Panama is a prime choice for people looking to relocate for business, retirement, or to find new adventures. But you don’t have to be a young, unattached digital nomad or entrepreneur to enjoy the best of Panama. Nor do you need to be a retiree looking to spend your golden years in a tropical paradise. Panama is also an outstanding option for young families to move and broaden their horizons. The education system in Panama helps make that possible.

If you’re a couple with school-aged children, you might wonder if the schools in Panama will provide a good education. The education system in Panama provides several terrific options for educating your kids. Those options range from kindergarten through high school. Many of these schools have other expat kids, so they should have an easy time making new friends. From an educational perspective, moving to Panama shouldn’t be much different than moving to a new state.

Exploring the Education System in Panama

There are three main schooling options for expats in Panama: international schools, bilingual schools, and public schools. Students will get the closest thing to an American education at an international school. International schools generally follow the International Baccalaureate or American curricula. As their name suggests, bilingual schools incorporate Spanish and English into their learning. Public schools are free to residents as well as citizens. However, public schools are primarily Spanish-speaking. They may require a higher proficiency in the Spanish language.

There are other differences to consider, not the least of which is cost. International schools are the most expensive option. Yearly tuition ranges as follows:

• $9,000-$10,000 for PK3-PK4 (Early Childhood).
• $14,000-$15,000 for Grades 1-5 (Elementary School)
• $15,000-$16,000 for Grades 6-8 (Middle School).
• $17,000-$18,000 for Grades 9-12 (High School).

Alternately, bilingual schools vary significantly in price, but are generally less expensive than international schools. As mentioned above, public schools are free throughout Panama for citizens and residents.

Issues for Expats to Consider

The following are key factors parents should consider when selecting a school:

• Parents should thoroughly research all possible school options before determining which is best for their kids. They should also know which option best fits their kids and their financial circumstances.
• If you’re relocating to Panama because of work, you will want to find a school close to your residence and workplace. Your kids are going through a massive change with this move. Don’t stress them out by making getting to and from school a challenge.
• Learning to speak Spanish should be encouraged for anyone who moves to Panama. It is the country’s official language. However, if your children don’t speak Spanish, a public school is probably not the place for them. An international school, or a bilingual school at the very least, should be considered.
• Different schools have different enrollment requirements. Be sure to arrive in Panama knowing what school you want to enroll your children in. Once you make that determination, ensure you know the enrollment requirements for a smooth transition.
• Here are some other considerations to remember. Panama’s school year begins in March and runs through December. A typical school day starts around 8 a.m. and ends at approximately 3 p.m. The official age to enter primary school is 6.

Relocating a family is always stressful, and that stress increases exponentially when the relocation is to another country. These factors are even greater when children are involved.

Fortunately, the fact that you have children who need to go to school shouldn’t be a factor in your decision to relocate to Panama. The flexibility and quality of the education system in Panama should allay any concerns you have. Should you decide to move to Panama, your children will get as high-quality an education as you could expect anywhere in the US.

Your Panama Real Estate Experts

Do you have a family with school-aged children and want to move to Panama? The Agency Panama knows Panama’s best neighborhoods, and we know which have access to the best schools. Contact us today to get started on your Panamanian dream.