Schooling and Education

Panama has a multi-level and multi-sector education system that consists of public and private schools, as well as international and bilingual schools.

The education system is divided into four levels: pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary. The pre-primary level covers children from 3 to 5 years old, the primary level covers children from 6 to 11 years old, the secondary level covers children from 12 to 17 years old, and the tertiary level covers adults from 18 years old and above.

The education system is regulated by the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA), which sets the curriculum, standards, and evaluation for all schools. The education system is also influenced by the Catholic Church, which runs many private schools and has a strong presence in the public sector.

The quality and availability of schooling options in Panama vary depending on the type, location, and cost of the school. In general, the public sector suffers from underfunding, overcrowding, and low performance, especially in rural areas and remote regions. The private sector offers better facilities, smaller classes, and higher quality, but at a higher cost, especially in urban areas and popular expat destinations. The international and bilingual schools offer the best of both worlds, with a curriculum that follows international standards and a language that prepares students for a globalized world, but at a premium price, especially in Panama City and other major cities.

As an expat living in Panama, you have several options when it comes to schooling for your children. You can choose to enroll your children in the public sector, the private sector, or the international and bilingual sector, depending on your needs, preferences, and budget. You can also choose to homeschool your children, which is legal and recognized in Panama, as long as you follow the guidelines and requirements of the Ministry of Education. Here are some of the pros and cons of each option:

• Enrolling in the public sector: If you want to save money and immerse your children in the local culture and language, you can enroll your children in the public sector, which is free and accessible to all citizens and residents, including expats. The advantages of enrolling in the public sector are that it is affordable, inclusive, and authentic, exposing your children to the realities and diversity of Panama. The disadvantages are that it is often poor, crowded, and ineffective, limiting your children’s academic and personal development.

• Enrolling in the private sector: If you want to invest in your children’s education and provide them with better opportunities and facilities, you can enroll your children in the private sector, which is fee-based and competitive, catering to the middle and upper classes of Panama. The advantages of enrolling in the private sector are that it is convenient, comfortable, and reliable, ensuring your children’s academic and personal success. The disadvantages are that it is expensive, exclusive, and homogeneous, isolating your children from the rest of Panama.

• Enrolling in the international and bilingual sector: If you want to give your children the best of both worlds and prepare them for a globalized future, you can enroll your children in the international and bilingual sector, which is fee-based and prestigious, attracting the elite and expat communities of Panama. The advantages of enrolling in the international and bilingual sector are that it is comprehensive, flexible, and portable, equipping your children with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in any environment. The disadvantages are that it is costly, competitive, and detached, distancing your children from the local culture and language.

• Homeschooling: If you want to have more control and flexibility over your children’s education and tailor it to their individual needs and interests, you can homeschool your children, which is legal and recognized in Panama, as long as you follow the guidelines and requirements of the Ministry of Education. The advantages of homeschooling are that it is simple, independent, and adaptable, allowing you to design your own curriculum and schedule for your children. The disadvantages are that it is risky, challenging, and lonely, requiring a lot of time, effort, and resources from you and your children.

These are some of the options that you have when it comes to schooling for your children in Panama, but there are more options that may suit your different needs and goals. For more information, you can visit the websites of the Ministry of Education, the Association of Bilingual Schools of Panama, the Homeschooling Association of Panama, or the International Schools Database. They may have more updated and detailed information on the schooling options and requirements in Panama.