Schools for Italian families in Panama in 2025

Panama has developed a wide range of international schools aimed at expatriate families, executives of multinational companies and diplomats. For Italian families, this means having educational options that combine international standards with an inclusive environment, where children can integrate without losing their cultural identity.

Some of the Best schools for Italian families in Panama in 2025 offer a solid academic background, multilingual education and programs adapted for foreign students. Below, we highlight some of the schools most recommended by the Italian community and expatriate parents:

International School of Panama (ISP)

Located in the City of Knowledge, Clayton, ISP is one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, with a strong presence of European students, including Italians. It offers the IB program, preparation for international universities and teaching in English.

Metropolitan School of Panama (MET)

Certified as an IB World School, MET stands out for its humanistic approach, global teaching and excellent infrastructure. The cultural diversity of students is wide and usually attracts European families, including Italian ones.

Lycée Français Paul Gauguin

Although it follows the French curriculum, this institution is ideal for parents seeking a European education. Many Italians choose this school because it facilitates an academic transition to universities on the continent.

Inter-American Academy of Panama (AIP)

With a bilingual approach (English-Spanish), AIP is highly valued for its academic strength and personalized attention. Although it does not offer the Italian language, it does facilitate the integration of foreign students into the local context.

In addition to these, there are also schools such as St. Mary's School, Balboa Academy and Boston School International that offer international education in Panama, although with differences in their pedagogical approaches.

For Italian families looking to maintain a connection with their language and culture, some schools offer extracurricular Italian classes or optional language programs, although it's not common to find full immersion.

Location also plays a key role. Many expatriate families choose to live in areas such as Clayton, Albrook, Costa del Este and Santa María because of their proximity to these schools and the quality of life in these neighborhoods.

In short, the international schools in Panama are well prepared to respond to the needs of families migrating from Europe. Verifying the languages offered, academic certification, educational approach and student life are essential steps before making a decision.

El IB (International Baccalaureate) program It is one of the education systems most valued by families that migrate, including many Italian families in Panama who want to ensure high-level academic continuity for their children. This program is especially attractive because of its global approach, critical thinking, and solid preparation for admission to universities around the world.

In 2025, Panama has several IB accredited international schools, which offer one or more of the three International Baccalaureate programs:

• PYP (Primary Years Program)
• MYP (Intermediate Years Program)
• DP (Diploma Programme - last two school years)

Here are some of the main Schools with IB in Panama which stand out for their educational quality:

International School of Panama (ISP)

It is an IB World School authorized for all three IB programs. This school has a strong international community and high academic standards. Most classes are taught in English, and support is offered in other languages as needed.

Metropolitan School of Panama (MET)

MET also offers PYP, MYP and the full DP. Its approach is holistic and multicultural, making it a great option for children of expatriates. It also provides Spanish classes as an additional language and interactive activities that promote diversity.

Boston School International

Certified for the IB Diploma, this institution combines a demanding academic base with a flexible and culturally open environment. It is ideal for students at high school levels looking to international universities.

King's College Panama

Located in Clayton, this British school is in the process of expanding its curriculum with IB options, offering an alternative that unites the British system with internationally recognized international standards.

The choice of a school with IB in Panama depends in part on the student's academic level and in part on family expectations about future training. For example, Italian families who plan to return to Europe in a few years tend to rely on the IB as an educational passport to enter universities both in the EU and in other continents.

In addition, the IB program promotes intercultural awareness, something that is especially beneficial for children raised in international contexts or who are adapting to new cultures such as Panamanian.

When choosing between options, it is recommended to check if the school offers all three levels of the IB, or only the Diploma (for the final years). Some schools only implement the Diploma Program from the age of 16, which can be limiting if you are thinking about a full career from elementary school.

In short, Panama continues to strengthen its international educational programs to respond to the growth of its expatriate population. If your priority is a solid and globally recognized academic background, IB schools may be your best option.

For many Italian families moving to Panama, language can be a key factor when choosing a school. Cultural transition is easier when children have access to programs that reinforce their mother tongue or that allow them to develop skills in English and Spanish — the predominant languages in the country. Fortunately, Panama offers a variety of bilingual schools and international with an emphasis on foreign languages, including Italian and English.

Schools with classes in Italian

Although they are not common, there is at least one prominent institution with a focus on the Italian language:

• Enrico Fermi Italian School: Located in Panama City, this private school follows an educational model inspired by the Italian system and offers classes in Italian as its main language, in addition to Spanish and English. It is an excellent option for those who seek to maintain the linguistic and cultural link.

There are also other institutions that offer immersion programs or extracurricular activities in Italian, even if it's not the official language of instruction. Asking about these options directly with each school can be helpful.

Bilingual schools with English and Spanish

Most of the international schools in Panama operate in English, with additional classes in Spanish to reinforce bilingual learning. These schools are designed especially for expatriate communities and often emphasize a global methodology. Some of the most recognized include:

• Balboa Academy
• Metropolitan School of Panama
• Saint Mary's School

These institutions often have diverse student populations, helping Italian children to integrate more easily, while retaining access to education international and multicultural.

Many schools also offer specialized language acquisition support, allowing non-native students to become fluent in English or Spanish without feeling initial academic pressure.

Which language is best to prioritize?

The choice will depend on your family goals. If you are looking for an education aligned with European standards and that reinforces Italian, then a school like Enrico Fermi may be ideal. If, on the other hand, your priority is immersion in English to improve international opportunities, opting for an international school with a curriculum in English is the best alternative.

In either case, it is advisable to visit the schools in person, discuss their pedagogical approach and talk to the staff about the language services available for foreign students. This will give you a clearer idea of what the experience will be like for your children.

One of the most important aspects for families migrating from Italy And they are looking for educational options in Panama is to understand the real costs Of the private education in 2025. Unlike the public system, which is free but less used by expatriate families, international and bilingual schools in Panama are part of the private system and have annual enrollments that vary significantly depending on the school, educational level and type of curriculum (for example, if they offer IB program).

Overall costs of private schools in Panama

Tuition costs for private schools are usually presented in three parts: enrollment, annual tuition, and monthly or annuity. Below is a summary of the estimated ranges in 2025 for international schools in Panama:

• Initial Enrollment Fee: between USD 500 and USD 3,000 (one-time payment upon entry)
• Annual enrollment: from USD 2,000 to USD 8,000
• Monthly payments: between USD 400 and USD 1,200 per month (approximately 10 months per year)

Therefore, the total annual cost per child in an international school it can range from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000 or more, depending on the institution. It is worth noting that institutions with International Baccalaureate (IB) tend to be in the highest rank due to their high academic standard and highly trained staff.

Approximate examples by type of school

To better guide your budget, we present a general guide based on the types of schools most sought after by Italian families in Panama:

Bilingual Schools: in English/Spanish, without an IB program

Average annual cost: USD 6,000 - USD 10,000

International Schools with IB: higher cost per internationally accredited curriculum

Average annual cost: USD 10,000 - USD 17,000

Italian-language schools: as Scuola Enrico Fermi

Average annual cost: USD 5,000 - USD 8,000

Other expenses to consider

In addition to tuition, other additional costs should be considered, such as:

• School uniforms (USD 100 - 300 per year)
• Books and materials (USD 200 - 600)
• School transportation (USD 100 - 250 per month if contracted)
• Extracurricular activities or lunch (optional)

When evaluating all of these elements, many families who come to live in Panama with children choose to plan their educational budget in advance and compare between different options that combine academic quality with financial accessibility.

Finally, remember that some schools offer discounts for siblings, payment facilities or academic scholarships. Asking directly at the institution can help you better manage costs without sacrificing educational quality.

With a clear vision of costs and the educational model, Italian families in Panama can make informed decisions that respond to both their academic goals and their economic possibilities, ensuring a successful school transition for their children.

Choosing a suitable school in Panama can seem challenging at first, especially if you come from Italy and are not familiar with the local education system. However, there are several key factors that can help you make an informed decision aligned with your family's needs. Below, we explore the main points to consider if you're evaluating best Italian schools for your children in Panama.

Educational framework and school philosophy

Every school in Panama has a different educational philosophy. Some follow traditional methodologies, while others adopt modern approaches such as Montessori, constructivism or project-based learning. If you come from Europe, you may prefer institutions with international programs such as IB (International Baccalaureate), given its global recognition and its structure compatible with future moves or studies abroad.

Also check how the school's values align with those of your family: Do they encourage critical thinking? Is there an emphasis on emotional well-being? Do they promote cultural diversity?

Languages and language support

For many Italian families in Panama, one of the most important aspects is the language of instruction. Are your children already fluent in Spanish? If not, a bilingual school or with immersion in English or Italian you can ease the transition.

Las international schools in Panama they usually offer special accommodations for students whose native language is not Spanish, including additional language classes and support in the first few months. This is essential to ensure that children integrate properly without feeling left behind.

Family location and logistics

Panama City can have heavy traffic at certain times, and that has a direct impact on the daily routine. We recommend that you consider schools close to your area of residence, or that have safe and timely school transportation. Some families choose to move close to their chosen school to facilitate logistics.

Infrastructure and facilities

A face-to-face tour of the school can give you a lot of information about the quality of teaching and the school environment. See if they have:

• Modern science laboratories
• Well-equipped libraries
• Green areas or sports fields
• Clean, ventilated and age-appropriate rooms

These facilities allow children to have a balanced learning between academic and socio-emotional aspects.

Costs compatible with your family budget

As we saw in the previous section, the school enrollment in Panama they can vary quite a bit. Make sure that overall costs (tuition, monthly payments, books, uniforms, transportation) are sustainable for your family in the long term. Some schools offer flexible payment plans or sibling discounts.

Flexibility for expatriate families

Muchas schools for Italian expatriates in Panama they have experience receiving families who arrive in the middle of the school year or who plan to be alone for a fixed period. Check if they allow off-calendar registrations or if they issue internationally valid documentation to facilitate future procedures in other countries or in Italy.

In short, choose between the Schools in Panama it's not just a matter of prestige or location: it's finding a place where your child feels safe, motivated and well accompanied.