Boston School International vs International School of Panama

	B Boston School International Panama City, Panama	I International School of Panama Panama City, Panama
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $11,335 - 33,105	Fees / year $9,999 - 18,938
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 520	Pupils 1,262
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened 1982
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in Costa del Este, Panama City, Panama. The campus is at Edif H-51, Paseo del Mar, in the Costa del Este district.	Location Located at Calle al Club de Golf, Cerro Viento, San Miguelito, Provincia de Panamá, República de Panamá. The campus sits in the Golf Club area of Panama City, San Miguelito. Postal address is P.O. Box 0819-02588 El Dorado Panama.
Stages	Stages Ages 3 to 18. The school offers four IB learning stages: Early Years (IB Early Learning Program) for ages 3–5; Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 6–11; Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 12–18; and Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18.	Stages Pre-K 3 through Grade 12.
School type	School type IB international school; ISP member.	School type The school is a non-profit international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support The Learning Support program provides services to students with diagnosed mild to moderate learning or behavioral needs, including accommodations or IEPs; English as an Additional Language with a structured newcomer program and co-teaching; Speech (third-party on-site provider at cost to parents); Occupational Therapy (third-party on-site provider at cost to parents); Social-emotional counseling; Inclusion Program (Tier 3+) for students requiring specialized, full- or part-time support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Panama	Country affiliation Affiliated with Panama's Ministry of Education (MEDUCA).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a school transport service. Bus routes cover Costa del Este, Santa María, Amador, and Panama Pacifico, with trips of about 40–45 minutes. Buses depart at 3:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 12:30 p.m. on Fridays; monthly fees vary by location. To enroll, complete the transport registration form and contact the Transportation Office.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and admission fees - Application fee (one-time): USD 150.00, charged at the admission interview/application stage. - Single (one-time) Admission/Entry fee: USD 10,000.00 (one-time payment at enrolment). - Capital fee for applicants to Secondary (Grades 7–12): USD 7,000.00 (one-time). Tuition fees by year group (monthly and annual amounts shown) - Early years – PK3 / PK4: Monthly USD 718 — Annual USD 7,180. - Early years – Kinder: Monthly USD 884 — Annual USD 8,840. - Primary – Grade 1: Monthly USD 1,160 — Annual USD 11,600. - Primary – Grade 2: Monthly USD 1,170 — Annual USD 11,700. - Primary – Grades 3–6: Monthly USD 1,193 — Annual USD 11,930. - Secondary – Grades 7–10: Monthly USD 1,256 — Annual USD 12,560. - Secondary – Grades 11–12 (IB Diploma years): Monthly USD 1,369 — Annual USD 13,690. Billing schedule and payment terms - The fee schedule is shown as both a monthly amount and an annual total; annual totals correspond to ten monthly payments (monthly × 10 = annual), indicating a common billing structure based on ten instalments across the academic year. One-time fees (application, admission, capital fee) are billed separately at application/enrolment. Other mandatory or recurring charges - Annual didactic / technology resource payments (by level): Pre‑school USD 510; Primary USD 680; Secondary USD 765 (listed as annual resource/technology charges). - A specified annual payment of USD 869 appears in the published fee schedule as a separate annual charge related to class enrolment/registration. - Language-program / additional-family discounts (regular extras): USD 200 per month for a single student or USD 150 per month for two siblings; families with three or more students are listed as exempt from that monthly charge. - Sibling discounts on fees: second child — 20% discount on the capital fee and 10% discount on monthly tuition; third child — 30% discount on the capital fee and 25% discount on monthly tuition. Boarding - Boarding is not listed as part of the school's offerings; the school operates as a day school serving ages 3–18. No boarding fees are shown in the published fee schedule. Other possible costs (examples listed in the schedule) - Incidental or program-specific fees (field trips, extracurricular activities, examinations, uniform and consumables) are referenced generally in institutional documents but specific, itemised uniform or cafeteria fees are not listed in the published fee summary. The published schedule lists the didactic/technology charges above and the language-program monthly figures. Refund information - The published fee schedule shows one-time application, admission and capital charges and annual/ monthly tuition and resource charges; specific refund terms and conditions for those fees are not itemised in the publicly released fee schedule. The application fee is presented as a one-time fee at application. Fee payment options - Billing and family account management are handled through the school's parent portal (iSAMS). Commonly used methods for international schools with this portal include bank transfer and credit/debit card processing; families are billed and pay through the parent-portal/payment arrangement established at enrolment. Notes on discounts and promotions - The school runs a referral/discount programme that grants a 10% tuition discount for the entire 2026–2027 school year for each successfully referred and enrolled student; other promotional discounts (early‑payment or similar) are not itemised in the fee schedule excerpt.	Fee details Application fee - USD 250 per student (non-refundable). Payment may be made by credit card or wire transfer. Capital donation - USD 16,000 per student. Payment schedule: - PK3 students: two installments of USD 8,000 each (one upon PK4 re-enrollment and the second upon Kindergarten re-enrollment, in March of each respective year). - PK4 through Grade 5: two installments of USD 8,000 each (one upon admission to reserve the seat and the second upon next-year re‑enrollment in March). - Grades 6–12: capital donation installments of USD 8,000 each begin in SY 2026–27 (one upon admission to reserve the seat and the second upon next‑year re‑enrollment in March). - The Capital Donation is not prorated for the student's length of stay. Registration fees (annual) - Institutional families: USD 4,500 due in full at admission (new families) or at re-enrollment (returning families). This fee is non‑refundable and not prorated. Payment by credit card or wire transfer. - Non‑institutional families: USD 1,000 due in full at admission or at re‑enrollment. This fee is non‑refundable and not prorated. Payment by credit card or wire transfer. Tuition — per term (quarter) and annual totals - Tuition is billed quarterly (four terms per school year). Tuition payments for families are made by the quarterly schedule below; annual totals shown are four times the listed quarterly amount. SY 2026–2027 (quarterly amount — due date / term start date) - PK3: USD 2,551 per quarter — Q1 due July 24, 2026 (term start Aug 5, 2026); annual total USD 10,204. - PK4–Grade 5: USD 3,896 per quarter — Q1 due July 24, 2026 (term start Aug 5, 2026); annual total USD 15,584. - Grades 6–8: USD 4,273 per quarter — Q1 due July 24, 2026 (term start Aug 5, 2026); annual total USD 17,092. - Grades 9–12: USD 4,832 per quarter — Q1 due July 24, 2026 (term start Aug 5, 2026); annual total USD 19,328. SY 2026–2027 quarterly calendar (all divisions): - Q1 due July 24, 2026 — term start August 5, 2026. - Q2 due September 25, 2026 — term start October 5, 2026. - Q3 due January 4, 2027 — term start January 13, 2027. - Q4 due March 12, 2027 — term start April 5, 2027. SY 2025–2026 (quarterly amounts and calendar, shown for reference) - PK3: USD 2,501 per quarter; annual total USD 10,004. - PK4–Grade 5: USD 3,819 per quarter; annual total USD 15,276. - Grades 6–8: USD 4,189 per quarter; annual total USD 16,756. - Grades 9–12: USD 4,737 per quarter; annual total USD 18,948. - SY 2025–2026 quarterly calendar: Q1 due July 25, 2025 (term start Aug 6, 2025); Q2 due Sept 26, 2025 (term start Oct 13, 2025); Q3 due Jan 2, 2026 (term start Jan 14, 2026); Q4 due March 13, 2026 (term start Apr 6, 2026). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed quarterly and must be paid according to the quarterly due dates shown above. The cost of textbook rental, workbooks, and other consumable instructional materials (unless otherwise specified) is included in the annual tuition. Exceptions may apply for special division-requested materials. - Tuition payment methods: tuition payments are accepted only via wire transfer or the Banco General payment booklet. Other fees (application, registration, readmission) may accept credit card or wire transfer as noted in their descriptions. Specific payment instructions and account details are provided for families when completing admissions and payment processes. Selective and additional fees - English as an Additional Language (EAL) Fee: USD 500 per semester. Payable via wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet. Charged each semester the service is provided. - Learning Support Program Fee: USD 500 per semester (applies to students requiring additional learning support or identified GATE students). Payable via wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet. - Joint EAL + Learning Support Fee: USD 750 per semester (when both services apply). Payable via wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet. - International Baccalaureate (IB) fees: determined annually by the IB; IB program and examination fees for Grades 11–12 are charged and collected over the two‑year Diploma period. Payable via wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet. - Full‑time and part‑time support (specialized support staffing): USD 1,900 per month (full‑time) and USD 950 per month (part‑time). Families requiring these services sign a separate contract governing terms and payments; payable via wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet. - Student readmission fee: USD 1,600 per student (charged to families returning after more than 12 months away — equal to 10% of the Capital Donation at the time of readmission). Readmission requires settlement of any outstanding debts. This fee can be paid virtually or in person via credit card or wire transfer. Other costs (uniforms, meals, transport, activities) - Uniform: ISP requires a school uniform by Panamanian law; uniforms for purchase are available through a local retailer (Galapagos). Specific uniform items and purchasing details are provided after admission. Uniform costs are not listed as a flat school fee and are paid separately by families. - Meals and cafeterias: on‑campus cafeterias offer meal plans and accept debit and credit card payments; cafeteria charges are separate from tuition. - Transportation: the school refers families to third‑party transportation providers; transportation costs are arranged directly between families and the provider. - Special materials, optional trips, extracurricular program costs, and any division‑specific charges (beyond included consumables and textbooks) may be billed separately when applicable. Boarding fees - Not applicable. ISP operates as a day school and does not provide boarding/residential facilities; therefore there are no boarding fees. Refund and non‑refund rules (applicable items) - Application fee: USD 250 — non‑refundable. - Registration fees (Institutional USD 4,500; Non‑institutional USD 1,000): non‑refundable and not prorated, regardless of enrollment date. - Capital Donation: stated as not prorated for the student's stay; families should treat it as an assessed donation with scheduled installment requirements. - Readmission requires settlement of outstanding debts; the readmission charge detailed above applies. Other refunds or pro‑rations are not described in the published fee sections; specific refund adjustments (if any) are managed under the school's enrollment and finance policies. Fee payment options and methods - Application fee: credit card or wire transfer. - Registration fees: credit card or wire transfer (payable virtually or in person). - Tuition and most recurring academic/service fees: wire transfer or Banco General payment booklet only. - Selected administrative charges (e.g., readmission) may be payable by credit card or wire transfer as specified. (End of fee overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Boston School International is an IB World School offering the IB Early Learning Program (PK), Primary Years Program (PYP) for Kindergarten–Grade 5, Middle Years Program (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and Diploma Program (DP) for Grades 11–12. The PYP and MYP emphasize inquiry-based learning, independent thinking, and learning through units of inquiry, while the DP develops breadth and depth of knowledge with a core that includes independent research and a community service project. The IB education centers on learners and international-mindedness, and is recognized worldwide by universities. After finishing the MYP, students are prepared for further education, including national and international courses of study for 16–19 year olds; DP students study at least two languages and engage with Theory of Knowledge.	Curriculum details Curriculum is built on a K–12 course philosophy designed to support each student's academic journey, with clear assessment parameters to monitor progress and ensure individual success. It emphasizes both content mastery and the development of transferable skills in a dynamic, student-centered environment. The ISP curriculum covers Science, Math, Social Studies, English, Spanish, STEM and Physical Education across Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School and High School. Assessment uses Know, Understand, Do (KUD) outcomes and a Transferable Skills Rubric to track progress.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression After the MYP, students are prepared for further education including national and international courses of study for 16–19 year olds. The Diploma Program is recognized worldwide by universities and requires students to study at least two languages and complete core components such as Theory of Knowledge.	Higher education progression ISP offers four diplomas: ISP Diploma, MEDUCA Diploma, IB Diploma and IE Diploma. IB Diploma is available for students in grades 11–12. ISP graduates have access to universities worldwide. Partnerships with Carnegie Mellon University (Robotics Education via Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy), Syracuse University (SUPA program with college credit in English presentational speaking and persuasive communication), and the University of Delaware (Innovation and Entrepreneurship Diploma) provide college credit, micro-credentials, and pathways to higher education.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 01. Request a campus visit. Submit a request to meet the Costa del Este campus in Panama through the form. The campus is located in Costa del Este, Panama. A campus visit introduces families to Boston School International and its programs. 02. Evaluation and interview. Students participate in academic assessments appropriate to their grade and/or the 'Wolf for a Day' experience. Parents meet with school leadership to discuss the student profile, expectations, and academic programs. After the evaluation, families receive the admission decision. 03. Offer and enrollment. Accepted students receive enrollment details, including the enrollment contract, payment information, and the next steps to secure a place at BSI. The enrollment details formalize admission and confirm the student's place. Families complete the required steps and payments to finalize enrollment. 04. Welcome to BSI. You and your family are now part of the school community. The community supports students and families as they begin their journey at BSI.	Admissions Admissions process overview: ISP maintains rolling admissions for families transferring from abroad throughout the school year. The ISP Admissions Process consists of eight steps. 1. Complete Inquiry Form. Submit the inquiry form to initiate the admissions process. An admissions counselor will reach out to provide next steps and answer questions. 2. Schedule a Virtual Info Session or On-Campus Tour. Meet with an admissions counselor to explore ISP and ensure the school's mission and core values resonate with the family. Sessions can be held virtually or on campus. 3. Settle the application fee. The USD 250 non-refundable application fee per student is payable via credit card or bank transfer. 4. Access Admissions Portal. Once payment is processed, gain access to the Admissions Portal, which contains a comprehensive checklist of required steps and documentation for the student. The Enrollment Committee reviews the candidate's application, and space in the grade does not guarantee admission. 5. Requirements per division. Early Childhood (PK3 & PK4) and Elementary School (Kindergarten to 5th Grade) require Applicant Information, Parent Questionnaire, MEDUCA declaration form, Family declaration form, Learning support form (if applicable), and Homeroom teacher recommendation form (provide the teacher's email). Uploads include report cards from the last three years, student photo, birth certificate, and educational testing results or diagnosis, and IEP accommodations if applicable. Middle & High School (6th to 12th Grade) require Applicant Information, Parent Questionnaire, MEDUCA declaration form, Family declaration form, Learning support form (if applicable), and Recommendation forms from English, Math, and the Principal/Counselor (provide their emails). Uploads include report cards from the last three years, student photo, birth certificate, and educational testing results or diagnosis, and IEP accommodations if applicable. 6. Assessments & Interviews. After the application is complete, schedule interviews and assessments. PK3/PK4 candidates are invited for on-campus play dates to become familiar with the Early Childhood Program. Kindergarten to 5th-grade candidates may have an English proficiency assessment if non-native speakers require language support. 6th to 8th-grade candidates have an interview with the Principal or Counselor to understand strengths and interests, with possible English proficiency assessment if needed. 9th to 12th-grade applicants have an interview with the Principal or Counselor to evaluate fit with pathways, with possible placement tests in English, Math, and Spanish. 7. Admissions Decision. ISP offers rolling admissions. Refer to the Admissions Calendar to align with the enrollment timeline. After all steps are completed and the application is reviewed by the Enrollment Committee, a decision is issued. Possible decisions include Regular Admissions, Admissions with Required Additional Services, Waiting Pool, or Decline. All offer emails are valid for one school year and reserve a space for 10 calendar days while payment is arranged; after 10 days, availability may change. If enrollment is deferred to the next school year, the admissions process must be restarted. 8. Enrollment. After receiving the admissions decision, complete the required payments within 10 calendar days and finish the enrollment checklist, which includes reviewing policies, indicating image-use preference, and signing the school contract to reserve the seat. Tuition & Fees details provide the necessary payment information for securing a candidate's spot.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting Pool is an admissions decision option used when there is no space available in the desired grade. If space is not yet available when an offer is issued, the candidate may be placed in the Waiting Pool. The offer emails are valid for one school year and reserve a space for 10 calendar days to arrange payment; after 10 days, availability may change. If enrollment is deferred to the next school year, the admissions process must be restarted.
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