The best schools in Panama include private, bilingual, and international institutions offering British, U.S., International Baccalaureate, Panamanian, and faith-based educational programs. Choosing the right option is an important part of relocating to Panama with children.
The right school will depend on each student’s age, language ability, academic needs, preferred curriculum, and the family’s intended place of residence. Parents should also consider accreditation, class size, learning support, transportation, extracurricular activities, university preparation, and the length of the daily commute.
Academic calendars vary. Some private schools follow an international calendar beginning around August, while others follow Panama’s national school calendar. Admission fees, enrollment charges, tuition, transportation, uniforms, books, and other costs also vary considerably by institution and grade level.
Public and private schools serve different communities and educational needs throughout Panama. International families often consider private or international schools because of their language options, internationally recognized curricula, and continuity with educational systems abroad. However, families should evaluate each institution individually instead of relying solely on rankings or general descriptions.
The following guide compares a selection of private and international schools in Panama City and nearby areas. It is not an official ranking, and inclusion does not constitute an endorsement. School programs, locations, admissions policies, fees, and accreditations can change, so parents should verify all important information directly with each institution before applying.
Best International and Private Schools in Panama City
- Knightsbridge Schools International (KSI) Panama
- King’s College
- International School of Panama
- The Metropolitan School of Panama
- Balboa Academy
- The Panamerican School
- Colegio De La Salle
- El Colegio de Panamá
- Colegio San Agustín
- The Oxford School
- Oxford International School
- Colegio St. Mary Panamá
- Colegio Javier
- Crossroads Christian Academy
- Colegio Episcopal de Panamá (CEP)
- Boston School International
Knightsbridge Schools International (KSI) Panama
Location: Panama Pacifico
Ages: 3–18
Knightsbridge Schools International (KSI) Panama is an international school located in Panama Pacifico. It serves students from ages 3 to 18 and emphasizes internationally minded education, individual development, technology, service learning, and preparation for life in a global community. Curriculum, grade availability, admissions requirements, and program authorization may change, so families should confirm the current details directly with the school.
Contact:
- Website: www.ksi-panama.com
King’s College
Location: Clayton, Panama City
Ages: 2–18
King’s College Panama is a British international school located in Clayton. Its educational pathway begins with the Reggio Emilia approach in Early Years and continues through the British curriculum, International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
The school serves students from ages 2 to 18 and prepares them for university through an English-language international education. Curriculum, year-group availability, admissions requirements, and fees should be confirmed directly with the school.
Contact:
- Phone: +507 282-3300
- Website: panama.kingscollegeschools.org
International School of Panama
Location: Cerro Viento, San Miguelito District
Grades: Pre-K – Grade 12
Founded in 1982, the International School of Panama (ISP) is a nonprofit international school serving students from Pre-K 3 through Grade 12. Its campus is located on Calle al Club de Golf in Cerro Viento, San Miguelito.
ISP offers an internationally focused academic program for Panamanian and expatriate families. The school also provides student wellbeing and learning-support services; however, families requiring specific accommodations should consult directly with the admissions team to confirm available support and suitability for the student’s individual needs.
Admissions requirements, application periods, curriculum options, accreditations, fees, and available services should be verified directly with the school.
Contact:
- Phone: +507 293-3000
- Email: hello@isp.edu.pa
- Website: www.isp.edu.pa
The Metropolitan School of Panama
Location: Green Valley, Panama Norte
Ages: 3–18
The Metropolitan School of Panama (MET) is an international school located in Green Valley, Panama Norte. It offers the complete International Baccalaureate continuum in English, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), for students from ages 3 to 18.
The MET is part of Nord Anglia Education. The school is authorized as an IB World School and is accredited by Panama’s Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Admissions requirements, grade availability, fees, transportation, and student-support services should be confirmed directly with the school.
Contact:
Balboa Academy
Location: Ciudad del Saber, Clayton
Grades: Early Childhood – Grade 12
Founded in 1999, Balboa Academy is an international school in Ciudad del Saber, Clayton. It follows a U.S. standards-based curriculum with English as the principal language of instruction and offers an extensive Advanced Placement (AP) program.
Balboa Academy is accredited by Cognia and Panama’s Ministry of Education. Graduates may earn both Panamanian and U.S. diplomas, subject to completion of the applicable academic requirements.
The school has announced a new Costa Sur campus scheduled to open in 2027. Families should confirm current campus assignments, grade availability, admissions requirements, fees, and transportation directly with the school.
Contact:
- Website: www.balboaacademy.edu.pa
The Panamerican School
Location: Cerro Viento
Grades: Confirm current levels directly with the school
The Panamerican School is a private school located on Vía Club de Golf in Cerro Viento. It offers an English-Spanish educational environment for families seeking private education in Panama City.
The previous statement that it was one of only two schools in Panama offering programs for students with disabilities or learning differences has been removed because that comparison can change and could not be confirmed reliably. Families requiring specific learning support should consult the admissions team about the services currently available for their child.
Academic levels, curriculum, language distribution, calendar, admissions requirements, fees, transportation, and learning-support services should be confirmed directly with the school.
Contact:
- Phone: +507 266-6513 / 266-6514 / 266-4692 / 266-0530
- Email: admisiones@panamericanschool-pa.net
- Website: panamericanschool-pa.com
Colegio De La Salle
Location: El Cangrejo, Panama City
Type: Private Catholic school
Colegio De La Salle is a private Catholic educational institution located in El Cangrejo, Panama City. Its educational approach combines academic development with Christian values, community responsibility, and the integral formation of students.
Families should contact the school directly to confirm current grade levels, curriculum, language of instruction, academic calendar, admissions requirements, fees, transportation, and available student-support services.
Contact:
- Phone: +507 301-1245
- WhatsApp: +507 6782-5505
- Email: admision@lasalle.edu.pa
- Website: www.lasalle.edu.pa
El Colegio de Panamá
Location: Costa Sur, Panama City
Grades: Pre-K – Grade 12
El Colegio de Panamá is a private bilingual school located in Costa Sur, Panama City. It serves students from preschool through high school and combines Spanish-English education with an emphasis on academic development, skills, values, and preparation for further study.
The former description identifying the school principally with San Francisco is no longer current. Families should confirm campus assignments, curriculum, accreditations, grade availability, admissions requirements, fees, transportation, and student-support services directly with the school.
Contact:
- Phone: +507 391-3929 / 391-3930
- Email: admisiones@ecp.edu.pa
- Website: elcolegiodepanama.edu.pa
Colegio San Agustín
Location: Costa del Este, Panama City
Grades: Preschool, Primary, and Secondary
Colegio San Agustín is a private Catholic school located on Avenida San Agustín in Costa del Este. It is affiliated with the Order of Augustinian Recollects and offers education at the preschool, primary, and secondary levels.
Its educational model combines academic formation with Christian values, personal reflection, community responsibility, and extracurricular activities. The previous enrollment figure and statement regarding the absence of programs for students with disabilities have been removed because these details require current confirmation directly from the school.
Families should verify admissions requirements, grade availability, curriculum, language of instruction, fees, transportation, and student-support services with the institution.
Contact:
- Phone: +507 271-4590 / 271-4591 / 271-4592
- Email: csapanama@colegiosanagustin.edu.pa
- Website: colegiosanagustin.edu.pa
The Oxford School
Locations: Edison Park and other campuses in Panama
Grades: PK1 – Grade 12
The Oxford School is a British international school founded in Panama in the 1980s. It provides education from preschool through Grade 12 and follows a curriculum based on the National Curriculum of England, with English used as a principal language of instruction.
The school operates multiple campuses in Panama, including Edison Park and Paseo del Norte in Panama City, as well as locations outside the capital. Families should confirm which grade levels and programs are available at each campus.
The Oxford School should not be confused with Oxford International School, which is a separate educational institution. Curriculum, Cambridge programs or certifications, admissions requirements, fees, academic calendars, transportation, and campus availability should be confirmed directly with the school.
Contact:
- Website: www.oxford.edu.pa
Oxford International School
Location: Carrasquilla, Panama City
Grades: Pre-K 3 – Grade 12
Oxford International School (OIS) is a bilingual international school located on Calle 74 Este in Carrasquilla, Panama City. Founded in 1987, it offers early childhood, elementary, middle school, and high school education through Grade 12.
The school describes its educational approach as bilingual and internationally focused, with an emphasis on academic development, critical thinking, creativity, integrity, and preparation for further education. It should not be confused with The Oxford School, which is a separate institution operating several campuses in Panama.
Families should confirm curriculum details, current accreditations, language distribution, admissions requirements, fees, transportation, and student-support services directly with the school.
Contact:
- Admissions: +507 6379-5769
- Email: admisiones@ois.edu.pa
- Website: ois.edu.pa
Colegio St. Mary Panamá
Location: Albrook, Panama City
Grades: Preschool – Secondary School
Type: Private Catholic bilingual school
Colegio St. Mary is a private Catholic and bilingual school located on Calle San Petersburgo in Albrook. Founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate, the institution has more than 90 years of educational history in Panama.
The school offers education from preschool through secondary school and follows an international academic calendar. Its educational model combines academic preparation, English-language development, Catholic values, technology, extracurricular activities, and student-support services.
The previous statement that all classes are taught entirely in English has been removed because the school currently describes itself as bilingual. Families should confirm curriculum details, language distribution, admissions requirements, fees, calendar, transportation, and available support directly with the institution.
Contact:
- Admissions: +507 6671-9644
- Email: admision@stmarypa.com
- Website: stmarypa.com
Colegio Javier
Location: Clayton, Panama City
Grades: Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary School
Type: Private Catholic Jesuit school
Colegio Javier is a private, nonprofit Catholic school operated by the Society of Jesus. Its current campus is located on Calle Demetrio Basilio Lakas in Clayton, near the United States Embassy.
The school offers early childhood, primary, and secondary education based on the Jesuit educational tradition. Its approach combines academic preparation with Ignatian spirituality, personal development, service, social responsibility, faith, and the promotion of justice.
The previous references to a recently opened second campus, available positions, and a specific enrollment figure have been removed because those statements were outdated or temporary. Families should confirm current grade availability, curriculum, language of instruction, admissions requirements, fees, transportation, and support services directly with the school.
Contact:
- Phone: +507 303-1800
- Email: sanignacio@javier.edu
- Website: javier.edu
Crossroads Christian Academy
Location: Corozal, between Albrook and Clayton
Grades: Pre-K – Grade 12
Type: Private Christian international school
Crossroads Christian Academy (CCA) is an English-language Christian international school located on Avenida Omar Torrijos Herrera in Corozal, between Albrook and Clayton. It offers education from Pre-K through Grade 12.
CCA was founded as a ministry of Crossroads Bible Church and combines academic instruction with a Christian worldview, Bible education, community service, athletics, fine arts, and preparation for post-secondary study. Students applying from Grade 1 onward must generally demonstrate English proficiency appropriate to their academic level.
Families should review the school’s statement of faith and confirm current admissions criteria, curriculum, accreditations, fees, grade availability, and learning-support limitations directly with the admissions office.
Contact:
- Phone: +507 317-9774
- Email: admissions@ccapanama.org
- Website: www.ccapanama.org
Colegio Episcopal de Panamá (CEP)
Location: Nuevo Reparto El Carmen, Panama City
Levels: Primary and Secondary School
Type: Private bilingual Episcopal school
Colegio Episcopal de Panamá (CEP) is a bilingual, nonprofit educational institution located on Calle Carlos Arias in Nuevo Reparto El Carmen. It operates under the auspices of the Episcopal Church of Panama.
The school provides primary and secondary education with an emphasis on Christian, scientific, and humanistic formation. Its educational approach seeks to support students’ academic, personal, social, and ethical development.
The previous details about specific languages, clubs, and extracurricular activities have been removed because these offerings may change. Families should confirm current grade availability, study programs, language distribution, admissions requirements, fees, transportation, and extracurricular activities directly with the school.
Contact:
- Phone: +507 223-4836
- Email: consultas@cep.edu.pa
- Website: cep.edu.pa
Boston School International
Location: Paseo del Mar, Panama City
Ages: 3–18
Boston School International is a bilingual international school located in Edificio H-51 on Paseo del Mar, Panama City. Founded in 2012, it serves students from ages 3 to 18.
The school offers an International Baccalaureate educational pathway comprising Early Years, the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Its approach emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, multilingual development, personal wellbeing, and preparation for university.
The previous Balboa location and reference to an expanding Grade 9 program are outdated and have been removed. Families should confirm program authorization, admissions requirements, grade availability, fees, transportation, and student-support services directly with the school.
Contact:
- Phone: +507 833-8888
- WhatsApp: +507 6454-8560
- Email: admissions@bostonschool.edu.pa
- Website: www.bostonschool.edu.pa
Choosing the Right School: Quick Tips
- Curriculum and future transitions. Compare IB, British, U.S., Panamanian, and bilingual programs based on the student’s previous education and possible future moves.
- Accreditation and diploma recognition. Confirm which organizations currently accredit or authorize the school and what diploma the student will receive upon graduation.
- Language of instruction. Determine how much instruction is delivered in English, Spanish, or another language and whether language support is available.
- Learning and student support. Ask about services for learning differences, disabilities, language development, counseling, and social-emotional wellbeing based on the child’s individual needs.
- Location and daily commute. Traffic can make travel times significantly longer in Panama City. Compare the school’s location with the family’s intended neighborhood and transportation arrangements.
- Total cost. Request a complete fee schedule covering admission, enrollment, tuition, transportation, uniforms, books, technology, extracurricular activities, and other mandatory charges.
- School calendar and admissions timing. Verify whether the school follows an international or Panamanian calendar and when applications, evaluations, and enrollment must be completed.
- Visit and compare shortlisted schools. Tour the campus, speak with the admissions team, review current policies, and evaluate the environment before making a final decision.
Quick Comparison Table
| School | Location | Curriculum or educational approach |
|---|---|---|
| Knightsbridge Schools International Panama | Panama Pacifico | International education |
| King’s College Panama | Clayton | British curriculum, IGCSE and IB Diploma |
| International School of Panama | Cerro Viento | International curriculum |
| Metropolitan School of Panama | Green Valley, Panama Norte | Full IB Continuum |
| Balboa Academy | Ciudad del Saber, Clayton | U.S. standards-based curriculum and AP |
| The Panamerican School | Cerro Viento | Private bilingual education |
| Colegio De La Salle | El Cangrejo | Catholic private education |
| El Colegio de Panamá | Costa Sur | Bilingual private education |
| Colegio San Agustín | Costa del Este | Catholic private education |
| The Oxford School | Multiple campuses | British curriculum |
| Oxford International School | Carrasquilla | Bilingual international education |
| Colegio St. Mary Panamá | Albrook | Catholic bilingual education |
| Colegio Javier | Clayton | Catholic Jesuit education |
| Crossroads Christian Academy | Corozal | English-language Christian education |
| Colegio Episcopal de Panamá | El Carmen | Bilingual Episcopal education |
| Boston School International | Paseo del Mar | IB educational pathway |
Frequently Asked Questions About Schools in Panama
What are the best schools in Panama?
There is no single school that is best for every student. Families should compare curriculum, accreditation, language of instruction, location, learning support, academic calendar, total cost, and the child’s individual needs. Panama City offers British, U.S., IB, bilingual, Panamanian, and faith-based educational options.
What is the difference between a private school and an international school in Panama?
Private schools are independently operated and may follow Panama’s national curriculum, a bilingual program, or a religious educational model. International schools typically offer curricula designed for internationally mobile families, such as IB, British, or U.S.-based programs. Some institutions fit both categories.
When does the school year begin in Panama?
The academic calendar depends on the school. Institutions following Panama’s national calendar generally organize the school year differently from schools using international calendars that begin around August. Parents should confirm application deadlines, enrollment dates, holidays, and the first day of classes directly with each institution.
How much do private and international schools cost in Panama?
Costs vary significantly by school, grade level, and program. Families may need to budget for admission fees, annual enrollment, monthly or annual tuition, transportation, uniforms, books, technology, meals, extracurricular activities, and other charges. Request a complete current fee schedule before applying.
Where are most international schools located in Panama?
Many international and private schools are located in Panama City and surrounding areas, including Clayton, Albrook, Panama Norte, Costa del Este, Cerro Viento, Carrasquilla, and Panama Pacifico. Because traffic can substantially affect travel times, families should compare the school’s location with their intended neighborhood before choosing where to live.
If you are planning to move to Panama with children, choosing a school should be coordinated with housing, transportation, immigration, and the family’s overall relocation timeline. Learn more about our Panama relocation services or contact our firm to discuss your family’s relocation needs.