United School of Panama

Av. Principal de Costa Sur, Corregimiento de Juan Diaz, Republic of Panama. The campus is minutes from Panama City, providing easy access for families.

Preschool and Kindergarten. Elementary School. Since August 2021 USP offered PK4 to 4th grade and will offer PK4-12 by 2029.

Multicultural community offering a trilingual curriculum in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.

Student Support and Success Department. Inclusion Policy states USP is open to boys and girls of any race, religion, or nationality, and diversity is valued.

Preschool day uses Head, Heart, and Hands (H3) learning stations with hands-on activities. In Elementary, Language Arts, Mathematics, Mandarin, Spanish, Social Studies, Physical Education, Science, and Computer Science are taught, with National Geographic Learning and i-Ready Math supporting instruction. USP uses technology across the curriculum and is an Apple Distinguished School.

SCHOOL BUS: MISAR Transportes is a trusted provider with over 15 years of experience; private transportation is recommended; buses include seatbelts, insurance, first-aid kits, and dedicated assistance.

USP follows the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and is fully accredited by Panama's Ministry of Education (MEDUCA). The curriculum includes a trilingual program—English, Spanish, and Mandarin—and integrates Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Technology across grades. Language Arts uses National Geographic Learning and a project-based curriculum to develop literacy and critical thinking, while Mathematics uses the i-Ready program with diagnostic assessments. Mandarin is taught in five phases—listening, comprehension, speaking, writing, and performing—with cultural context. Spanish follows Panamanian Ministry standards, building grammar, writing, reading, and vocabulary with increasing complexity, while Social Studies emphasizes Panamanian culture and global citizenship. Science aligns with NGSS for K-5 through National Geographic Exploring Science and MindTap; Computer Science covers robotics, coding, and data analysis; and USP is moving toward Apple Distinguished School status with technology integrated across the curriculum.

USP fosters social and emotional development through Life Skills Habits and Social Skills programs. The Life Skills Habits program teaches practical skills such as cooking, sewing, washing dishes, setting the table, and organization to promote self-reliance and responsibility. Social Skills emphasize effective communication and collaboration, helping students participate constructively in groups. The curriculum includes Home Economics and Social Skills to develop practical and interpersonal abilities. The program also integrates emotional learning by developing soft skills and literacy skills, supporting students' overall well-being. A safe, respectful learning environment is reinforced through anti-bullying and safeguarding policies.

USP embraces learner diversity. It will only enroll students whose educational needs can be met by the school.

The primary language of communication and instruction at USP is English. The host country language (Spanish) is encouraged and its culture is supported. A Trilingual Program—English, Spanish, and Mandarin—expands language opportunities for students.

USP follows a holistic approach with the Head, Heart, and Hands (H3) model that integrates cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Life Skills Habits and Social Skills promote personal and interpersonal growth, while a safe and respectful environment is supported by anti-bullying and safeguarding policies.

An Anti-Bullying Policy ensures everyone has the right to learn in a safe, nurturing environment. A Safeguarding Policy promotes a safe and welcoming environment where each person is valued, cared for and protected. Child abuse and neglect are violations of a child's human rights and obstacles to development.

1. Inquiries and appointment requests. USP Admissions welcomes inquiries from families and assists with new-student application requests. The Admissions Department is available to help with questions and to arrange appointments. For direct communication, contact via the WhatsApp Business account, and responses are prompt.

2. Age and grade placement guidelines. Admissions uses age and grade placement to ensure appropriate development. Pre-Kindergarten must be 4 by August; Kindergarten must be 5 by August. 1st through 9th grades have age requirements from 6 to 14 by August. Exceptions to these guidelines are rare and reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

3. Applications and review. The Admissions Committee carefully evaluates each application to determine how the applicant can benefit from USP's educational offering. The review considers the applicant's prior school records and age to determine appropriate placement. For students transferring from outside Panama in grades 2–9, MEDUCA's validation process may apply and USP guides families through this requirement. Applicants are informed of the outcome and the next steps.

4. Tuition and fees. The 2025–2026 year lists program-specific costs for Preschool, Elementary, and Middle School. Preschool (PK/KINDER) includes a $150 pre-admission evaluation, a $9,500 sign-up fee, a $825 enrollment fee, a monthly tuition of $860 for 10 months, a $750 annual books and supplies charge, and $167 per month for nutrition; transportation is outsourced and paid directly to the transport provider. Elementary (1st–5th) includes a $150 pre-admission evaluation, a $9,500 sign-up fee, an $825 enrollment fee, a monthly tuition of $905 for 10 months, a $750 annual books and supplies charge, $530 for technology annually, $178.40 per month for nutrition, and outsourced transportation; extras are available per activity. Middle School (6th–8th) includes a $150 pre-admission evaluation, a $4,750 sign-up fee, an $825 enrollment fee, a monthly tuition of $950 for 10 months, a $925 books and supplies charge, and $530 for technology; nutrition is $181.56 per month.

5. Admission timing and placement. We generally admit students at the start of the academic year or at the beginning of the second semester. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Grade placement is based on the student's previous school records, an academic evaluation, and age; for students entering 2nd grade and above from schools outside Panama, MEDUCA requires a validation process and USP guides families through this process.