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TRAIL School

Panama, Panama City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $4,000 - 13,660
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 135
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, English
Typical class size 16
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

TRAIL School, The Renaissance Academy of International Learning, is an inclusive foundation school serving ages 2 through 18 on a Panama Pacifico campus at 841 Andrews Blvd. The school follows an American curriculum and is MEDUCA-accredited. The Kindergarten program uses the Creative Curriculum and centers the child in the learning process, with English Language Arts taught through a Reading Workshop approach that includes daily reading and writing, phonics, decoding, and comprehension. Math emphasizes patterns, numbers, geometry, sorting, and hands-on problem solving. The program also provides Spanish immersion, Music, Physical Education, Art, and Technology to support a strong start. The campus features a gym, an athletics track, and an Inclusive Learning Center within the Elementary School. TRAIL offers 12 clubs and after-school Club House from 3:00 to 5:30 pm. There is a Service & Action requirement for grades 9–10 and a CAS component in grades 11–12, reinforcing leadership and community engagement.

WC46+86W, Blvd. Andrews, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá Oeste, Panama

The Essentials

TRAIL School has 135 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.

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.

Stages

TRAIL offers early childhood education through high school. The program includes Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.

Type

The school is an inclusive foundation school.

Additional learning support

The Inclusive Learning Center provides support for students with additional learning needs.
Diving Deeper

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at TRAIL School ranges from USD 4,000 to USD 13,660 for 2026/27.

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.)
Academics

TRAIL School teaches American Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum

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.

Student Teacher Ratio

Group size is 14 students in Kindergarten; TRAIL describes low student-teacher ratios across the school.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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.

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.

Safeguarding

Maintaining Health & Safety 2020-21 is listed under the Academics section.
Parent Experience

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.

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.
Facilities

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.

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.

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.

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 Activities

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.

Arts & Creative

Music and visual arts are taught, with a Music Teacher and an Art Teacher on the staff.

Cultural & Language

English is taught in the High School and Spanish language instruction is offered as part of the curriculum.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Languages

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.

Bilingual Teaching

The school teaches English and Spanish. English Language Arts is offered, and Spanish is taught as a language course.
Reputation

Accreditations

MEDUCA Panama
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.
School Events
The school has not added events