TRAIL School vs United School of Panama

	T TRAIL School Panama City, Panama	U United School of Panama Panama City, Panama
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $4,000 - 13,660	Fees / year $8,600 - 9,500
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 13 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 135	Pupils 335
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Spanish, Mandarin
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2021
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location TRAIL School is located at the Panama Pacifico campus, 841 Andrews Blvd., Panama Pacifico, Panama. It serves the Panama Pacifico community. The campus is accredited by MEDUCA Panama.	Location Av. Principal de Costa Sur, Corregimiento de Juan Diaz, Republic of Panama. The campus is minutes from Panama City, providing easy access for families.
Stages	Stages TRAIL offers early childhood education through high school. The program includes Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.	Stages Preschool and Kindergarten. Elementary School. Since August 2021 USP offered PK4 to 4th grade and will offer PK4-12 by 2029.
School type	School type The school is an inclusive foundation school.	School type Multicultural community offering a trilingual curriculum in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Inclusive Learning Center provides support for students with additional learning needs.	Additional learning support Student Support and Success Department. Inclusion Policy states USP is open to boys and girls of any race, religion, or nationality, and diversity is valued.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Preschool day uses Head, Heart, and Hands (H3) learning stations with hands-on activities. In Elementary, Language Arts, Mathematics, Mandarin, Spanish, Social Studies, Physical Education, Science, and Computer Science are taught, with National Geographic Learning and i-Ready Math supporting instruction. USP uses technology across the curriculum and is an Apple Distinguished School.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details SCHOOL BUS: MISAR Transportes is a trusted provider with over 15 years of experience; private transportation is recommended; buses include seatbelts, insurance, first-aid kits, and dedicated assistance.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application Fee - Non‑refundable application fee: USD 110 per student. Payments for the application are accepted online by credit card through the school's RenWeb application when the application is completed. Enrollment Fee - Annual enrollment fee charged per student to guarantee a spot for the following year. - Early Bird Enrollment Fee (returning students, paid within the two‑month early window): USD 700. - Regular Enrollment Fee (new students, or if paid outside the Early Bird window): USD 800. - The enrollment fee is due in full at the time of admission for new students, is not prorated regardless of enrollment date, and is non‑refundable. Annual Tuition — fees by year group (amounts shown are per academic year) - Early Childhood Department — Half Day (8:00 am – 11:30 am): USD 4,000 per year. - Early Childhood Department — Full Day (8:00 am – 3:00 pm): USD 5,000 per year. - Kindergarten (8:00 am – 3:00 pm): USD 6,500 per year. - Grades 1–4 (8:00 am – 3:00 pm): USD 7,500 per year. - Grades 5–8 (8:00 am – 3:00 pm): USD 8,000 per year. - Grades 9–12 (8:00 am – 3:00 pm): USD 8,500 per year. Equivalent per‑term amounts (annual ÷ 3, shown for budgeting convenience if fees were split into three equal instalments) - Early Childhood — Half Day: USD 1,333.33 per term (USD 4,000 ÷ 3). - Early Childhood — Full Day: USD 1,666.67 per term (USD 5,000 ÷ 3). - Kindergarten: USD 2,166.67 per term (USD 6,500 ÷ 3). - Grades 1–4: USD 2,500.00 per term (USD 7,500 ÷ 3). - Grades 5–8: USD 2,666.67 per term (USD 8,000 ÷ 3). - Grades 9–12: USD 2,833.33 per term (USD 8,500 ÷ 3). - Note: Tuition is published as annual amounts; the per‑term figures above are straight equal instalment equivalents for budgeting. Other mandatory or one‑time charges - Technology Fee (annual): USD 100 for PK3–Kinder; USD 250 for Grade 1 and up. - Capital Donation (one‑time, at entry): minimum USD 4,000 (requested as a philanthropic contribution to support school resources and development). Boarding - The school does not list a boarding/residential programme or boarding fees; programs and published fees are for day enrolment. Other possible costs (examples families commonly budget for) - Additional costs that may apply in practice (not listed as fixed annual charges in the published fee breakdown) include: after‑school program fees, field trip/excursion charges, school supplies, learning‑support or specialist service fees, and optional activity or club fees. The published fee schedule explicitly lists the application fee, enrollment fee, tuition, technology fee, and capital donation. Refund information - The application fee (USD 110) is non‑refundable. - The enrollment fee (USD 700 early bird / USD 800 regular) is non‑refundable. - No separate published refund schedule for tuition instalments or other fees is provided in the fee breakdown; application and enrollment fees are explicitly stated as non‑refundable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition and other recurring charges are published as annual amounts; the enrollment fee is charged annually to secure a spot and is due in full at admission for new students and is not prorated. - The school uses RenWeb (a web‑based application) for admissions and online payments for the application; the application payment is accepted online by credit card at submission. Specific term dates, installment schedules, and the school's internal billing calendar are not provided alongside the published annual fee figures. Fee payment options - Application payments: accepted online by credit card through the RenWeb application. - The published materials note integration with RenWeb and Odoo for student information and administrative systems; additional accepted payment methods for enrollment, tuition, and recurring charges (for example, bank transfer, in‑person card payment, or local currency options) are not detailed in the published fee summary. Summary for parents - Required up‑front, non‑refundable charges: Application Fee USD 110; Enrollment Fee USD 700 (early bird returning) or USD 800 (regular/new). - Annual tuition ranges by age/grade from USD 4,000 (Early Childhood half day) to USD 8,500 (Grades 9–12). - Annual technology fee and a one‑time capital donation minimum are additional expected costs. (Key published fee items and exact amounts are cited above.)	Fee details Application and one‑time fees - Evaluation (Pre‑Admission): USD 150.00 (one‑time). - Sign‑up (one‑time): - Preschool (PK / Kinder): USD 9,500.00 (one‑time). - Elementary (1st–5th): USD 9,500.00 (one‑time). - Middle School (6th–8th): USD 4,750.00 (one‑time). Enrollment and recurring administrative fees - Enrollment Fee (annual): USD 825.00 — billed annually in April. Tuition — amounts, payment frequency and annual totals Note: tuition is shown as a monthly amount with 10 payments across the school year ("Monthly x10"). Annual tuition = monthly amount × 10. - Preschool (PK / Kinder) - Tuition: USD 860.00 per month × 10 payments = USD 8,600.00 per year. - Elementary (1st–5th grade) - Tuition: USD 905.00 per month × 10 payments = USD 9,050.00 per year. - Middle School (6th–8th grade) - Tuition: USD 950.00 per month × 10 payments = USD 9,500.00 per year. Books, technology, insurance, food and other recurring charges - Books and school supplies (annual, billed in June): - Preschool: USD 750.00 (annual). - Elementary: USD 750.00 (annual). - Middle School: USD 925.00 (annual). - Technology / Platform (annual, billed in July): - Preschool: USD 0.00 (annual). - Elementary: USD 530.00 (annual). - Middle School: USD 530.00 (annual). - Insurance: Included in fees (no separate charge shown). - Food and Nutrition (monthly ×10): - Preschool: USD 167.00 per month × 10 = USD 1,670.00 per year. - Elementary: USD 178.40 per month × 10 = USD 1,784.00 per year. - Middle School: USD 181.56 per month × 10 = USD 1,815.60 per year. - Extra‑curricular activities: Charged by activity; optional and billed monthly (amounts vary by activity). School transport (bus) - School bus service is outsourced; families pay the transport provider directly. Specific bus fees are set by the transport company and are not included in the tuition figures. Recommended transport providers are listed by the school. Uniforms and related costs - Uniforms are required and are available for purchase at the school. The fee schedule lists uniform requirements by level (Preschool; Grades 1–8) but does not list a uniform price. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are listed. United School of Panama operates as a day school. Billing schedule and payment terms (timing shown in fee schedule) - One‑time fees (Evaluation and Sign‑up) are payable at admission as one‑time payments. Enrollment Fee is billed annually in April. Books and school supplies are billed annually in June. Technology/platform charges are billed annually in July. Tuition and food/nutrition are shown as monthly payments over 10 months (Monthly ×10). Additional charges (extra‑curricular activities, transport) are billed separately by the provider or by activity. Specific late‑payment penalties or installment contract terms are not listed in the published schedule. Refunds and cancellations - No explicit refund or cancellation policy for fees is provided in the published fee schedule. Refund terms (if any) are not specified in the fee tables. Fee payment options - The published fee schedule shows payment frequencies and billing months but does not specify accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, etc.). Families should note that some services (transport) are billed and collected directly by external providers. Contact options (phone and WhatsApp) are provided for the school's Admissions/Finance offices. Summary — example total‑year costs to expect (per pupil, illustrative) - Preschool (annual examples): - Tuition: USD 8,600.00 - Books & supplies: USD 750.00 - Technology: USD 0.00 - Enrollment Fee (annual): USD 825.00 - Food & Nutrition (annual): USD 1,670.00 - One‑time Sign‑up (if applicable): USD 9,500.00 - Evaluation (one‑time): USD 150.00 - Total for first year including sign‑up and evaluation (illustrative): USD 21,495.00 (not including transport, optional activities, or uniform). - Elementary (annual examples): - Tuition: USD 9,050.00 - Books & supplies: USD 750.00 - Technology: USD 530.00 - Enrollment Fee (annual): USD 825.00 - Food & Nutrition (annual): USD 1,784.00 - One‑time Sign‑up (if applicable): USD 9,500.00 - Evaluation (one‑time): USD 150.00 - Total for first year including sign‑up and evaluation (illustrative): USD 22,589.00 (not including transport, optional activities, or uniform). - Middle School (annual examples): - Tuition: USD 9,500.00 - Books & supplies: USD 925.00 - Technology: USD 530.00 - Enrollment Fee (annual): USD 825.00 - Food & Nutrition (annual): USD 1,815.60 - One‑time Sign‑up (if applicable): USD 4,750.00 - Evaluation (one‑time): USD 150.00 - Total for first year including sign‑up and evaluation (illustrative): USD 18,495.60 (not including transport, optional activities, or uniform). (Amounts shown in USD as presented in the school's published fee schedule.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school requires a full uniform. Preschool: USP sport shirt with logo; sport shorts with USP logo; white or blue socks; USP jacket. Grades 1st-8th: USP sports polo shirt; sport shorts for boys and skorts for girls; USP sweatpants; USP jacket; USP socks; USP backpack.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school provides meals on-site, including a morning snack and lunch. Meals are planned with a nutritionist, and parents pre-order monthly menus; no outside food or drinks are permitted on campus. The food provider is Natuviva.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Inclusive Foundation was established in 2014 as a not-for-profit organization in Panama with tax-deductible status (DGI Resolution No. 201-0457). It is governed by a Board of Directors and provides professional development grants to faculty, as well as financial aid and innovation grants to students.	Governance and ownership The school is led by a leadership team including an Academic Director, Administrative Director, and Pre-School, Elementary and Middle School Principals. It was founded in August 2021 by a founding team. USP is a NEASC Candidate School.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The Kindergarten program uses the Creative Curriculum and centers the child in the learning process. English Language Arts is taught through a Reading Workshop approach with daily reading and writing, including phonics, decoding, and comprehension work. Math focuses on patterns, numbers, geometry, sorting, and problem solving through hands-on activities. The program includes Spanish immersion, Music, Physical Education, Art, and Technology to provide a well-rounded start to learning.	Curriculum details USP follows the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and is fully accredited by Panama's Ministry of Education (MEDUCA). The curriculum includes a trilingual program—English, Spanish, and Mandarin—and integrates Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Technology across grades. Language Arts uses National Geographic Learning and a project-based curriculum to develop literacy and critical thinking, while Mathematics uses the i-Ready program with diagnostic assessments. Mandarin is taught in five phases—listening, comprehension, speaking, writing, and performing—with cultural context. Spanish follows Panamanian Ministry standards, building grammar, writing, reading, and vocabulary with increasing complexity, while Social Studies emphasizes Panamanian culture and global citizenship. Science aligns with NGSS for K-5 through National Geographic Exploring Science and MindTap; Computer Science covers robotics, coding, and data analysis; and USP is moving toward Apple Distinguished School status with technology integrated across the curriculum.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Group size is 14 students in Kindergarten; TRAIL describes low student-teacher ratios across the school.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning TRAIL is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive community. TRAIL fosters intercultural understanding and respect to develop caring individuals who contribute to just societies. TRAIL describes its mission as developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring people who connect with others. The school views community and inclusion as foundational to learning and personal growth. TRAIL emphasizes leadership and service, with a Service & Action requirement for grades 9-10 and a CAS requirement for grades 11-12, reinforcing personal development through real-world engagement. The After-School Program & Clubs and the School's community initiatives support social development and self-esteem among students and community members.	Social & emotional learning USP fosters social and emotional development through Life Skills Habits and Social Skills programs. The Life Skills Habits program teaches practical skills such as cooking, sewing, washing dishes, setting the table, and organization to promote self-reliance and responsibility. Social Skills emphasize effective communication and collaboration, helping students participate constructively in groups. The curriculum includes Home Economics and Social Skills to develop practical and interpersonal abilities. The program also integrates emotional learning by developing soft skills and literacy skills, supporting students' overall well-being. A safe, respectful learning environment is reinforced through anti-bullying and safeguarding policies.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) TRAIL has an Inclusive Learning Center for Learning Support. The school describes itself as an Inclusive Foundation School. The Inclusive Learning Center is listed under the Elementary School page as a resource for Learning Support. The Inclusive Foundation supports faculty development and student aid to foster inclusive education.	Special educational needs (SEN) USP embraces learner diversity. It will only enroll students whose educational needs can be met by the school.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The primary language of communication and instruction at USP is English. The host country language (Spanish) is encouraged and its culture is supported. A Trilingual Program—English, Spanish, and Mandarin—expands language opportunities for students.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing USP follows a holistic approach with the Head, Heart, and Hands (H3) model that integrates cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Life Skills Habits and Social Skills promote personal and interpersonal growth, while a safe and respectful environment is supported by anti-bullying and safeguarding policies.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Maintaining Health & Safety 2020-21 is listed under the Academics section.	Safeguarding An Anti-Bullying Policy ensures everyone has the right to learn in a safe, nurturing environment. A Safeguarding Policy promotes a safe and welcoming environment where each person is valued, cared for and protected. Child abuse and neglect are violations of a child's human rights and obstacles to development.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Trail School is located in Panama Pacifico, at 841 Andrews Blvd., Panama Pacifico, Panama. The campus is an open campus equipped with a gym and an athletics track. It houses an Inclusive Learning Center for Learning Support as part of its academic program. The school offers 12 clubs and activities and provides Club House, an after-school drop-in program from 3:00 to 5:30 pm. Trail is accredited by MEDUCA Panama.	Facilities overview The school has a modern facility featuring open spaces for sports, conveniently located minutes from the city center.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus includes a gym and an athletics track. Physical Education classes and a wide range of athletic programs and teams are part of TRAIL's student life. The Athletic Department emphasizes goal-setting, improvement, and character development. Participation in interscholastic athletics promotes teamwork and leadership.	Sports facilities Our modern brand-new facilities provide open spaces to practice tennis and soccer.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school provides Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. Inclusive Learning Center for Learning Support is part of the Elementary School. The school is accredited by MEDUCA Panama. The school is an inclusive foundation school. The Panama Pacifico campus is located at 841 Andrews Blvd, Panama Pacifico, Panama.	Academic facilities Technology and innovation are integrated in the classroom as USP pursues Apple Distinguished School status, with iPads and MacBooks in use. The curriculum is based on CCSS and NGSS, with National Geographic Learning used for Language Arts and NGSS for Science. The MindTap digital platform supports 3D learning in science, and i-Ready math provides diagnostic and differentiated instruction. The program includes a Trilingual Program—English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities There are 12 clubs and activities offered to the Panama Pacifico community. Club House is a drop-in after-school program available from 3 pm to 5:30 pm daily. Activities include Art; Chess - Beginner; Dance - Ballet; Guitar - Group; Guitar - Private; Gymnastics; Karate; Mommy & Me; Taekwondo; Triathlon.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular Activities start at the beginning of the school year to help students maintain a healthy lifestyle, find their passions, and develop their abilities. Sports include tennis and soccer, with modern brand-new facilities providing open spaces. Arts and crafts include painting, sculpture and ceramics, drawing and landscaping, and crafts; dance includes ballet, modern, and traditional. Clubs include robotics, chess, a book club, and a homework lab; languages include French and Portuguese; music is introduced through Intro to Music; martial arts are available.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History TRAIL School, The Renaissance Academy of International Learning, opened its doors to reinvent international education for a fast-changing world. The rebirth of education inspires children to inquire and discover, and TRAIL seeks to build a new renaissance together with the Panama Pacifico community so that students become ethical, knowledgeable citizens. The Panama Pacifico campus is located at 841 Andrews Blvd., Panama Pacifico, Panama. TRAIL is an inclusive foundation school and is accredited by MEDUCA Panama.	History The United School of Panama (USP) was founded to ensure academic continuity for students progressing from our early childhood education centers. Inspired by the positive feedback regarding the academic and developmental achievements of our pre-school graduates, we envisioned a school that would embody our teaching philosophy and core values. The goal is to offer a world-class education within a modern facility that encourages both academic learning and physical activity, conveniently located just minutes from Panama City. Since opening our doors in August 2021, offering classes from PK4 to 4th grade, USP has grown by adding one grade each year to reach a complete PK4-12th grade education by 2029. Our founding team includes professionals with international expertise in education, business, and project management, committed to shaping the future of education in Panama.
Community	Community TRAIL is dedicated to becoming a vibrant community hub where students, families, and local residents can come together to connect, learn and grow. It offers 12 clubs and activities for the Panama Pacifico community. The campus is equipped with a gym and an athletics track.	Community The motto Sapere Aude (Latin for Dare to know) reflects our belief in the power of knowledge and intellectual curiosity. Our mascot, Alpha the Grizzly, embodies the core values of strength, courage, and teamwork that we uphold at USP. United we are. United we come. United we stand.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual TRAIL uses a child-centered and inquiry-based education approach that fosters curiosity and leadership. TRAIL prepares learners for the jobs of the future by focusing on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship inside and beyond the classroom. The Inclusive Foundation provides professional development grants to faculty and supports financial aid and innovation grants to students.	Academic & intellectual Robotics/STEAM and coding activities foster computational thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on inquiry. Team Robotics and Code.org are part of USP's extracurricular offerings, providing opportunities to design, build, and code. The science program follows NGSS and National Geographic Exploring Science to encourage investigation and real-world applications across subjects. USP uses CCSS and NGSS standards to align learning with college and career expectations, supported by iReady diagnostics and MindTap resources in mathematics.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Music and visual arts are taught, with a Music Teacher and an Art Teacher on the staff.	Arts & creative Art and music are central to USP's holistic program. Art projects include painting, sculpture, drawing, and crafts through an open studio approach. Dance is offered in Ballet, Modern dance, and Traditional/Folklore styles, reflecting cultural expression. Music education includes Intro to Music and piano, with opportunities for musical composition and performance.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is taught in the High School and Spanish language instruction is offered as part of the curriculum.	Cultural & language The school offers a trilingual curriculum with English, Spanish, and Mandarin. French and Portuguese are available as extracurricular languages. Panamanian culture is emphasized in Social Studies, with focus on customs, dance, music, and food to reflect the country's heritage.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies TRAIL offers after-school programs and clubs, including Chess for beginners, with a total of 12 clubs and activities available to the Panama Pacifico community. The campus is equipped with a gym and an athletics track.	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities occur after school from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Sports include Tennis and Soccer, with other activities offered within the program. Clubs include Robotics, Chess, Book, and Homework Lab, encouraging social interaction and intellectual growth. Arts offerings include Intro to Art Techniques, Dance (Ballet, Modern, Folklore), and Music, providing creative outlets and collaborative experiences.
Community & service	Community & service TRAIL is committed to leadership training, service learning, and community service. There is a Service & Action requirement for grades 9 and 10, and a CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) requirement for grades 11 and 12, with students engaging in local and global community service.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership development is embedded in TRAIL's approach; the mission notes that students will become tomorrow's leaders. The founder is Stephanie Fleming, and an Academic Director leads the academic program; the staff includes roles such as Head of Film & Media and various subject teachers. The Inclusive Foundation provides professional development grants to faculty as well as financial aid and innovation grants to students.	Leadership & professional The school highlights leadership and teamwork as core professional development skills. It identifies communication, leadership, and teamwork as top professional development goals. A collaborative culture among teachers, students, and parents supports student growth and leadership development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school is MEDUCA-accredited. The Panama Pacifico campus includes a gym and an athletics track, and an Athletics Director leads sports programs. A School Psychologist is on staff.	Lifestyle & wellbeing USP promotes a healthy lifestyle through daily physical activity and a comprehensive Physical Education program. Extracurricular activities run after school from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Sports include Tennis and Soccer, with facilities to support other activities. Dance and Music provide creative outlets, with Ballet, Modern dance, Folklore, and Intro to Music contributing to well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and Spanish are the languages taught at TRAIL School. English Language Arts is a core subject, and Spanish is taught as a language course. In Grade 1 and Grade 2, the curricula include English Language Arts and Spanish instruction, with emphasis on conversation and literacy in Spanish.	Language provision English is the primary language of communication and instruction at USP. All students study Spanish and Mandarin. Social studies classes required by the Ministry of Education of Panama are taught in Spanish. First language maintenance is the responsibility of the USP parent community, and other languages may be offered as part of the ECA program to support English proficiency.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school teaches English and Spanish. English Language Arts is offered, and Spanish is taught as a language course.	Bilingual teaching USP offers a trilingual education: English, Spanish and Mandarin. The primary language of communication and instruction is English. Mandarin language and Chinese culture are offered within the curriculum at all grade levels.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations MEDUCA Panama	Accreditations null
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Early Childhood Application Process: The application is submitted online via RenWeb. Create an account and apply online through RenWeb, the admissions database. Schedule a parent interview, approximately 45 minutes in length, with the head of admissions; the child may greet the interviewer but is not required to participate in the meeting. Submit a Confidential School Report if PK3 or PK4 applicants are currently enrolled in a fully separated preschool program; the report is issued by the current school and sent directly to TRAIL, with Transcript Release Form and Form for PK3 & PK4 Applicants available on the page. The applicant family is responsible for confirming the application is complete, and the Admissions Office reviews only complete applications. 2. Kindergarten Application Process: Rolling applications are accepted based on availability. The application for each academic year will be available in December. Submit an Online Application by creating an account and applying through RenWeb. A bypass code may be provided by the Admissions office if space allows, enabling submission of the application. Schedule an Individual Child Assessment: Small group play sessions are used for evaluation; this year assessments are conducted individually via Google Meet on Mondays and Thursdays. Schedule a Parent Virtual Interview: After submitting the application, arrange a virtual interview via Google Meet on Mondays or Fridays afternoons. Submit Confidential Private School Report if the child has attended a private day care in Panama; if the child is not currently enrolled in a preschool, contact the Admissions office to discuss alternatives. The report must be sent directly from the current school to TRAIL and the form is downloadable from the page. 3. Elementary School Application Process: Rolling applications are accepted based on availability. The December intake window applies to each academic year. Submit Online Application: Create an account and apply through RenWeb; for 2022-23 grades, contact the school to confirm availability; if space exists, the Admissions office will provide a bypass code to submit the application. Schedule a Family Conversation and Student Interview: Every applicant is required to participate in a family conversation and a student interview with the High School Admissions Director; this is an opportunity to learn about TRAIL's curriculum and programs and for questions to be asked. If applying to Torchlight with the Inclusive Learning Center (ILC), schedule an assessment with an ILC faculty member. Submit Official Transcript and Confidential Teacher Recommendations: Grade 1 applicants must submit a confidential school report; grades 2–5 applicants must have official transcripts from the past two years and a confidential Teacher Recommendation Form completed by the current school; translations are required if documents are not in English. 4. Middle School Application Process: Rolling applications are accepted based on availability. The December intake window applies to each academic year. Submit Online Application: Create an account and apply through RenWeb; contact the school to confirm availability in the grade entered. Schedule a Family Conversation and Student Interview: An interview and informal family conversation with the Middle School Admissions Director are required to learn about TRAIL's curriculum and programs; an assessment with the Inclusive Learning Center (ILC) may be scheduled if Torchlight or ILC services are being used. Submit Official Transcript and Confidential Teacher Recommendations: The transcript release form and teacher recommendation forms should be sent to the current school; if not in English, translations are required. Current fifth graders applying to sixth grade must submit two teacher recommendations (one from the current year and one from the previous year); seventh and eighth graders require two different teacher recommendations (which can be from the same school). 5. High School Application Process: Rolling applications are accepted based on availability. New applications for each academic year become available in December. Submit Online Application: Create an account and apply through RenWeb; for grades 9–12, contact the school to confirm grade availability; if space exists, a bypass code will be provided to submit the application. Schedule a Family Conversation and Student Interview: All high school applicants participate in a family conversation and a student interview with the High School Admissions Director to learn about TRAIL's programs and expectations. If applying to Torchlight or ILC services, an assessment with an ILC faculty member will be scheduled. Submit Official Transcript and Confidential Teacher Recommendations: The transcript release form and teacher recommendation forms should come from the student's current school; the English and Math teachers should complete the recommendation forms, and they should be submitted after December 1 to ensure an accurate assessment. If documents are not in English, translations must accompany them.	Admissions 1. Inquiries and appointment requests. USP Admissions welcomes inquiries from families and assists with new-student application requests. The Admissions Department is available to help with questions and to arrange appointments. For direct communication, contact via the WhatsApp Business account, and responses are prompt. 2. Age and grade placement guidelines. Admissions uses age and grade placement to ensure appropriate development. Pre-Kindergarten must be 4 by August; Kindergarten must be 5 by August. 1st through 9th grades have age requirements from 6 to 14 by August. Exceptions to these guidelines are rare and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. 3. Applications and review. The Admissions Committee carefully evaluates each application to determine how the applicant can benefit from USP's educational offering. The review considers the applicant's prior school records and age to determine appropriate placement. For students transferring from outside Panama in grades 2–9, MEDUCA's validation process may apply and USP guides families through this requirement. Applicants are informed of the outcome and the next steps. 4. Tuition and fees. The 2025–2026 year lists program-specific costs for Preschool, Elementary, and Middle School. Preschool (PK/KINDER) includes a $150 pre-admission evaluation, a $9,500 sign-up fee, a $825 enrollment fee, a monthly tuition of $860 for 10 months, a $750 annual books and supplies charge, and $167 per month for nutrition; transportation is outsourced and paid directly to the transport provider. Elementary (1st–5th) includes a $150 pre-admission evaluation, a $9,500 sign-up fee, an $825 enrollment fee, a monthly tuition of $905 for 10 months, a $750 annual books and supplies charge, $530 for technology annually, $178.40 per month for nutrition, and outsourced transportation; extras are available per activity. Middle School (6th–8th) includes a $150 pre-admission evaluation, a $4,750 sign-up fee, an $825 enrollment fee, a monthly tuition of $950 for 10 months, a $925 books and supplies charge, and $530 for technology; nutrition is $181.56 per month. 5. Admission timing and placement. We generally admit students at the start of the academic year or at the beginning of the second semester. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Grade placement is based on the student's previous school records, an academic evaluation, and age; for students entering 2nd grade and above from schools outside Panama, MEDUCA requires a validation process and USP guides families through this process.
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Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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