'American children schools' Education  

Sandra Murnan from Oklahoma (Contact Member) -

Hi, My family is seriously considering moving to Panama in the next 6 months or so and would like to know the standard of Education in particular in David (where we will we will be living). Are there American schools from the grade school level to full graduation. We would prefer a bi lingual school.Sandra

Comment #1 Tell Me (63.176.159.230) -

What is a bilingual school?

Comment #2 Teacher in Panama (201.218.69.55) -

There are no bilingual schools or an American accredited school in David. The international schools are in Panama City. David, for gringos anyway, is a retirement area. I'd think twice before sending kids to a Panamanian school.

Comment #3 Teacher in Panama (201.218.69.55) -

I just re-read your post. You have children. You'll be moving in 6 months to an area that you have not investigated yet for schools?...You truly better re-think that plan. Panamanian schools are some of the poorest in Latin America. The most recent ranking was 140th in the world. Education is a low priority in Panama. There are schools, but when they are open, they are taught by instructors who make $400 per month and school supplies are rare. Buildings are poor and un-airconditioned. Kids go from February through December. And Panamanian diploma may hold some problems for US college acceptance.Of course, if none of this bothers you, your fluent in Spanish by 12th grade kids could go to a college in Panama.

Of which any family with means avoids...wow..best of luck..

Comment #4 Marcie (63.176.159.22) -

I think a bilingual school is a school that has separate classes for children who speak English and than other classes for children who speak Spanish.

Comment #5 Life is Good (mom) from Wisconsin Brrr! (Contact Member) -

I am also a mom with two young boys and we are just beginning our investigation of this idea of relocating to a slower paced, richer in culture and wildlife and adventure, a life with more time together as a family. I am a high school teacher and would feel comfortable home schooling my kids (at least in their younger years) but I would really like them to have the opportunity to know and play with other children at parks and in the neighborhood.

I would rather not live IN Panama City where the international schools are (which I hear are very good) so where should I look? Are there private schools outside of the City.

I would love to have a direct dialogue with an expat, mom would be great but doesn't have to be, teacher would be interesting, but doesn't have to be.

I can admit ... at this point I know what I've read but I don't know anything FOR CERTAIN. I would love to connect with someone there. Please feel free to click on my name life is good mom and send me your contact request.

Thanks and have a great day.

Comment #6 Educated in Panama (173.79.21.237) - 04/04/09 18:37

It is a little ignorant to say that there are no good schools in Panama. I went to elementary and high school in Panama (Instituto Panamericano - class '90), when I returned to Maryland, I had no problems getting accepted to John Hopkins University. As a matter of fact, my first year was a breeze. I had already taken Biology, Chemistry and Pre-Calculus courses as part of my High School curriculum. My classmates who went to High School in MD, had a much harder time. I can not speak as to the schools in David. But I can tell you, that in Panama, education has a higher priority that it does in the USA.

Comment #7 Michelle (72.161.185.183) - 05/21/09 15:54

Are the only American accedited schools in Panama City, or are there some in other areas? We're also investigating moving to Panama, but need many questions answered first. What are the American accredited schools like? I am most interested in them because we speak no Spanish yet.

Also, I read that Panamanians have their own brand of security which is much different than in America, but if you're prepared you'll be fine. Could you please be specific? Does this mean a sawed off shotgun and dobermans, haha, or did I read too much into that statement?

My husband will be applying for a position at the airport. Could you tell me some nice places to live on the outskirts that are semi-close to the city? Are any of these places close to the schools I mentioned?

Thanks so much. I hope things work out, because I'd like my children (and myself) to have the experiences of living in Panama. I read in the Panama paper that some Panamanians don't like Americans at all, and I guess some prejudice is to be expected with anyone, anywhere. I just need to try to make sure I don't put my children in a dangerous situation. (-:

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