We hire a wide variety of teachers from around the globe who are all native or fluent in the language in which they instruct.

ISP offers tools for students who require additional support to learn the language of instruction on our English as an Additional Language and Spanish as an Additional Language program.

We offer Spanish as a class, however French and Mandarin are offered as after-school activities.

This will depend on the grade the students attend. For Pre-K, the maximum number is 16. Then from Kinder to 12 Grade, it is 22.

PK3: 18, PK4: 18, Kinder: 17, Grade 1: 17, Grade 2: 19, Grade 3: 21, Grade 4: 17, Grade 5: 21, Grade 6: 22, Grade 7: 22, Grade 8: 21, Grade 9: 22, Grade 10: 23, Grade 11: 24, Grade 12: 20.

There is a learning assistant in every classroom from Pre-K to Elementary.

Yes. ISP has rich access to technology in the classroom to support student learning goals. Students have access to iPads, Chromebooks, specialized computer labs, and STEM labs.
All students from Kinder to Elementary receive an IPAD upon entry; this supports their learning and makes navigating the digital world easy and free of troubleshooting.
Middle school and high school students bring the laptop or table of their choice to school.
We believe that technology is essential to high-quality education and serves a specific purpose and role. Through our 1:1 laptop program, our students learn how to safely and effectively use technology to enhance their learning daily. Our students leave ISP prepared for the future, from lessons on digital citizenship to google classroom, coding to 3D printers.

Yes, ISP is well prepared for remote learning scenarios and has invested in access to multiple digital learning platforms to support remote learning. Students and teachers communicate through a learning management system- all assignments are posted through these systems so that students have access to their learning materials whether on campus or at home. Teachers and students also use video conferencing platforms like Google Meet and Zoom to connect live with their teachers during classes. Our library has both physical books and an online library, and ISP has online learning tools to support reading and math and interactive response systems to keep students engaged and assess their learning no matter where they are.

As a multicultural, non-secular organization ISP does not enforce any type of religious instruction in students.

ISP is a non secular organization with a vibrant and diverse community that respects and includes families from all backgrounds, this principle is very well integrated into our DNA and part of our school policy.

IB Programme, TOEFL, or language proficiency tests to study in English. They used to take SAT/ACT, but those have not been offered in Panama in the last year and a half. We also have some students take medical school entrance exams (BMAT/UCAT).

This will vary by division, but one of our primary hopes as a school is that students have an opportunity to engage in a number of activities after school. From athletics to VAPA, Model UN to student leadership, we prioritize experiences for our students. With that being said, we work hard to limit the amount of homework that students have so they can engage in these activities. The amount of homework may increase slightly as students get older, but should not take more than 45-60 minutes in Middle School, and 1 hour in High School.

To complete homework a student may need 45 to 60 minutes depending on the grade they attend.

We have about 95% of our students enter into an undergraduate program after graduation.
This number was a little lower last year due to students taking GAP years due to COVID-19.

At ISP we celebrate the diversity of our learning community. Our Learning Support Team works in partnership with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction and assessment practices. Through small group and individual interventions, education specialists assist teachers in ensuring students acquire the skills and knowledge needed to access the curriculum.

The Department of Student Services works closely with classroom teachers and specialists to tailor instruction to students’ learning needs and goals and ensure meeting the needs of a diverse population of students. We offer instruction and resources for developmentally appropriate learning in the areas of English language acquisition, approaches to learning, social-emotional skills, and career/college awareness. To ensure access and equity to our curriculum, Universal Design for Learning(UDL) is utilized. UDL is a framework for instructional design that can be applied to teaching and learning to reduce barriers, support and engage learners, and address the socioemotional needs of students.

We serve a broad range of learners and celebrate the neurodiversity in the world. That means 10% to 15% of our learners will present with an additional learning need.

We believe that exposure to diversity challenges students and staff to think critically, become leaders able to challenge assumptions and explore alternative approaches and solutions to real-world problems.
All students, especially those who find aspects of academic learning difficult, have access to a strong education.
Reasonable and appropriate adjustments are made for students with disabilities and special education needs.
Includes a broad, balanced and appropriate curriculum that provides equal opportunity for all learners.

ISP counselors serve all students as an integrated part of holistic education and offer opportunities, instruction, and resources for developmentally appropriate learning in the areas of social-emotional, academic, and career/college awareness. As an international school community, counselors are culturally sensitive to the needs of our diverse students. ISP counselors support and advocate for students, families, and staff, empowering all students to learn, grow and thrive in a safe school environment and to be positive contributors in the world.

Services K-12
Developmentally appropriate group instruction in the areas of academic skills, social-emotional skills, and career/college awareness
Short-term individual and small group support services
Academic advising
Coordination of school- or division-wide preventative programs (i.e., Wellness Week) and responsive support to student needs (i.e., crisis intervention, child protection)
Parent education
Consultation with families and staff
Participation in divisional Student Support Teams (SST), including academic and behavioral support
Transition programs and assistance for students and their families (i.e., new students, departing students, and students advancing to the next school division)
Referrals to community-based services as needed

Our admissions process will require an assessment to ensure ISP is the best fit for your family. This includes exploring your student's needs, guaranteeing they have a great learning experience.

This will depend on the grade they will attend.
Early Childhood: we might invite them for an on-campus playdate
Elementary School: we administer reading and writing assessments to identify their level and define whether they will need additional support.
Middle School: we do an interview with counselors/principals and administer WIDA if the student is not a native English speaker.
High School: we coordinate an interview with counselors/principals and administer WIDA if the student is not a native English speaker.

For some grades, there is a waiting list.

We manage rolling admissions so students can enroll at any time throughout the year. In that sense, we can only reserve a seat for a student for a semester.
Specifically for incoming 11th and 12th graders, we strongly encourage you to submit the applications before June 15th as they require exhaustive review by our academic team.

Yes, as an international school we are used to students enrolling in different moments throughout the year. We do try to recommend specific start dates depending on the moment of the year, i.e. if possible we might recommend waiting to the start of the next quarter.

Our school normally begins at 7:30 a.m. *subject to change due to restrictions during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

2:40 p.m. *subject to change due to restrictions during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

ISP provides families with a list of trusted transportation service providers to choose from.

Yes

Our cafeteria provides a variety of meals for our students, always using fresh ingredients locally sourced. Our goal is to provide home-cooked meals that are healthy and nutritious. Our school chef personally accommodates dietary restrictions and preferences for students offering allergen-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.

Yes

We have a wide range of extracurricular activities such as Lego STEM, Robotics, Dance, Music production, Film production, Arts & Crafts, Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Mandarin, and many more. All the extracurricular activities are described on the AfterSchool activity program webpage ( https://www.isp.edu.pa/arts-athletics-activities/after-school-activities )

Personal fitness and health, invasion games (such as soccer and basketball), net and wall games (such as volleyball and tennis), swimming, gymnastics/dance are part of the PE curriculum.
Our standards are based on the SHAPE America framework.

Yes, Our athletics coaches and programs are NFHS certified, ISP is the first and only school holding this certification in Latin America. We offer 7 sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football (girls only), tennis, track and field, and swimming. Student-athletes and teams compete locally and internationally as part of the Association of American Schools in Central America (AASCA).

Semi-Olympic sized 6 lane swimming pool, three tennis courts, 2 large air-conditioned gymnasium, three basketball/volleyball courts, two full-size soccer fields, and a 4 lane track.

We are the only non-profit, independent international school in Panama. Our organization is student-centered and certified by Cognia, MEDUCA, and we are an IB World School. At our school, you will find a vibrant multicultural community in an inclusive environment. We are well known for our academic excellence and the holistic development of tomorrow's leaders who freely explore their passions and are exposed to solving real-world problems developing critical thinking skills that guarantee that our global citizens find opportunities to shine everywhere they go.

Our early childhood program is a play based, joyful, multiage program that enhances learning through the power of choice, which is at the heart of social emotional learning, creativity and fun. In our outdoor and indoor areas, students explore concepts of their daily life, develop critical thinking skills and discover the attributes needed to successfully navigate their future.
In Elementary

Rooted in our ISP character profile, and recognizing #thereisnoplacelikeISP, our elementary school boasts an inquiry model that allows students to explore, investigate, and dig deeply into their learning. Curricular units are designed to provide voice, choice, and real-world application in all areas of learning. STEM integration, daily Spanish instruction, field trips that honor and explore Panamanian culture, after school activities in athletics and Visual & Performing Arts allow students to truly experience this unique and incredible place while tapping into their gifts and intellectual curiosity.

Our Middle School is an inclusive, engaging, and supportive environment for students to learn and grow at their own pace. Through our strong advisory program and commitment to planning with the end in mind, we provide an experience committed to the academic, social, and emotional development of each and every student. From debating complex issues during socratic seminars to sharing short stories during writing celebrations, designing solutions to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to showcasing their passions on the stage and athletic fields, our students are empowered to explore the skills, mindsets, and character traits that will allow them to develop their full potential as learners and leaders in the 21st century.

Students enrolled in the High School section at ISP are provided with an education that inspires them to reach their full potential. At ISP, students are encouraged to take full advantage of our many offerings to become lifelong learners prepared for a future without borders. This is accomplished by providing multiple pathways that serve the needs of a multicultural community. We offer the International Baccalaureate diploma and certificate pathway, the Innovation & Entrepreneur Certificate (IEC) pathway, and/or the MEDUCA diploma, all as part of achieving the ISP Diploma.