared experiences. The school hosts community-focused events such as Wolf Fest, which involves parent feedback and celebration. The Costa del Este campus structure supports a unified, international school community across two campuses.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Boston School International delivers the International Baccalaureate continuum from early years through the Diploma Programme. The learning path includes IB Early Learning, the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). It is an IB World School, aligned with IB principles to support inquiry-based learning in a global context. Ages served range from 3 to 18 years.
Academic & intellectual
STEAM-powered learning weaves through lessons, with a STEAM lab where students build original projects and tackle challenges posed by MIT professors, developing creative problem-solving. MIT challenges involve tackling problems posed by MIT professors, building skills across STEAM and enabling creative solutions. In IB programs, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) deepen independent thinking and real-world impact. Learning connects geography, science, STEAM, history, and art through cross-disciplinary projects, making lessons relevant beyond the classroom.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Arts and creative development are supported through a broad extracurricular program. ISP Artists and other ISP initiatives provide structured arts experiences and opportunities to showcase work through virtual and physical exhibitions. The school offers 18 different co-curricular activities that include arts-focused options to help students develop creativity and confidence.
Arts & creative
The Juilliard School guides music and movement classes, helping students express themselves through rhythm and performance. Students read in the library with a literacy coach, perform scenes with drama specialists, and work with STEAM coaches. STEAM and arts are woven into lessons to support creativity and collaboration. Art, drama, STEAM, guitar, and violin are popular after-school pursuits.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
BSI hosts a multilingual community with students representing 45 nationalities and teachers from 13 nationalities. English is the primary language of instruction, with language learning support available as needed. Languages taught include English, Spanish, and Mandarin; Mandarin is introduced from Primary through the Diploma Programme. In the Diploma Programme, students pursue a Bilingual IB Diploma with Spanish A and English A, and the school uses dual curricula described as British and Costa Rican.
Cultural & language
Languages taught are English and Spanish. Nationalities show a diverse community, with 35+ nationalities in Early Childhood and 45 in Elementary. METMUN provides opportunities for debate and international engagement.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Students are encouraged to participate in clubs, sports, and opportunities to broaden their interests and confidence. International Schools Partnership programs connect students with peers worldwide and offer activities such as ISP Model United Nations, ISP Chess Masters, and ISP Cultural Exchange. There are 18 extracurricular activities available.
Social & hobbies
Art, drama, STEAM, guitar, and violin are popular extracurricular activities. Soccer, basketball, swimming, and triathlon are also mentioned as activities. When classes finish, students go to their extracurricular activities to explore new interests and have fun with peers. These activities broaden experiences beyond the classroom.
Community & service
Community & service
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) is integrated within the Diploma Programme core, and students undertake a project that involves community service. The Diploma Programme emphasizes independent research and service-oriented projects as part of its core. Future Pathways provides personalized university and career guidance.
Community & service
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) enables students to use their skills to help others and make an authentic impact in the community. Students take the lead where it's helpful and gain experience in delegation and diplomacy. Nurturing passion and talent involves pursuing interests in sports, chemistry, or debate, including METMUN.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Future Pathways is a personalized program that helps students explore opportunities and plan university studies or career paths. The school emphasizes leadership competencies, with students developing critical thinking, confidence and global awareness through collaborative projects and international experiences. Guidance and industry connections are provided to support post-secondary choices.
Leadership & professional
Wellness activities in homeroom and the Student Council announcements support leadership development. College counsellors assist DP students as they prepare for higher education. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) provides leadership experiences and delegation skills. Global Games and MIT challenges offer teamwork and competition experiences that foster leadership.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning supports resilience, emotional regulation, conflict resolution and compassionate leadership. The campus is safe and closely supervised to protect student well-being. MAP testing and continuous feedback monitor progress, and families stay connected through the Parent Portal and school communications.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
In homeroom, a wellness activity centers students and promotes well-being. Lunchtime offers a social setting where students practice healthy eating and cooperation. Swimming lessons begin at age three, building confidence and teamwork. Music and movement classes support physical awareness and listening skills.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the primary language of instruction. Spanish is the mother tongue of the majority of students. Mandarin is taught as an additional language from Kindergarten through Grade 6. The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Spanish as an Additional Language (SAL) supports, with language services through the Student Services Department and bilingual communications available to families in English and Spanish.
Language provision
English and Spanish are taught across Early Childhood (3–6), Elementary (6–11), Middle School (11–14), and High School (14–18).
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
English is the language of instruction. Spanish is the mother tongue of the majority of students. Mandarin is taught as an additional language from Kindergarten through Grade 6. EAL and SAL programs support language development.
Bilingual teaching
The school teaches English and Spanish across all levels.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
01. Request a campus visit. Submit a request to meet the Costa del Este campus in Panama through the form. The campus is located in Costa del Este, Panama. A campus visit introduces families to Boston School International and its programs.
02. Evaluation and interview. Students participate in academic assessments appropriate to their grade and/or the 'Wolf for a Day' experience. Parents meet with school leadership to discuss the student profile, expectations, and academic programs. After the evaluation, families receive the admission decision.
03. Offer and enrollment. Accepted students receive enrollment details, including the enrollment contract, payment information, and the next steps to secure a place at BSI. The enrollment details formalize admission and confirm the student's place. Families complete the required steps and payments to finalize enrollment.
04. Welcome to BSI. You and your family are now part of the school community. The community supports students and families as they begin their journey at BSI.
