Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
901 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
37+ |
| Most common nationality |
Panamanian |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1 to 2.6 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
English Language Learners |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish and French (High School level), Mandarin (High School level) |
| Max. number of students per class |
Preschool 12, Elementary and up 25 |
| Average number of students per class |
18 to 20 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
For Preschool and Kindergarten |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
The school implements technology throughout the curriculum. Some examples are Microsoft Teams, Seesaw, IXL, BrainPop, Raz-Kids, Lexia, etc. From Elementary and up, students have access to computers, iPads, and laptops. Teachers use Smartboards in the classroom to enhance the learning experience. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, our main platform is Microsoft Teams. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) is done twice a year from first grade up to 9th grade in Reading, Language Usage, and Mathematics. Our 10th and 11th graders take the PSAT. Our 11th and 12th graders take the SAT test. AP (Advanced Placement) exams are given every May. |
| Results in these examinations |
Traditionally, our students score above global averages. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Homework is limited to 10 minutes at the Kindergarten level and increases up by 10 minutes per grade level. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
98% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes. |
| Learning support offered |
Our primary focus is inclusion with support from our Educational Specialists. Some students receive support in small group or one on one settings. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
BADGE – Balboa Academy Dragons Gifted Education Program as well as advanced and AP courses in the higher levels. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
We provide social-emotional support through the Counselors. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes. As part of the admissions process we evaluate students' skills and have an interview to get to know them. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten evaluation has a duration of approximately 20 minutes and covers such concepts are shapes, letters, and numbers. The 1st-12th grade evaluation has a duration of approximately one hour and covers reading, writing, and mathematics. The evaluation is not an English proficiency test but is proctored entirely in English. |
| Waiting list |
Generally, no. Some grades at times might be full and applying students are placed on a waitlist. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Our Admissions Department works year-round. We do not have a deadline. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes. |
| School start time |
8:00 a.m. |
| School finish time |
Preschool: 12:30 p.m. (Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.)
|
| Supervised care before/after school |
We have before school supervision and after-school programs. |
| School bus service available |
Yes. |
| School provided lunches |
Lunches may be purchased from a provider. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes, through the lunch service provider. |
| Uniform required |
Yes. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
We have a wide variety of after-school activities and Clubs including sports, arts, academics, social service clubs, and technology. |
| Sports activities included |
Physical education is required for all students from preschool until 9th grade. Our PE classes include sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, and many more physical activities. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. |
| Facilities at the school |
Balboa Academy has two libraries, six Science labs, two Music rooms, a Drama room, and access to an Olympic sized pool. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
We have two gymnasiums, an AstroTurf field, athletic fields, and recreational areas with playground equipment, |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Balboa Academy is a private school in Panama City, located in the heart of the capital's vibrant community. Offering students two diploma programs (US and Panamanian) and the only school in Panama to provide over 20 courses in their AP Program, our International School in Ciudad del Saber, Clayton is a beacon of educational excellence and a home for lifelong learners. Balboa Academy is part of Inspired, the leading global group of premium schools, Inspired provides a premium education to 118 schools, 95,000+ students on 6 continents. Inspired utilises the best educational practices from every corner of the globe to ensure each student receives a first-class learning experience, from Kindergarten to Year 13. Students benefit from a robust, holistic, international curriculum formed around the Inspired three pillars of modern education: academic excellence, sports, and performing and creative arts, with dedicated, highly qualified specialist teachers who demonstrate Inspired's exemplary methodology. For more information visit: https://inspirededu.com/ Our journey began in 1999 with a vision to provide a rich and immersive educational experience inspired by the best American schools, with a U.S. standards-based curriculum and English as the language of instruction. But Balboa Academy is more than just a school - it is a dynamic and nurturing learning environment where students, educators, staff, parents and all members of our community come together as one family. An international education at Balboa Academy not only opens doors to top-tier universities worldwide, but also equips students with the global perspective and skills needed to thrive in today's interconnected world. Here, students embark on a journey of discovery and growth, guided by a broad and sequential plan of study that emphasizes not only academic achievement, but also the development of students - so that they can become productive and happy citizens of our global community. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
At Balboa Academy, it is our responsibility to prepare our students to become citizens of the world. We teach our students to embrace the next phase of their lives with confidence, high-level thinking, and empathy. Our Instructional program concentrates on Five Core Competencies and Five Core Values. The Five Core Competencies reflect the essence of the academic program at our school. These Five Core Competencies define our curriculum and provide a clear set of outcomes and skills to guide its development and teaching. The competencies of Balboa Academy are expressed through the acronym WE ACT: W = World view
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Contact the admissions team at Balboa Academy
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