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International School of Panama

Panama, Panama City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $9,999 - 18,938
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1262
Type Co-educational
Opened 1982
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, IB (DP), American Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, Arabic, Japanese
Typical class size 22
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Founded in 1982, the International School of Panama is a nonprofit school serving Pre‑K 3 to 12th grade affiliated with MEDUCA. ISP offers Bespoke Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme, and American Curriculum. The K–12 program emphasizes content mastery and transferable skills in a student‑centred environment, with Know, Understand, Do outcomes and a Transferable Skills Rubric to monitor progress. English and Spanish are core languages, with EAL support and placement testing. The 10‑hectare campus hosts 71 classrooms, six science laboratories, five STEM innovation labs, eight visual arts studios, and two libraries. A 538‑seat auditorium hosts assemblies; two cafeterias; and facilities for sport, including three tennis courts, a semi‑Olympic pool, two indoor gyms, a weight gym, two soccer fields, and two basketball courts. Sustainability features include solar panels and wastewater treatment. Clubs include PANAMUN, iGEM, and VEX Robotics Club; TECHO por mi País and Make‑a‑Wish. ISP also provides Student Wellbeing and Support Services.

3GHH+357, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama

The Essentials

International School of Panama has 1,262 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
Located at Calle al Club de Golf, Cerro Viento, San Miguelito, Provincia de Panamá, República de Panamá. The campus sits in the Golf Club area of Panama City, San Miguelito. Postal address is P.O. Box 0819-02588 El Dorado Panama.

Stages
Pre-K 3 through Grade 12.

Type
The school is a non-profit international school.

Additional learning support
The Learning Support program provides services to students with diagnosed mild to moderate learning or behavioral needs, including accommodations or IEPs; English as an Additional Language with a structured newcomer program and co-teaching; Speech (third-party on-site provider at cost to parents); Occupational Therapy (third-party on-site provider at cost to parents); Social-emotional counseling; Inclusion Program (Tier 3+) for students requiring specialized, full- or part-time support.

Country affiliation
Affiliated with Panama's Ministry of Education (MEDUCA).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required for all students and is sold at Galapagos, a local clothing chain. PK3–PK4 wear a school t‑shirt (blue or gray) with PE shorts; K–12 wear a polo‑style shirt (light blue or white) with the ISP emblem and navy shorts or a plaid skirt; 11th–12th graders may wear a dark blue trim polo. A PE uniform is required at all ages (navy knit shorts, an ISP t‑shirt, and sweatpants) and shoes must be closed with rubber soles.

Food Options
There are two on-campus cafeterias: one for Elementary and one for Middle/High School. Meal plans are offered and payments are accepted by debit and credit card (no cash).

Governance and Ownership
The school is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Trustees. The board comprises nine trustees (five elected by parents and four appointed by the board) and provides governance and financial oversight, while day‑to‑day management is delegated to the Head of School.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School of Panama ranges from USD 9,999 to USD 18,938 for 2026/27.

Application fee
- USD 250 per student (non-refundable). Payment may be made by credit card or wire transfer.

Capital donation
- USD 16,000 per student. Payment schedule:
- PK3 students: two installments of USD 8,000 each (one upon PK4 re-enrollment and the second upon Kindergarten re-enrollment, in March of each respective year).
- PK4 through Grade 5: two installments of USD 8,000 each (one upon admission to reserve the seat and the second upon next-year re‑enrollment in March).
- Grades 6–12: capital donation installments of USD 8,000 each begin in SY 2026–27 (one upon admission to reserve the seat and the second upon next‑year re‑enrollment in March).
- The Capital Donation is not prorated for the student's length of stay.

Registration fees (annual)
- Institutional families: USD 4,500 due in full at admission (new families) or at re-enrollment (returning families). This fee is non‑refundable and not prorated. Payment by credit card or wire transfer.
- Non‑institutional families: USD 1,000 due in full at admission or at re‑enrollment. This fee is non‑refundable and not prorated. Payment by credit card or wire transfer.

Tuition — per term (quarter) and annual totals
- Tuition is billed quarterly (four terms per school year). Tuition payments for families are made by the quarterly schedule below; annual totals shown are four times the listed quarterly amount.

SY 2026–2027 (quarterly amount — due date / term start date)
- PK3: USD 2,551 per quarter — Q1 due July 24, 2026 (term start Aug 5, 2026); annual total USD 10,204.
- PK4–Grade 5: USD 3,896 per quarter — Q1 due July 24, 2026 (term start Aug 5, 2026); annual total USD 15,584.
- Grades 6–8: USD 4,273 per quarter — Q1 due July 24, 2026 (term start Aug 5, 2026); annual total USD 17,092.
- Grades 9–12: USD 4,832 per quarter — Q1 due July 24, 2026 (term start Aug 5, 2026); annual total USD 19,328.

SY 2026–2027 quarterly calendar (all divisions):
- Q1 due July 24, 2026 — term start August 5, 2026.
- Q2 due September 25, 2026 — term start October 5, 2026.
- Q3 due January 4, 2027 — term start January 13, 2027.
- Q4 due March 12, 2027 — term start April 5, 2027.

SY 2025–2026 (quarterly amounts and calendar, shown for reference)
- PK3: USD 2,501 per quarter; annual total USD 10,004.
- PK4–Grade 5: USD 3,819 per quarter; annual total USD 15,276.
- Grades 6–8: USD 4,189 per quarter; annual total USD 16,756.
- Grades 9–12: USD 4,737 per quarter; annual total USD 18,948.
- SY 2025–2026 quarterly calendar: Q1 due July 25, 2025 (term start Aug 6, 2025); Q2 due Sept 26, 2025 (term start Oct 13, 2025); Q3 due Jan 2, 2026 (term start Jan 14, 2026); Q4 due March 13, 2026 (term start Apr 6, 2026).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is billed quarterly and must be paid according to the quarterly due dates shown above. The cost of textbook rental, workbooks, and other consumable instructional materials (unless otherwise specified) is included in the annual tuition. Exceptions may apply for special division-requested materials.
- Tuition payment methods: tuition payments are accepted only via wire transfer or the Banco General payment booklet. Other fees (application, registration, readmission) may accept credit card or wire transfer as noted in their descriptions. Specific payment instructions and account details are provided for families when completing admissions and payment processes.

Selective and additional fees
- English as an Additional Language (EAL) Fee: USD 500 per semester. Payable via wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet. Charged each semester the service is provided.
- Learning Support Program Fee: USD 500 per semester (applies to students requiring additional learning support or identified GATE students). Payable via wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet.
- Joint EAL + Learning Support Fee: USD 750 per semester (when both services apply). Payable via wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) fees: determined annually by the IB; IB program and examination fees for Grades 11–12 are charged and collected over the two‑year Diploma period. Payable via wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet.
- Full‑time and part‑time support (specialized support staffing): USD 1,900 per month (full‑time) and USD 950 per month (part‑time). Families requiring these services sign a separate contract governing terms and payments; payable via wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet.
- Student readmission fee: USD 1,600 per student (charged to families returning after more than 12 months away — equal to 10% of the Capital Donation at the time of readmission). Readmission requires settlement of any outstanding debts. This fee can be paid virtually or in person via credit card or wire transfer.

Other costs (uniforms, meals, transport, activities)
- Uniform: ISP requires a school uniform by Panamanian law; uniforms for purchase are available through a local retailer (Galapagos). Specific uniform items and purchasing details are provided after admission. Uniform costs are not listed as a flat school fee and are paid separately by families.
- Meals and cafeterias: on‑campus cafeterias offer meal plans and accept debit and credit card payments; cafeteria charges are separate from tuition.
- Transportation: the school refers families to third‑party transportation providers; transportation costs are arranged directly between families and the provider.
- Special materials, optional trips, extracurricular program costs, and any division‑specific charges (beyond included consumables and textbooks) may be billed separately when applicable.

Boarding fees
- Not applicable. ISP operates as a day school and does not provide boarding/residential facilities; therefore there are no boarding fees.

Refund and non‑refund rules (applicable items)
- Application fee: USD 250 — non‑refundable.
- Registration fees (Institutional USD 4,500; Non‑institutional USD 1,000): non‑refundable and not prorated, regardless of enrollment date.
- Capital Donation: stated as not prorated for the student's stay; families should treat it as an assessed donation with scheduled installment requirements.
- Readmission requires settlement of outstanding debts; the readmission charge detailed above applies. Other refunds or pro‑rations are not described in the published fee sections; specific refund adjustments (if any) are managed under the school's enrollment and finance policies.

Fee payment options and methods
- Application fee: credit card or wire transfer.
- Registration fees: credit card or wire transfer (payable virtually or in person).
- Tuition and most recurring academic/service fees: wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet only.
- Selected administrative charges (e.g., readmission) may be payable by credit card or wire transfer as specified.

(End of fee overview.)
Academics

International School of Panama teaches Bespoke Curriculum, IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Curriculum is built on a K–12 course philosophy designed to support each student's academic journey, with clear assessment parameters to monitor progress and ensure individual success. It emphasizes both content mastery and the development of transferable skills in a dynamic, student-centered environment. The ISP curriculum covers Science, Math, Social Studies, English, Spanish, STEM and Physical Education across Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School and High School. Assessment uses Know, Understand, Do (KUD) outcomes and a Transferable Skills Rubric to track progress.

Higher Education Progression
ISP offers four diplomas: ISP Diploma, MEDUCA Diploma, IB Diploma and IE Diploma. IB Diploma is available for students in grades 11–12. ISP graduates have access to universities worldwide. Partnerships with Carnegie Mellon University (Robotics Education via Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy), Syracuse University (SUPA program with college credit in English presentational speaking and persuasive communication), and the University of Delaware (Innovation and Entrepreneurship Diploma) provide college credit, micro-credentials, and pathways to higher education.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ISP is developing a comprehensive PreK-12 Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program integrated with academic learning, equipping students with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, conflict resolution, empathy, collaboration, and social responsibility.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) provides three tiers of support across divisions: Tier 1 universally designed curriculum; Tier 2 targeted small-group instruction for academics, language acquisition, and social-emotional support; Tier 3 individualized support. Division-specific supports include Academic Intervention and Support, Inclusion Program, English as an Additional Language, Social-emotional Counseling, Speech and Occupational Therapy on-site via third-party providers at cost. Learning Support assists students with mild-to-moderate learning or behavioral needs through accommodations or IEPs, co-taught or pull-out services, and tailored enrichment. The Inclusion Program offers specialized academic/adaptive support with individualized programming and a focus on independence, behavior, social skills, and community participation. External supports available on campus include Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Psychological Evaluations.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language instruction is provided when classroom performance and language proficiency indicate need, including co-teaching and small-group instruction, a structured Newcomer Program for 1st–8th grades, and tiered supports based on WIDA assessment.

Mental Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is a whole-school commitment. The Counseling services follow a Comprehensive School Counseling Model with social-emotional, academic, and career guidance, crisis intervention, parent education, and coordination of transition support; a dedicated counseling team supports students across grade levels, and MTSS underpins a holistic approach to wellbeing.

Safeguarding
ISP maintains a Child Protection Policy that defines abuse, outlines reporting procedures, and specifies roles and responsibilities of the Child Protection Team; staff receive ongoing training and a Designated Safeguarding Lead coordinates safeguarding efforts; counselors provide safe spaces and reporting mechanisms, with partnerships and practices designed to safeguard every student.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1982, the International School of Panama (ISP) is a non-profit, student-centered school offering international education from Pre-K 3 to 12th grade. Global accreditations support ISP's programs, and the school emphasizes student well-being as part of its mission.

Community
ISP's community includes an Alumni network and a PTA that promote connection and well-being. Alumni are described with the motto Once a Dolphin, Always a Dolphin, reflecting the spirit of ISP's alumni network. Student clubs such as PANAMUN, TECHO por mi País, iGEM, NearSpace Club, Art Club, Make-a-Wish, and VEX Robotics provide opportunities for leadership, service, science, and creativity. The PTA organizes signature events each year, including Welcome Back BBQ, Holiday Shop, Teacher Appreciation Day, and Family Fun Fair, strengthening community ties.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA leadership comprises elected officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, and Secretary, along with appointed chairs who lead important committees. Class Representatives serve as vital liaisons between families and faculty, ensuring effective communication. Committees represent different divisions and areas of school life. The PTA exists to support the education and wellbeing of the ISP community by fostering strong, collaborative relationships between families and educators. Annual events organized by the PTA include Welcome Back BBQ, Holiday Shop, Teacher Appreciation Day, and Family Fun Fair. Parents are encouraged to volunteer, join committees, or attend meetings; contact pta@isp.edu.pa.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The ISP campus spans 10 hectares across 14 interconnected buildings, providing classrooms, labs, offices, and support facilities. It features 71 classrooms designed for dynamic and collaborative learning, six science laboratories, five STEM innovation labs, eight artistic studios, and two full-service libraries and media centers. A 538-seat auditorium hosts assemblies, performances, conferences, and community events. Dining facilities include two cafeterias with inviting spaces for students and staff. Recreational and athletic facilities include three tennis courts, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, two indoor gymnasiums, a fully equipped weight-training gym, two soccer fields (one natural grass and one FIFA-certified turf), and two covered basketball courts. The campus is powered by 1,052 solar panels and includes a wastewater treatment system, with sustainability integrated into the natural surroundings.

Sports Facilities
Three tennis courts provide training and recreational spaces. A semi-Olympic swimming pool supports aquatic programs. Two indoor gymnasiums and a fully equipped weight-training gym support year-round sports and fitness. Two soccer fields — one natural grass and one FIFA-certified turf — and two covered basketball courts enable team sports in all weather.

Academic Facilities
71 classrooms are designed for dynamic and collaborative learning. Six fully equipped science laboratories. Five STEM innovation labs enable robotics, engineering, coding, and problem solving. Eight artistic studios support visual arts and creative expression, and two full-service libraries and media centers offer extensive research and digital resources. An auditorium hosts school events and gatherings for the ISP community.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Athletics provide inclusive, safe, and developmentally appropriate experiences for every student. After School Activities offer opportunities for enrichment beyond the classroom. Student clubs give chances to explore passions, build connections, and foster creativity, collaboration, and belonging. Visual & Performing Arts spaces cultivate creativity, curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking through the arts.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has PANAMUN, TECHO por mi País, iGEM, NearSpace Club, Art Club, Make-a-Wish, and VEX Robotics Club. PANAMUN is a student-led Model United Nations that fosters debate, public speaking, diplomacy, and leadership. iGEM and the VEX Robotics Club develop engineering, coding, and problem-solving skills through competitions. NearSpace Club explores atmospheric science through hands-on high-altitude experiments, while TECHO por mi País and Make-a-Wish offer service and social-impact projects.

Arts & Creative
Art Club provides space to explore painting, drawing, sculpture, and other media with opportunities for collaboration and exhibitions. Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA) nurtures creativity and collaboration across performances and the visual arts as part of ISP's arts offerings. VAPA is highlighted as a core arts program within ISP, enriching students' artistic development.

Cultural & Language
PANAMUN fosters cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship through a student-led Model United Nations. The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support with a per-semester fee when services are provided. English proficiency assessments may be conducted during admissions to determine EAL needs. Placement tests for English, Math, and Spanish guide course placement.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers after-school activities and a wide range of student clubs to help students connect and pursue interests. Student clubs include PANAMUN, TECHO por mi País, iGEM, NearSpace Club, Art Club, Make-a-Wish, and VEX Robotics Club, fostering collaboration, leadership, and belonging. After-school activities provide experiences beyond the classroom that support social engagement and personal growth.

Community & Service
TECHO por mi País is a service-oriented club where students volunteer with TECHO to tackle poverty, help build emergency housing, and participate in community development projects. Make-a-Wish is a service and fundraising club that partners with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses. These activities cultivate compassion, civic responsibility, and social impact among students.

Leadership & Professional
PANAMUN fosters leadership through UN-style debates and research into global issues. iGEM and the VEX Robotics Club develop teamwork, project leadership, and problem-solving in science and engineering contexts. Make-a-Wish and TECHO por mi País cultivate social responsibility leadership by guiding fundraising and community service.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The athletics program includes soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field, swimming, and tennis, with teams across age groups and opportunities to compete locally and nationally. The program emphasizes teamwork, resilience, leadership, healthy lifestyles, and safe, supportive competition. ISP also provides Student Wellbeing & Support Services to support emotional and academic wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction and communication at ISP. Spanish is offered as an additional language. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for non-native English speakers, including a Newcomer Program described as a 20-hour course with Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, and Survival English. EAL support is delivered through in-class co-teaching and small-group instruction to help students access the curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions
Admissions process overview: ISP maintains rolling admissions for families transferring from abroad throughout the school year. The ISP Admissions Process consists of eight steps. 1. Complete Inquiry Form. Submit the inquiry form to initiate the admissions process. An admissions counselor will reach out to provide next steps and answer questions. 2. Schedule a Virtual Info Session or On-Campus Tour. Meet with an admissions counselor to explore ISP and ensure the school's mission and core values resonate with the family. Sessions can be held virtually or on campus. 3. Settle the application fee. The USD 250 non-refundable application fee per student is payable via credit card or bank transfer. 4. Access Admissions Portal. Once payment is processed, gain access to the Admissions Portal, which contains a comprehensive checklist of required steps and documentation for the student. The Enrollment Committee reviews the candidate's application, and space in the grade does not guarantee admission. 5. Requirements per division. Early Childhood (PK3 & PK4) and Elementary School (Kindergarten to 5th Grade) require Applicant Information, Parent Questionnaire, MEDUCA declaration form, Family declaration form, Learning support form (if applicable), and Homeroom teacher recommendation form (provide the teacher's email). Uploads include report cards from the last three years, student photo, birth certificate, and educational testing results or diagnosis, and IEP accommodations if applicable. Middle & High School (6th to 12th Grade) require Applicant Information, Parent Questionnaire, MEDUCA declaration form, Family declaration form, Learning support form (if applicable), and Recommendation forms from English, Math, and the Principal/Counselor (provide their emails). Uploads include report cards from the last three years, student photo, birth certificate, and educational testing results or diagnosis, and IEP accommodations if applicable. 6. Assessments & Interviews. After the application is complete, schedule interviews and assessments. PK3/PK4 candidates are invited for on-campus play dates to become familiar with the Early Childhood Program. Kindergarten to 5th-grade candidates may have an English proficiency assessment if non-native speakers require language support. 6th to 8th-grade candidates have an interview with the Principal or Counselor to understand strengths and interests, with possible English proficiency assessment if needed. 9th to 12th-grade applicants have an interview with the Principal or Counselor to evaluate fit with pathways, with possible placement tests in English, Math, and Spanish. 7. Admissions Decision. ISP offers rolling admissions. Refer to the Admissions Calendar to align with the enrollment timeline. After all steps are completed and the application is reviewed by the Enrollment Committee, a decision is issued. Possible decisions include Regular Admissions, Admissions with Required Additional Services, Waiting Pool, or Decline. All offer emails are valid for one school year and reserve a space for 10 calendar days while payment is arranged; after 10 days, availability may change. If enrollment is deferred to the next school year, the admissions process must be restarted. 8. Enrollment. After receiving the admissions decision, complete the required payments within 10 calendar days and finish the enrollment checklist, which includes reviewing policies, indicating image-use preference, and signing the school contract to reserve the seat. Tuition & Fees details provide the necessary payment information for securing a candidate's spot.

Waitlist
Waiting Pool is an admissions decision option used when there is no space available in the desired grade. If space is not yet available when an offer is issued, the candidate may be placed in the Waiting Pool. The offer emails are valid for one school year and reserve a space for 10 calendar days to arrange payment; after 10 days, availability may change. If enrollment is deferred to the next school year, the admissions process must be restarted.
School Events
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