Metropolitan School of Panama

The school aims to nurture each child’s mind, imagination, and global values, fostering critical thinking, resilience, and global citizenship. It emphasizes an inclusive, welcoming environment that celebrates both local Panamanian traditions and international cultures. The educational approach is designed to develop independent learners who are prepared to navigate a rapidly changing world.

The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–11, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18. The curriculum integrates STEAM subjects, music and arts through collaborations with MIT and The Juilliard School, and a one-to-one technology program providing iPads for younger students and MacBooks for older students. Instruction is delivered in English, with Spanish also taught.

The school reports a 93% success rate on the IB Diploma, with an average IBDP score of 35/45 over the last five years. Graduates frequently attend top-tier universities worldwide, including institutions such as UCLA, Georgetown, Duke, McGill, and UCL. In 2022, the graduating cohort was awarded $2.7 million in scholarships.

The school provides an individualized approach to learning, utilizing Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) to document progress and tailor instruction to student needs. Specialist support is available through English as an Additional Language (EAL) and an Exceptional Education Program (EEP). Additionally, school counselors are available to support the social and emotional well-being of students.

The school operates on a rolling admissions basis, accepting applications throughout the academic year. The process includes an online application, submission of supporting documents, a family interview, and a student assessment. For students transferring from abroad into grades 2 through 12, international transcripts must be apostilled and validated through the Panamanian Ministry of Education (MEDUCA).

The academic year typically runs from mid-August to mid-June. The school day for all students begins at 8:00 am, with drop-off starting at 7:30 am. Dismissal is at 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 1:15 pm on Fridays, with extracurricular activities concluding at 4:40 pm.

Located on a five-hectare, purpose-built campus in Green Valley, the school features 89 instructional areas, including 77 classrooms arranged in "neighborhoods." Specialized facilities include eight labs for STEAM, robotics, biology, chemistry, and physics; a library commons and media center; a dance studio; a Black Box Theatre; and private music rehearsal rooms. Athletic facilities include a six-lane swimming pool, a FIFA-regulation soccer field, an indoor gymnasium with basketball/volleyball courts, and two all-weather pitches.

The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including art, drama, STEAM, guitar, violin, soccer, basketball, swimming, and triathlon. Students also participate in service initiatives such as the Make-A-Wish club, Operation Smile, CanCure, and Model United Nations (METMUN). Additionally, students engage in athletic competitions, including the Global Games and Junior Global Games hosted by the Nord Anglia network.