International School of Panama vs The Casco School

	I International School of Panama Panama City, Panama	T The Casco School Panama City, Panama
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $9,999 - 18,938	Fees / year $5,220 - 10,647
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,262	Pupils 450
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Spanish
Opened	Opened 1982	Opened 2018
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Panama City, Panama, with two campuses in Albrook and Costa del Este.
Stages	Stages Pre-K 3 through Grade 12.	Stages Pre-School, Primary School, Middle School and High School (Albrook); Pre-School and Primary School (Costa del Este).
School type	School type The school is a non-profit international school.	School type Private bilingual international school (British curriculum).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
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 One-to-one language support for students needing extra help with English or Spanish.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with Panama's Ministry of Education (MEDUCA).	Country affiliation Panama
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure School day runs 7:30 am–5:00 pm; classes typically 8:30 am–3:00 pm; younger children may have half-day options until 12:00 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Yes, a transportation company provides routes throughout the city.
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 and one‑off fees - Enrollment fee (one‑time, payable at enrollment): - Non‑sponsored families — Reception & Primary / Pre‑School: USD 1,389.00. Middle & High School: USD 1,492.00. - Sponsored families — all levels: USD 1,543.00. - Minimum capital donation (one‑time on admission): USD 2,500.00 (applies to new student admissions). Tuition fees by year group and billing frequency - Non‑sponsored families (monthly fee; billed as 10 instalments per year): - Half Day (Pre‑school): Monthly USD 522.00 — equivalent to Annual USD 5,220.00; per academic term (annual ÷ 3) USD 1,740.00. - Full Day (Reception & Primary): Monthly USD 799.00 — equivalent to Annual USD 7,990.00; per academic term USD 2,663.33. - Middle & High School: Monthly USD 905.00 — equivalent to Annual USD 9,050.00; per academic term USD 3,016.67. - Sponsored families (annual tuition; may be paid annually or by term — Term 1, Term 2, Term 3): - Half Day (Pre‑school): Annual USD 5,586.00 — per term USD 1,862.00. - Full Day (Reception & Primary): Annual USD 9,051.00 — per term USD 3,017.00. - Middle & High School: Annual USD 10,647.00 — per term USD 3,549.00. Billing schedule and payment terms - Non‑sponsored families: tuition is set as a monthly fee and billed in 10 instalments per academic year. Parents complete enrollment by settling required fees and signing the school contract. - Sponsored families: may choose to pay the tuition annually or by the three academic terms (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). - Discounts: a 5% discount is applied for full‑year payments made before July 31; a family discount of 5% applies to the enrollment fee invoice for the youngest child when three or more children attend. Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school; there are no boarding programmes and therefore no boarding fees. Other costs and recurring extras - Uniforms: the school does not use a uniform; school T‑shirts for trips, sports, and events are available for purchase. - Materials and supplies: the enrollment fee is stated to cover necessary supplies and materials for the full academic year. - Extracurricular activities, after‑school clubs, special events, and trips may carry separate charges; these are additional to tuition and one‑off fees. Refund information - No specific public refund policy for enrollment fees, capital donation, or tuition refunds is published on the school's publicly posted admissions/fees material. The enrollment fee is described as covering supplies and materials; the capital donation is listed as a required one‑time payment. Fee payment options - Publicly listed billing options: non‑sponsored billing is by 10 instalments (monthly fee basis); sponsored families may pay annually or by the three academic terms. No detailed list of accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, specific card payments, or online payment portal) is published in the school's publicly posted admissions/fees material.
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 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 Casco School uses a British Curriculum foundation for its bilingual education. Curricula include the National Primary Curriculum of England & Wales; EYFS; MEDUCA; and IB Certification. In Middle and High School, Years 10-11 follow the Cambridge IGCSE, with Years 11-13 focused on college planning. The Casco School operates two campuses, Albrook and Costa del Este, with instruction in English and Spanish.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Teacher to pupil ratio is 1:10; a maximum of 20 students per class with two teachers (one English-speaking and one Spanish-speaking).
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
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 In Years 11-13, students participate in college planning, attend local college fairs and meet representatives from colleges and universities throughout the school year.
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 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 1. Inquiry and age placement. The Casco School welcomes inquiries year-round. Enrollment follows MEDUCA age placement regulations: Pre Nursery 2 years old before September 1; Nursery 3 years old before September 1; Reception 4 years old before September 1; Year 1 5 years old before September 1. For students transferring from a local calendar that runs March to December to The Casco School, January enrollments are placed in the grade completed in December, and August enrollments join the grade they are currently attending. Families can request a brochure by inquiry and arrange a tour or information session. 2. Tours and information sessions. On-campus tours are offered at Costa del Este and Albrook campuses, and virtual information sessions are available. These visits provide an opportunity to connect with the community and learn about The Casco School's distinctive educational approach. They help families understand the program and facilities. 3. Application. For Panama-based students, a taster day is arranged to experience a regular school day. For international applicants, a virtual family meeting is arranged to get to know the child and support a smooth transition. This stage initiates the formal application process. 4. Enrollment. About one week after the taster day, families receive the official welcome letter. To complete enrollment, parents must settle the fees, sign the school contract, and submit the required documents. The enrollment process formalizes the student's placement for the upcoming term. Further instructions are provided with the welcome letter. 5. Required documents and MEDUCA validation. All students enrolling from Year 2 to Secondary must validate their abroad records with a MEDUCA validation letter. Validation is not required for Preschool, Year 1, or Year 2. The validation process includes providing original records or transcripts, having them apostilled or authenticated, and bringing copies of passport and birth certificate; translations to Spanish are required, and documents are presented to MEDUCA for accreditation. 6. FAQ and curriculum. The Casco School serves Preschool through Year 13. The British curriculum is followed: EYFS in Preschool, National Curriculum of England in Primary, and Cambridge secondary curriculum in Secondary. The school offers extracurricular activities and maintains a 1:11 student–teacher ratio. There is no school uniform; a dress code applies, and school t-shirts may be worn for trips and events.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
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.	Waitlist —
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