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Moving to a foreign country can be a nerve-racking experience for anyone. But when there’s a family in tow it can be downright terrifying.

Every parent worries that they are doing the right thing for their kids. For many, there is the mental aspect to making the leap, which happens before the actual move. All aspects must be considered, but one of major issues that always stand out for parents is schools. Will my kids get a good education? Will they be in a safe and nurturing environment?

The concern is understandable. Many popular Central American destinations have limited educational systems. Parents could be doing a disservice to their children, moving into an area with limited schools and teachers.

Fortunately, that’s not a worry in Panama City. In addition to Panamanian schools, which offer kids a unique multi-cultural experience, there are several top level international schools. They are a bit pricey, but they provide the peace-of-mind a parent’s require. Most kids take safe, reliable private buses to and from school, unless they live in walking distance of the school as traffic can be difficult in the mornings with normal rush hour. The facilities are top-notch, featuring well qualified teachers.

The four most popular and highly accredited international schools:

• Balboa Academy (http://www.balboaacademy.org/): Located in Ciudad de Saber (The City of Knowledge), directly across from the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, Balboa Academy is an international, coeducational, college preparatory school that offers a U.S. curriculum education for Pre-K through the 12th grade. All courses are taught in English. It was established in August of 1999 and graduated its first senior class of 16 in June 2000. Most students go on to four-year universities in the United States or Panama. Parents might worry about their child fitting in socially, but the students represent a diversity of economic, social and cultural backgrounds. It’s considered expensive as far as schools go in Panama, but one visit to the campus and the surrounding area and you quickly realize where those fees go.  

• International School of Panama (http://ispupload.com/): One of the earliest accredited international schools in Panama, ISP was founded in 1982 by Panamanian and international families seeking an alternative to the U.S. Department of Defense schools in Panama. ISP is a private, independent, non-profit, day school providing an English language education and it has become the school of choice for the children of many multinational executives and diplomats. ISP also has a very diverse student body that welcomes students from around the world. It offers an international curriculum on an amazing campus.

• Metropolitan School of Panama (http://www.themetropolitanschool.com/en/): One of the newest school of the “big four,” the Metropolitan School of Panama has a growing student body and is considered one of Panama’s leading educational institutions. Founded in 2011, and also located in Ciudad de Saber, the MET offers a world-class academic program for students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school offers small class sizes where each child can feel included. Their curriculum is a mix of academics that combines with arts, technology, sports, social awareness, and nutritional well-being.   

• Knightsbridge  (http://www.ksi-panama.com/): The newest school to open, which was back in 2013 is the Knightsbridge Schools International Panama.  It opened in the unique development of Panama Pacifico to both the local and international community of Panama City.  The KSI curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate that is unique and provides for a holistic approach to education.  It combines individual academic achievement with personal, physical, social and emotional growth in an environment that motivates their students to make a positive difference in a changing world.  Currently, KSI Panama is an international school with 195 students and teachers representing over 20 different nationalities!

Brian Kelly is an expat living in Panama and father of one.  He is Project Manager of one of the most beautiful projects on Amador, the Naos Harbour Island Residences and Marina. Click for more information: https://www.puntapacificarealty.com/naos-island/