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Ages 3 to 18

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4.8 (based on 1 review) Reviews aren't verified
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CityPanama City
CurriculumIB
Leaving qualificationsIB Diploma, SAT, TOEFL, and ACT
Language of instructionEnglish
Age RangeAges 3 to 18
Reviews: 4.8
Social Media:

Reviews:
4.8 (based on 1 review) Reviews aren't verified

Quick summary of key school information

Leaving qualifications IB Diploma, SAT, TOEFL, and ACT
Language of instruction English
Native English teachers
Extra languages (other than English)
Class sizes Average 22 students / class
Maximum 25 students / class
Extracurricular activities
School bus
School's webpage:
Yearly fees: from: 9,957 B/.
to: 18,860 B/.
Address: Panama City, Panama
Is this school a perfect match for you?

Tell us your preferences and we’ll calculate your compatibility.

  • Based on 10 different criteria including price and location
  • Fees personalised to your childrens’ ages

School details

We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 42 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
Number of students

Our campus can welcome up to 1400 students.

Number of nationalities represented in the school

47

Most common nationality

The most common nationalities are Panamanian, United States Citizens, Brazilian, Mexican, Colombian, Argentinian and Korean.

Ratio of local students to international students

The ratio of local to international students is 30/70

Native English speaking teachers

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

Language support for students not fluent in English

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.

Additional language classes offered by the school

We offer Spanish as a class.

Max. number of students per class

This will depend on the grade the students attend. For Pre-K, the maximum number is 18. Then from Kinder to 12 Grade, it is 25.

Average number of students per class

PK3: 15, PK4: 15, Kinder: 21, Grade 1: 19, Grade 2: 22, Grade 3: 21, Grade 4: 25, Grade 5: 23, Grade 6: 24, Grade 7: 25, Grade 8: 25, Grade 9: 25, Grade 10: 22, Grade 11: 23, Grade 12: 22.

Does the school employ teaching assistants?

There is a learning assistant in every classroom from Pre-K to Lower Elementary (K-2nd) and a learning assistants for every 2 classrooms in Upper Elementary (3rd to 5th).

Use of technology in the classroom

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. ISP has also developed AI Core Values to guide the proper and responsible use of emerging AI technologies and is now one of only 21 schools around the world to obtain a Responsible AI in Learning (RAIL) endorsement from the MSA.

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, 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 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.

Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?

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

How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion?

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.

External examinations or assessments available

IB Programme, TOEFL, or language proficiency tests to study in English, SAT, and ACT.

Results in these examinations

Average IB Diploma points: 32.7
Average IB Diploma grade: 5.20

Do teachers assign homework to their students?

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, Robotics 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.

Approximate hours of homework given

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

Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation

We have about 98% of our students enter into an undergraduate program after graduation.

Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs

At ISP we celebrate the diversity of our learning community. We serve a broad range of learners and celebrate the neurodiversity in the world. That means 10% to 15% of our learners will present an additional learning need.
Our Department of Student Services, Learning Support and Inclusion Program Teams works in partnership with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction and assessment practices.

Learning support offered

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 socio-emotional needs of students.
Through multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), the Department of Student Services works closely with classroom teachers and specialists to tailor instruction to students’ learning needs and goals. This support can look differently for each student, as our tiers go from English/Spanish as an Additional Language and WIN (what-I-need) Blocks for small group intervention, to Part-time and Full-time support, and our Inclusion program for more individualized support.

The school supports gifted, able and talented students

At ISP we find strength in the diversity of our community and see inclusion as a cornerstone to our mission of inspiring and challenging every learners to reach their full potential. In order to best support our neurodivergent learners, ISP has implemented several initiatives, such as transitioning to the social model of understanding neurodiversity, which focuses on adapting society to the needs of neurodivergent individuals rather than try to fix them, and the creation of our Inclusion Program, which serves students with moderate to intensive needs with specialized staff, tailored learning plans, and resources that cater to their diverse needs.

Student access to education psychologist

ISP's counseling department consists of 8 counselors that support students from PK to 12th grade 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

Entry evaluation for students

Our admissions process varies depending on the grade a student is applying to. Different interviews and assessments might be requested to ensure ISP is the best fit for your family and to guarantee that the student's needs can be met by the school upon enrolling.

Brief description of entry evaluation required

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.

Waiting list

For some grades, there is a waiting list.

Deadline for registration (new academic year)

We support rolling admissions so students can enroll at any time throughout the year. That being said, the last Admissions Decisions for the on-going school year are communicated on

Students can join after academic year begins

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.

School start time

Classes start at 8:00 AM

School finish time

Monday to Thursday: 2:50 PM for PK4 to 12th grade students and 12:30 PM for PK3 students.
On fridays all students finish at 12:30 PM

Supervised care before/after school

We do not offer child care services. However, we do offer a variety of After School Activities for students wishing to stay after class. These are not included in the tuition.

School bus service available

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

School provided lunches

Yes

Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)

Our cafeteria provides a variety of meals for our students, always using fresh ingredients. 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.

Uniform required

Yes

Extracurricular activities or clubs offered

We have a wide arrange of After School Activities and Clubs for students to participate in. Some of these include: VEX Robotics, Gymnastics, Arts & Crafts, Cheerleading, Biking, Karate, Chess, Coding, and more! These vary by school year based on demand.
Students can also try out for different competitive Athletics Teams and the School Musicals.

Sports activities included

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.
Students take mandatory PE & Health classes until 10th grade.

Sports teams or sport competitions available for students

Yes, we offer 6 sports at a competitive level: soccer, basketball, volleyball, 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).

Facilities at the school

Science and STEM labs, art studios including digital art and ceramics studios, band and music rooms, black box theater, performing arts center with an art gallery lobby, 2 libraries and media centers, 2 cafeterias, playgrounds, and a weightroom gym.

Sports facilities at the school

Semi-Olympic sized 6 lane swimming pool, 3 tennis courts, 2 large air-conditioned gymnasium, 3 covered basketball/volleyball courts, a 4 lane track and 2 full-size soccer fields, one with natural grass and one with artificial turf, meeting FIFA standards.

Qualities and characteristics best defining the school

We are the only non-profit, mission-centered, independent international school in Panama. Certified by NEASC and MEDCA, we have more than 40 years designing innovative journeys of authentic discovery to develop understanding, skills, and character by:
1. Advancing three well-established pillars across grade levels that create spaces for students to engage in learning: STEM, VAPA & Athletics
2. Enhancing learning by fostering a sense of belonging in the context of a diverse community.
3. Offering three different pathways for graduation: ISP, International Baccalaureate (IB), or Innovation & Entrepreneurship Diploma.

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.

Teaching approach of the school

At ISP, we believe learning is iterative, exciting, meaningful, and social, and a journey of authentic discovery to develop understanding, character and skills.
Our mission is to inspire and challenge each learner to reach their full potential and become curious, independent, and compassionate citizens of the world.

We embrace practices of inquiry and blended learning by providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression.
We uphold IPS values in all our decisions and interactions, ensuring an equitable approach through UDL and the creation of a strong community where all learners feel safe, respected and represented at our school.
By focusing on both content mastery and the development of key skills, we encourage exploration and equip students to grow and reach their full potential in a dynamic, student-centered environment. Our goal is to have expert learners who are purposeful & motivated, resourceful & knowledgeable, and strategic & goal-oriented.

Our Early Childhood program is a play based, joyful, and multiage experience that nurtured learning through the power of choice, fostering social-emotional growth, creativity, and fun. In both outdoor and indoor areas, students explore everyday concepts, develop critical thinking, and cultivate the skills to thrive in the future.

Our elementary school boasts an inquiry model that allows students to explore, investigate, and dig deeply into their learning, all while setting a strong social-emotional learning foundation. Curricular units consisting of core subjects and specials are designed to provide voice, choice, and real-world application in all areas of learning. With a strong focus on literacy, STEM integration, daily Spanish instruction, field trips and traditions that honor and explore Panamanian culture, after school activities in Athletics and Visual & Performing Arts, we 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. Students are empowered to explore the skills, mindsets, and character traits that will allow them to develop their potential as learners and leaders in the 21st century. Our curriculum is designed to connect classroom learning with the real world, offering experiential learning opportunities where students can apply their knowledge in meaningful, real-life contexts.

Our High School is dedicated to preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of our many offerings to become lifelong learners prepared for a future without borders. With a focus on academic rigor and personal development, and guided by our "Best Fit" Philosophy, we provide diverse pathways tailored to each student's unique strengths and interests: the ISP Diploma, IB Diploma and certificates, and the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Diploma.

Reviews:
4.8 (based on 1 review) Reviews aren't verified

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