International School of Panama vs Metropolitan School of Panama
International School of Panama and Metropolitan School of Panama are both in Panama City, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. International School of Panama also offers Bespoke and American, and Metropolitan School of Panama also offers Reggio Emilia. Published annual fees are $9,999 - 18,938 at International School of Panama and $12,410 - 20,302 at Metropolitan School of Panama, which puts Metropolitan School of Panama roughly 13% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. International School of Panama is the larger school, with around 1,262 pupils to Metropolitan School of Panama's 800. Typical class sizes are 22 at International School of Panama and 20 at Metropolitan School of Panama.
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.
Location
The Metropolitan School of Panama is located at Calle Primavera, Green Valley, Panama Norte, Panama City, Republic of Panama. It sits in the Green Valley neighborhood of Panama Norte within the Panama City metropolitan area. It is part of the Nord Anglia Education family. It serves students from Early Childhood through High School.
Stages
Stages
Pre-K 3 through Grade 12.
Stages
Early Childhood (3–6), Elementary (6–11), Middle School (11–14), High School (14–18)
School type
School type
The school is a non-profit international school.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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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.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Affiliated with Panama's Ministry of Education (MEDUCA).
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:30 pm
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.)
Fee details
Application / One‑time admission fees - One‑time admission payment: USD 12,000 payable upon acceptance. A single full payment of this amount receives a USD 500 discount. Students entering Early Childhood 3–4 may delay the one‑time payment until Kinder and pay it in three instalments; students entering Kinder–Grade 10 may pay the one‑time payment in two instalments (second instalment due 12 months after acceptance). New students entering Grades 11–12 pay half of the one‑time admission payment at enrolment.
Annual enrollment (registration / technology) fee - Early Childhood (3–4): USD 1,160 per year. - Kinder–Grade 5: USD 1,700 per year. - Grades 6–8: USD 1,900 per year. - Grades 9–12: USD 1,900 per year.
Tuition fees (per trimester and annual) — day students (non‑sponsored families) - Early Childhood (3–4): USD 3,750 per trimester — USD 11,250 annual. - Kinder–Grade 5: USD 5,412 per trimester — USD 16,236 annual. - Grades 6–8: USD 6,134 per trimester — USD 18,402 annual. - Grades 9–12: USD 6,192 per trimester — USD 18,576 annual.
Tuition fees (per trimester and annual) — sponsored families - Early Childhood (3–4): USD 4,616 per trimester — USD 13,848 annual. - Kinder–Grade 5: USD 6,734 per trimester — USD 20,202 annual. - Grades 6–8: USD 7,640 per trimester — USD 22,920 annual. - Grades 9–12: USD 7,712 per trimester — USD 23,136 annual.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Two accepted tuition payment methods: a single annual payment, or three instalments corresponding to the three academic trimesters. A single annual payment is due by mid‑July (example date shown: July 14, 2025) for the academic year schedule published. Trimester instalments are payable before the start of each trimester (example trimester start dates shown: First Trimester in late July, Second Trimester in late October, Third Trimester in late February). Late payments are subject to a surcharge of 10% of the overdue amount. The school offers a 5% tuition discount for a third sibling and a 10% discount for a fourth sibling.
Other fees and typical additional costs - English as an Additional Language (EAL) support: additional charges apply where required. - Exceptional Education Program (EEP): additional charges apply where required. - IB Diploma Programme fees (Grades 11–12): registration and examination fees payable on registration / re‑enrollment; optional online DP courses are charged separately. - Extracurricular activities (ECAs), field trips, and athletics program: programme participation or trip fees may apply. - Passport Adventures and summer camps: separate charges apply for participation. - Transportation (school bus): the MET offers a private bus service for students living in Panama City; bus service is an additional paid service. - Uniforms and school clothing: all students wear a school uniform; uniforms are purchased from the authorised vendor Galápagos (online, phone or in‑store). Athletic team uniforms are supplied and charged where applicable. - Meals: balanced snacks and lunch are provided and stated as included in the tuition fee.
Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. The Metropolitan School of Panama operates as a day school and provides transport services rather than boarding accommodation.
Refunds and withdrawal terms - One‑time admission payment (OTP) refund schedule: refunds of the OTP (when applicable) are calculated on a trimester basis; partial refunds may apply early in the student's attendance record but no refund is due from the 6th trimester of attendance onwards. The Annual Enrollment (re‑enrollment) fee is refundable only up to July 31 of the year; after that date it is not refundable, and no re‑enrollment fee refund is provided for students who withdraw during the school year. - Tuition refunds: once a student has attended any day within a trimester, that trimester's tuition is payable in full; if full annual tuition was paid in advance, reimbursement (if any) is limited to the portion that applies to future trimesters not yet started at the date of withdrawal. - Refund payment method: refunds are returned by bank transfer to the payer name that appears on the original payment documents; the school will not transfer refunds to third parties without written authorization. Parents/guardians must follow the school's withdrawal procedure and submit the required withdrawal form and two weeks' notice.
Fee payment options and instructions - Accepted methods: debit card and credit card (Visa and MasterCard), check (payable to The Metropolitan School of Panama, S.A.), direct bank deposit to Banco General (the school provides account numbers for one‑time and other payments), and international wire transfers. For bank deposits and wires, parents must send proof of payment to the school accounting email with student details to ensure correct allocation. - For one‑time payments and other bank deposits the school publishes beneficiary and account details for Banco General (savings/checking account numbers are provided by the school for proper application of payments). Parents must supply deposit/wire confirmation to accounting to have payments applied.
If a specific numeric item above requires verification for a particular contract or invoice, rely on the invoiced amount the school issues at enrolment.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
The MET uses the International Baccalaureate continuum in English from early years to high school. Early Childhood (ages 3–6) follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with a Reggio Emilia–inspired approach; Elementary (ages 6–11; Grades 1–5) also follows the IB PYP; Middle School (ages 11–14; Grades 6–8) uses the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP); High School (ages 14–18; Grades 11–12) prepares students for the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Languages taught across EC–MS are English and Spanish; average class sizes are 15 (EC), 20 (Elementary), and 22 (Middle School).
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Average class sizes are 15 in Early Childhood, 20 in Elementary, and 22 in Middle School.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
Highest IBDP score achieved: 44/45 in 2024; average DP score over the last five years: 35/45. In 2022, 68% of graduates earned bilingual diplomas in English and Spanish. The program reports a 93% IB Diploma success rate, with graduates gaining places at world‑leading universities and many entering their top-three choices.
Higher education progression
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.
Higher education progression
Graduates gain admission to world‑leading universities; 93% of Diploma students earn the IB Diploma, with many graduates entering top global universities and securing places at their preferred institutions.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
Talent development is supported through the IB framework, including opportunities to pursue passions via the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and programs like METMUN.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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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.
