FAQ

School generally starts beginning or mid-August of each year. School usually ends mid-June of each year. Visit our academic calendar for details.

Instructional hours 

PK3:  7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
PK4 to Grade 12: 7:30 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
On Fridays, all students leave at 12:00 p.m.

After-school activities & Athletics (K-12):

After-school activities (ASA):  3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Athletics (K-5):  3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m
Athletics (6-12):  3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.; Wednesdays:  12:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

After intensive exploration, our standards are selected from the best in the world. Our selections are based on best research and pedagogical practices from around the world. We thoroughly review each subject area on a five-year cycle, and the review process allows for enhancements and adaptations to be made throughout the cycle. ISP subject area teachers and specialists work collaboratively to design units and assessments.  Click on each division to find more:

• Early Childhood Center
• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School 

Click here to see our tuition and fee schedule.

The start date for any student is always a case-by-case decision by the Division Principal. In theory, your child can begin school as soon as the admissions process is completed, a place has been offered and corresponding fees have been settled. The Admissions Office will contact you with the specific starting date.  

* IB Diploma students: If the student is not already enrolled in IB courses that are transferable to ISP, it is not possible to begin after the beginning of October.

As a school based in Panama we must strictly comply with the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) regulations regarding the placement of students. 

To enroll in PK3, students must be three years of age before July 31st
To enroll in PK4, students must be four years of age before July 31st
To enroll in Kindergarten, students must be five years of age before July 31st

From first grade onwards, placement will be determined by the grades they have completed in their previous schools and are certified by our local Ministry of Education. 

All students incoming from abroad who will be enrolling in second grade onwards are required to complete a convalidation process with MEDUCA within six months of enrolling in ISP. Please find more information on the documents that must be presented directly to the authorities here. 

For students transitioning from a school calendar from March to December (or similar) they must enroll in the same grade they have completed (if enrolling in January) or in the same grade, they are currently enrolled in (if enrolling in August).

 Please click here to find our school age placement guide.

Yes, when necessary. As with many international schools around the world, demand can fluctuate but is often high. This means that, at the time of application, our classes may be full. In these cases, we place students in a wait-pool list for the grade level involved. Our Admissions Office will be happy to explain to you how we operate our wait-pool list should you have further queries.

According to Panamanian law, all students in schools must wear uniforms. We offer the ISP uniform for sale at Galapagos, a local clothing chain. We also provide detailed information once your child is admitted to the school. The uniform consists of the following:

• A polo-style shirt with the ISP school emblem
• Navy blue shorts, pants, or a plaid skirt depending on age and gender
• We require physical education (PE) uniforms at all age levels. This is a unisex uniform consisting of navy blue knit shorts and a POD ISP t-shirt. Elementary students wear their PE uniforms to school on the day they have PE class. Middle and high school students change into their PE uniforms before PE class in the locker room facilities provided.

We require our students to wear black, closed-toe, leather shoes or black sneakers. For safety reasons, we require students to wear rubber-soled shoes during PE class. 
 

Yes, there are two cafeterias on-campus. One for students in Elementary School and another one for students in Middle and High School. Both cafeterias offer meal plans, and accept Visa and Master Card payments (no cash). 

ISP refers parents to transportation companies that establish a direct service relationship with parents. Students enjoy door-to-door buses and a staff member providing assistance to ensure safety during transport. 

The transportation buses offer service for regular dismissal as well as through the after school program. 

ISP graduates attend some of the most prestigious universities throughout the world. Click here to view our school profile.