Jacarandá School

Colegio Jacarandá operates on the Pedagogía del Pensamiento Creativo (PPC), which emphasizes critical thinking, social and ecological sensitivity, and psychosocial growth. The school values autonomy, respect, and equity, aiming to form citizens who are capable of self-management and adaptation to a changing world. Education is viewed as an active, community-based process where learning is driven by curiosity, play, and the questioning of real-world problems rather than rote memorization.

The academic programme spans from Pre-School (Jardín–Pre Kinder) through Bachillerato (10th grade), incorporating methodologies such as Project-Based Learning (PBL) and the "JacaHistoria" narrative-based approach. The curriculum is bilingual, with English instruction beginning in the early years through immersion and the British "Jolly Phonics" programme. Core subjects are complemented by transversal studies in yoga, music, art, and physical education, all aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The school employs a team of educators, psychologists, artists, and pedagogues who act as active listeners to support student development. A dedicated psychopedagogue is part of the staff to assist in the educational process. Teachers engage in daily professional development and regular workshops to refine their ability to provide individualized instruction and emotional support.

The admissions process begins with an informational meeting, followed by a trial day and academic evaluations in English, Spanish, and mathematics. Families must submit required documentation and pay a non-refundable admission fee of $3,000, with a 50% payment option available for Pre-Kinder students. The school offers various tuition payment plans and discounts for siblings and early annual payments.

The school year includes scheduled events such as community gatherings, project presentations for primary and pre-media students, and mid-year vacations. Specific events, such as the "Día de las Velitas," serve to close the academic year with community reflection and gratitude.

Located in Ancón, Panama City, the campus is situated in Building 841, adjacent to the MEDUCA and the INIDA theater. The school utilizes the city of Panama as an extension of its learning environment, incorporating local parks, green spaces, and cultural institutions into its educational approach. Classrooms are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 12 to 15 students per grade to foster a close-knit community.

The school integrates various transversal subjects and activities into the daily experience, including yoga, sports, music, and art. Students participate in weekly pedagogical outings to city resources such as parks, museums, libraries, and beaches to support their project-based learning. Additionally, optional extended day workshops are available for pre-school students.