International School of Panama

What the school is

A parent-founded association school, four decades on

The American-model curriculum is described as Common Core-aligned in elementary school, with the IB Diploma in Grades 11–12. Families can discuss the US and Panamanian diploma requirements and how they overlap with IB studies. A MEDUCA licence does not mean every student automatically receives both diplomas.

School material reports more than 1,200 students from roughly 50 nationalities. ISP also reports STEM recognition through AdvancED and an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate. The certificate is distinct from the IB Diploma.

Academics in practice

Curriculum and the planned 2027 division change

The programme leads from elementary through secondary studies toward the school’s diploma options. English-language support is described for newcomers; ask about entry requirements, capacity and cost. The school has announced a combined Secondary School division from August 2027.

Cognia accreditation and IB authorisation provide different external evidence. Current IB results and university destinations were not available in published sources. The IB cohort is smaller than the full graduating class. The school’s history alone is not a quality assessment.

Admissions and cost

Admissions, 2026–27 fees and transfer dates

Admissions involves interviews, assessments and an Enrollment Committee decision. Availability and an application-fee payment do not guarantee an offer. The policy describes MEDUCA placement and validation requirements and payments due within ten calendar days of an offer.

The 2026–27 schedule lists annual tuition of US$10,204 for PK3, US$15,584 for PK4–Grade 5, US$17,092 for Grades 6–8 and US$19,328 for Grades 9–12, in four instalments. The first due date, 24 July 2026, has passed. It also lists a US$16,000 capital donation in two US$8,000 payments and a US$1,600 re-admission fee for returning pupils. The admissions page lists a US$250 application fee and an annual registration fee of US$4,500 per student for Institutional families (those whose fees are paid or reimbursed by an employer) or US$1,000 for Non-Institutional families.

Panamanian-calendar schools generally run from March to December, while ISP follows August–June. Agree placement from the child’s records and completed coursework. A calendar change does not automatically require repeating half a year or make August the only suitable entry point.

The family experience

Campus facilities and school journeys

The Cerro Viento campus includes a performing-arts centre, early-childhood facilities, covered courts, a pool, turf field and bus depot. Compare the actual journey from proposed homes, including Costa del Este or Santa María if relevant.