Quick summary of key school information
School details
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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.
We embrace practices of inquiry and blended learning by providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression.
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. |