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Academia Interamericana de Panamá

Panama, Panama City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1400
Type Co-educational
Opened 1983
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Catholic Curriculum
Taught languages French, Italian
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Academia Interamericana de Panamá is a private, Catholic, bilingual school serving students from pre-school through twelfth grade at its Costa del Este campus. The school offers an American Curriculum complemented by Catholic traditions, with English and Spanish taught from early years. The English Immersion Program strengthens second-language skills through prereading and writing methods, while the STEM program develops mathematical and scientific thinking. Mindfulness and an Emotional Intelligence program support student well-being and social development, and Grafomotricidad and integrated gym classes promote physical literacy. The preschool curriculum includes Art to support broad learning, and a Psychopedagogical cabinet provides psychologists, language therapists, and other specialists. Co-curriculars include a theatre program and Horizons, a theatre club for younger students, plus a rich after-school program with clubs in debate, robotics, chess, and sports. The sustainability initiative Dejando Huellas links school and community through social service and student leadership, preparing graduates to study abroad globally.

2G7F+8WG, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama

The Essentials

Academia Interamericana de Panamá has 1,400 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Costa del Este, Panama City, Panama. The campus is located in Costa del Este, a district of Panama City. The school can be reached at +507 271-0012 and info@aip.edu.pa.

Stages
Preschool, Primary, and Secondary

Type
Private, Catholic, bilingual

Pupil Nationality Mix
92% of our students are Panamanian. There are 19 nationalities represented. In order of number of students from each country, the represented nationalities are Venezuela, United States, Colombia, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Canada, Uruguay, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Namibia.

Religious affiliation
Catholic

School day structure
Preschool operates in two shifts: first shift 7:50 a.m.–11:50 a.m. and second shift 10:20 a.m.–2:20 p.m. The schedule for grades 1 through 12 runs from 7:50 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Bus service
Optional school transportation; outsourced to a private company or driver. Payments are made directly to the company or driver. For bus availability, contact Mindy de Chanis (m.chanis@aip.edu.pa). PikMyKid is used for dismissal.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Daily uniform is blue sweatpants and a blue dry-fit polo (graduates wear a different color) with the AIP logo or another school activity logo. Socks are white or black, and shoes may be any color. The physical education uniform is blue sweatpants and the Fighting Owls T-shirt, worn only on PE days. Outerwear is the blue school jacket with logo; sweatshirts with other logos are not permitted and, if brought to school, will be confiscated for two months. Hair and nails: boys must have short hair not touching the ears or collar and, if required, be clean-shaven; girls must keep hair well-groomed away from the face with a headband, ponytail, or clip; nails should be of reasonable length and clean, with girls allowed clear or light polish (not pink). Accessories: one pair of earrings per ear in the traditional location; long earrings, bracelets and colorful or excessive necklaces are not permitted; tattoos and piercings are not permitted. Please ensure uniforms are in good condition; stained, torn or hems unstitched are not allowed, and shoes must be polished. The AIP Bookstore carries the blue dry-fit polo for the daily uniform, the jacket, and the gym uniform.

Food Options
AIP Bistro handles meals. To order lunch or after-school meals, call before 10:00 a.m. to extension 214 to place the order and specify where to pick it up (store or Bistro) if the meal is for second recess. Your child will pick up and pay in cash or via TipTap at the designated location. Children can also visit the stores during the day to reserve a meal for after-school, which is picked up at the Bistro.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a private Catholic bilingual institution serving preschool through twelfth grade. Five founding partners form the Board of Directors. It opened in Altos del Golf in 1983, moved to Cerro Viento in 1988, and inaugurated the Costa del Este campus in March 1999.
Fees
Application and one‑time admission fees

- One‑time Admission Fee: USD 7,500.00.
- Enrollment / Matriculation Fee (annual): USD 800.00.

Tuition fees by year group (monthly and annual amounts)

The school's annual tuition is divided into 10 monthly installments (March through December). Monthly amounts and the equivalent annual total (10 months) by year group are:

- Pre‑K – Kindergarten: USD 625.00 per month — USD 6,250.00 per year.
- Grades 1 – 3: USD 750.00 per month — USD 7,500.00 per year.
- Grades 4 – 6: USD 775.00 per month — USD 7,750.00 per year.
- Grades 7 – 9: USD 800.00 per month — USD 8,000.00 per year.
- Grades 10 – 12: USD 850.00 per month — USD 8,500.00 per year.

Additional recurring / annual charges

- Parents Association fee: USD 70.00 (annual).
- Yearbook: USD 30.00 (one per family).
- "Cuenta de Varios" (miscellaneous charge covering didactic materials, activities, photocopies, maintenance, school insurance, technology and graduation fee): billed between March and April; amount varies by year/grade and is charged separately.
- "Cuenta de Libros" (books): billed between June and July; amount is charged separately.
- Bookstore / uniform purchases are handled via the school bookstore portal (uniform items and PE kit required for students; specific prices set by the bookstore).

Optional charges (transport and other services)

- School transport is optional, operated by third parties, and billed directly to families by the transport provider. Current route costs by area (per month) are:
- Costa del Este: USD 80.00.
- Santa María: USD 90.00.
- Coco del Mar / San Francisco / Paitilla / Marbella / La Cresta: USD 110.00.
- Cangrejo: USD 115.00.
- After‑school activities, summer programs, special events and PTA activities may carry separate fees billed independently.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual tuition is invoiced as 10 monthly installments covering March through December. Payments for the monthly installments are due within the first 20 days of each month when paid via the school's Banco General online platform. When paying through other banks, payments must be made within the first 15 days of each month. December payments are due before the 15th and are collected together with the matriculation fee for the following year.
- Re‑enrollment for the following academic year is permitted only after the family has settled the current year's tuition (10 installments) and any outstanding charges (late fees, books, various fees, bookstore purchases and transport). The deadline to complete re‑enrollment procedures is December 18.

Payment methods and instructions

- Bank transfers to Banco General (current account) — families are instructed to send payment confirmation to contabilidadce@aip.edu.pa and to create the student record in the bank payment portal using the student ID from the school billing portal. Banco General transfer details are provided for payments.
- Bank transfers to BAC — a BAC current account number is provided for direct transfers; families should email payment confirmation to contabilidadce@aip.edu.pa.
- Credit card payments (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted via the school billing portal (the school's billing portal allows selection of invoice and card type). The school accepts Visa Vale General and Pluxee / Vale Digital payment methods as available.
- Account and invoice access is managed through the school billing/parent portals (ODOO and PowerSchool) for viewing statements and selecting invoices to pay.

Boarding

- The school does not offer boarding services; all programs are day school offerings and transport is optional and provided by external operators.

Refunds and cancellations

- No general tuition refund schedule or broad refund policy for enrollment/matriculation is published within the school's admissions and academic costs information. Re‑enrollment requires settlement of the current year's charges before completing registration for the next year. Refunds for specific extracurricular or PTA transactions may follow separate policies administered by the responsible activity or association.

Practical notes on other incidental costs

- Uniform and PE kit are required; specific uniform rules and item lists are published and uniforms are sold via the school bookstore. Prices for uniform pieces and bookstore items are set by the bookstore and charged separately.
- Graduation fees, technology fees, insurance, activity materials and photocopying are included in the "Cuenta de Varios" and are billed at the start of the school year (March–April) or as indicated. Textbook charges are billed in the mid‑year book account (June–July).

(End of fees overview.)
Academics

Academia Interamericana de Panamá teaches American Curriculum, Catholic Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
The school's academic program is designed to prepare students academically, socially, emotionally, and physically in a supportive environment. The English Immersion Program strengthens second language skills through innovative methodologies focused on prereading and writing. The STEM program builds essential mathematical and scientific thinking. Mindfulness supports students' self-control, attention, and emotional regulation to reduce stress. An Emotional Intelligence program, active pedagogy addressing psychomotor, socio-emotional, cognitive and communicative development, and a Grafomotricidad program with gym classes are integrated into the curriculum. Art classes are an essential part of the preschool curriculum to support broad learning, and a Psychopedagogical cabinet provides psychologists, language therapists, and other specialists to assist students and families.

Higher Education Progression
College Corner provides college guidance, including university visits, letters of recommendation, college list reviews, resume building, and review of application materials. AIP's College Acceptance History shows graduates admitted to a wide range of universities, including American University, Amherst College, Brown University, Columbia University, Duke University, Georgetown University, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, and University of Virginia.

Gifted and Talented
TalentoAIP is offered.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school develops soft skills and socio-emotional foundations in line with global educational policies and has implemented an Emotional Intelligence Program. Mindfulness is used to support self-control, attention, emotional regulation, and stress reduction. The curriculum prepares students academically, socially, emotionally and physically in a supportive and caring environment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides a Psychopedagogical cabinet that supports students and families through psychologists, language therapists and other specialists.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The English Immersion Program improves second-language skills using innovative methodologies focused on prereading and writing.

Mental Wellbeing
Mindfulness practices help students improve self-control, attention, emotional regulation, and reduce stress.

Safeguarding
The school has 24-hour security personnel who monitor entrances and patrol the perimeter; the head of internal security ensures the well-being of students by walking the halls.
Parent Experience

History
Five founding female teachers created the Academia Interamericana de Panamá, turning a dream into an educational project grounded in solid values. In 1983 the Academy opened in a rented house in Altos del Golf, starting with 120 students from preschool to fourth grade and with three teachers in addition to the founders. Within less than ten years, primary and secondary grades were added and the high school bachillerato was introduced to the community. In 1988, AIP moved to its own facilities in Cerro Viento, where it operated for twelve years. In May 1997, after a visit to the Costa del Este project, the Board of Directors—formed by the five founding partners—decided to build a new complex for the 21st century, and in March 1999 inaugurated the Costa del Este facilities.

Community
Dejando Huellas is the sustainability program that strengthens the link between the school and the community, encompassing Social Service and Student Organizations. Fourth-grade students perform community service as part of First Communion preparation, and tenth-graders participate for two weeks in service camps in rural communities after extensive preparation, a graduation requirement. Seventh- to twelfth-grade students may volunteer with nonprofit organizations and, from ninth to twelfth grade, lead these groups under the supervision of the sustainability coordinator; activities are organized around four pillars. Student life includes After-school, Social Service, Sports, and Theater; the school maintains a gallery of productions and events such as Open House, First Day of Classes, Dejando Huellas, and Graduation ceremonies, and features Latin America's first Student United Way chapter, which advocates and volunteers in community initiatives like Eco-AIP, AIP for Paws, Operation Smile, Special Olympics, GirlUpAIP, Obsequio de Vida, and Inspirando Mentes."

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The AIP Parent-Teacher Association sponsors a musical theater production each year. Professional artists are involved in selecting cast members. The Director, Musical Director and Producer are professionals, ensuring rehearsals are strenuous and demanding. The Parent-Teacher Association fee is listed as $70.00 per month under the school's tuition arrangements.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is located in Costa del Este, Panama City. The Costa del Este campus is on Boulevard Costa del Este, next to the Business Park (Copa). In March 1999, AIP inaugurated its new facilities in Costa del Este. The school is private, Catholic and bilingual for students from pre-school through twelfth grade. From preschool, students learn English and Spanish as mother tongues.

Sports Facilities
The school offers athletic programs with Fighting Owls teams for boys and girls from sub 8 to sub 18. The Fighting Owls participate in Kiwanis Football League (KFL), ADECOP, CODICADER, Liga 10 and other leagues. Sports include basketball, football, athletics, chess, baseball and frisbee. Over the past eight years, Fighting Owls teams have won championships in several leagues.

Academic Facilities
Science and Mathematics programs are demanding, and the curriculum is high level. From preschool, students learn English and Spanish as languages. In March 1999, the Costa del Este facilities were inaugurated. The school prepares students to study abroad.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The co-curricular program includes After-school Classes with academic, recreational and sports offerings. Recreational activities include debate, art, cooking, groups of prayer, robotics, gymnastics, chess and jewelry. Sports for PreK to 4th grade include basketball, football, athletics, chess, baseball and frisbee. Theatre is active at AIP with the AIP Theater program and Horizons, a theatre club for younger students. The campus includes AIP Bistro, a dining facility with weekly menus and pre-order options.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Academic program: Our pedagogical approach adapts to changes in education to improve teaching and learning quality. We develop soft skills in line with global educational policies, incorporating programs and activities that strengthen the socio-emotional foundations of students. The Emotional Intelligence Program supports social and emotional growth, and the STEM program builds skills needed for present and future academic success. The English Immersion Program enhances second-language abilities through innovative methodologies focused on pre-reading and writing.

Arts & Creative
Theater: The AIP Theater program began through the initiative of Pituka Ortega de Heilbron and Ana María Motta. Since 2005 we have staged productions that develop artistic skills valued locally and internationally. Former student Juliette Roy serves as Artistic Director. The program includes BLAST AIP for theatre and cinema (5th–8th grade) and Horizons for younger students, promoting artistic expression from early grades.

Cultural & Language
The school is private, Catholic, and bilingual for students from pre-school through twelfth grade. From preschool onward, students learn English and Spanish as languages, with emphasis on communicating well in both languages. The Science and Mathematics programs are demanding, and the curriculum is at a high level. Practically all graduates go on to university after graduation.

Social & Hobbies
Recreational after-school activities give students opportunities to pursue personal interests outside the regular curriculum. They offer programs such as debate, art, cooking, prayer groups, robotics, gymnastics, chess, and jewelry making in a collaborative environment. These activities complement academics and encourage teamwork and creativity.

Community & Service
Dejando Huellas is the sustainability program that contributes to the holistic development of students and strengthens the link between school and community, creating a dynamic, relevant, and meaningful learning environment. It covers two areas: Social Service and Student Organizations. Social Service began in 2001 with the inauguration of two service camps; over the years, students have built classrooms and dining rooms, prepared school gardens, renovated roofs, painted schools, built latrines, and organized health outreach and academic-support camps. For graduation, 10th-grade students participate in a two-week rural camp after preparation, working with a trained staff and community members to provide hours of service. Student Organizations include groups that support nonprofit organizations; students from 7th to 12th grade volunteer, and 9th to 12th grade leaders run the groups under the sustainability coordinator; groups are divided into four pillars.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership and service: Students from 7th through 12th grade may sign up to volunteer with nonprofit activities. Students in grades 9–12 may lead groups under the supervision of the sustainability coordinator. Groups are organized into four pillars.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports promote teamwork, effort, goals, and commitment. While we strive for a competitive program, we also reinforce discipline and respect in our students. Extracurricular sports are offered for Pre-K to 4th grade, designed to teach basic rules and movements. We participate in leagues and competitions such as Kiwanis Football League (KFL), ADECOP, CODICADER, Liga 10, Liga Jr., Copa Talento, and Youth League, with teams from sub-8 to sub-18.
Languages

Language Provision
English and Spanish are taught as first languages from Pre-School. French and Italian are offered as language options, including Intro to Italian, Intro to French, French II, and French III Honors. In Grades 9–12, English, Spanish, and French & Italian are listed under Languages in the Program of Study.

Bilingual Teaching
English and Spanish are taught as first languages beginning in Pre-School.
Admissions

Admissions
Online Application: To apply, press here to access the online admissions form. The online application is completed through the PowerSchool portal at aip.powerschool.com. Applicants fill out the admissions form within PowerSchool. The online application initiates the admissions process and starts the recording of the applicant's information.

Space Availability: If space is available, the school will contact you. This contact begins the next steps of the admissions process and informs you of subsequent requirements. Respond to the communication promptly to continue with admissions.

Documentation after approval: Once your application is approved, after interviews and admissions tests, it is necessary to bring the following documentation. PRE-SCHOOL: Two passport-sized photos; Copy of juvenile ID on both sides or birth certificate; Foreigners: Copy of migration card, copy of birth certificate, and copy of the main passport page; Copy of parents' IDs or main passport page; Health certificate; Complete Admissions Form in PowerSchool via the link sent in the welcome letter. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY: Copy of juvenile ID on both sides or birth certificate; Foreigners: Copy of migration card, copy of birth certificate, and copy of the main passport page; Copy of parents' IDs or main passport page; Health certificate; Two passport-sized photos; Letter of good conduct from the previous school; Cumulative grade records from 1st grade to the last completed grade; Copy of the General Basic Education Certificate for 9th grade; Complete Admissions Form in PowerSchool via the link sent in the welcome letter. THOSE COMING FROM COLEGIOS FUERA DE PANAMÁ: Copy of juvenile ID on both sides or birth certificate; Foreigners: Copy of migration card, copy of birth certificate, and copy of the main passport page; Copy of parents' IDs; Health certificate; Two passport-sized photos; Letter of good conduct from the previous school; Cumulative grade record. These grades must be apostilled at the Panamanian Embassy in the country of origin and translated into Spanish by an authorized public translator; the grades must be authenticated by Relaciones Exteriores in Panama; convalidation of these grades must be completed at MEDUCA, presenting all grades and birth certificate. Complete the Admissions Form in PowerSchool via the link sent in the welcome letter.
School Events
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