When moving to Panama with IntlMOVE Panama, you may be wondering where your children can attend school. Sending your children to an international school will help them acclimate to their new surroundings in Panama. When moving to Panama, your children will have to learn a new language, deal with culture shock and meet a new set a friends. It’s important to ship your children’s personal belongings and household goods to have in their new Panamanian home. They will feel connected to their family, friends and life back in the United States. Choosing an international school will also help your children adjust to their new surroundings in Panama if the classes are taught in English.

Unlike American schools, the school year in Panama typically runs from the spring to December. Instead of beginning the school break in June, students in Panama typically have vacation time from mid-December to March or April. This is something to keep in mind when moving to Panama with children. Consider moving to Panama at a time when children can start a new school year with other children in their grade. There are a few schools that follow the U.S. school year, so research your children’s school ahead of time.

In Panama City, which is the biggest metropolis in Panama, there are three reputable international schools. Balboa Academy, Oxford International School and the International School of Panama are all accredited by the American School Association.

Oxford International School, which should not be confused with Oxford School, has the least expensive tuition of the three accredited schools. It is easily accessible as it is located in downtown Panama City. When children attend this school in Panama, they should already be able to speak Spanish. There is an English and Panamanian curriculum, which can be difficult for children who only speak one of the languages. Students are expected to take 13 subjects in high school, including calculus. It is a very tough school academically, so students should be prepared to work hard.

The Balboa Academy provides education similar to American schools. Children with learning disabilities can attend Balboa Academy with confidence. Special provisions are made for kids with learning problems.  This school also offers advanced placement (AP) classes for students who want to get a head start on their college education.

The most expensive, but also the school with the best academics, is the International School of Panama. The school is located outside of the hustle and bustle of Panama City, but your children will have no problem getting to and from the school with the beltway. The school year at the International School of Panama begins in mid-August, but basically keeps the same timeline as American schools. This school also offers AP classes.

There are other options for children in Panama City if the three accredited schools are too expensive or do not meet the needs of your family. The Episcopal School in El Carmen is an inexpensive bilingual school, which is considered one of the best academic schools. Unless your children are in Kindergarten, they must speak Spanish fluently. It is a traditional school for college bound kids, so this school can be very difficult for some students.  Saint Mary’s School in Albrook is an inexpensive Catholic school, although children with other religious beliefs are welcome. Crossroads Christian Academy in Cardenas is open to children of the Christian faith. A Jewish primary school, Colegio Isaac Rabin, is located in Clayton.

When moving to Panama with your family, contact IntlMOVE Panama for the best quote for shipping your household goods from the U.S. to Panama.