Tour Meeting Notes

Stay organized. Start each school tour by noting the following: 

  • Name of the school and its location. 
  • Names and titles of the individuals conducting the tour. 
  • Initial impressions: cleanliness, safety, and overall atmosphere. 
Questions to Ask During Your School Tour

Philosophy and Core Values 

  • Understanding the school’s guiding principles on education and child development is crucial, as it will shape your child's educational journey. What are these principles? 
  • How are creativity, independence, and social skills nurtured in students? 


Curriculum and Academic Offerings 

  • What curriculum does the school follow (e.g., U.S., British, International Baccalaureate, Panamanian)? 
  • How does the curriculum prepare students for future academic challenges, particularly for transitioning to schools abroad? 
  • Are there elective or enrichment programs such as arts, music, coding, or STEM? 


Accreditation and Diplomas 

  • Is the school accredited by recognized international or national bodies (e.g., Cognia, IB, Cambridge, Ministry of Education of Panama aka MEDUCA)? 
  • What type of diploma do students receive upon graduation? 
  • Does the school offer internationally recognized certifications like the International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), or IGCSE? 
  • Are diplomas valid for entry into universities in Panama and abroad? 


Teacher and Staff Qualifications 

  • What certifications do teachers hold, and do they have experience working with international or bilingual students? 
  • What is the staff-to-student ratio? 


College Admissions and Preparation 

  • What resources are in place for college counseling and application guidance? 
  • Does the school provide assistance with applications to universities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, or other regions? 
  • Are test preparation services available (e.g., SAT, ACT, TOEFL)? 
  • How do graduates from the school typically perform in terms of college acceptance rates? 
  • Does the school foster relationships with specific universities or offer direct admission pathways?


Specialized Learning Support 

  • Does the school accommodate students with special educational needs? 
  • Are sensory-friendly spaces or therapies available (e.g., speech therapy, OT, ABA)?


Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Goals 

  • How does the school support students’ emotional and social development? 
  • Are counselors or mental health professionals available on campus? 
  • What are their policies on bullying?
  • Is there a religious curriculum or faith affiliation at the school?


A Typical School Day 

  • What does a typical day look like for different age groups? 
  • How are breaks, lunch, and extracurricular activities structured? 


Testing, Homework, and Feedback 

  • What is the school’s philosophy on testing and homework? 
  • How frequently are students assessed, and how is feedback communicated to parents?


Learning Spanish

Bilingual Education Supports in Panama

For families moving to Panama, supporting their children in learning Spanish and thriving in a bilingual environment is crucial. Panama offers a variety of resources and educational approaches that cater to language acquisition for non-native speakers and reinforce bilingualism for academic and social success. 



The Importance of Learning Spanish 


Learning Spanish is essential for children to integrate fully into Panamanian culture, communicate effectively with peers, and participate in community activities. While many international schools use English as the primary language of instruction, Spanish is a vital skill for navigating daily life and building relationships in Panama. 


Types of Bilingual Education Programs in Panama


Panama’s schools offer a range of bilingual education programs, each tailored to different needs and levels of Spanish proficiency: 


1. Dual Language Programs

 These programs split instruction between English and Spanish, ensuring students become fluent in both languages. Core subjects like math or science may be taught in English, while Spanish classes emphasize grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills. 


2. English-Speaking Schools with Spanish as a Second Language (SSL)

 Many international schools offer Spanish as a second language for students who are non-native speakers. These programs often feature beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels to ensure appropriate placement. 


3. Immersion Programs

 Some schools use Spanish immersion techniques, especially for younger children. These programs expose students to Spanish throughout the day, helping them learn through context and repetition in a supportive environment. 


4. Panamanian Schools with English as a Second Language (ESL)

 For families opting for a local school, some institutions offer English as a second language to help international students adapt while simultaneously improving their Spanish skills. 


Strategies for Supporting Spanish Language Learning
1. Leverage School Resources

Ask schools about their Spanish language support services, such as beginner classes, tutoring, or after-school programs. Many schools employ specialized teachers to help non-native speakers catch up. 

2. Enroll in Language Classes

In addition to school programs, consider enrolling your children in private Spanish classes or language schools. These classes often use interactive and fun methods like games, songs, and storytelling to engage children. 

3. Use Language Apps and Online Tools

Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone are excellent tools for reinforcing Spanish skills at home. They can supplement classroom learning and help children practice at their own pace.

4. Encourage Practice at Home

Create opportunities for your children to practice Spanish in everyday situations, such as grocery shopping, ordering food, or chatting with neighbors. Encourage watching TV shows, listening to music, or reading books in Spanish. 

5. Foster Friendships with Panamanian Peers

Building friendships with Panamanian peers can naturally enhance language skills. Children tend to learn quickly when immersed in real-life social settings. 

6. Cultural Immersion Activities

Encourage participation in local sports teams, arts programs, or cultural events where Spanish is the primary language. Immersion experiences boost confidence and fluency. Go see the newest movie release in Spanish with English subtitles!

Benefits of Bilingualism for Children

Bilingual education provides more than just language skills; it enhances cognitive development, improves problem-solving abilities, and strengthens adaptability. Children who become fluent in both English and Spanish gain a competitive edge in future academic and career opportunities, both in Panama and globally. 


By choosing the right school and engaging in activities that support language learning, your children can become bilingual, culturally aware, and well-prepared to thrive in Panama and beyond. 

School Facilities & Services

Classrooms and Technology 

  • Are classrooms equipped with modern technology such as smartboards or tablets? 
  • Does the school have computer labs or facilities for STEM programs?


Cafeteria and Meals 

  • Are healthy, balanced meal options provided, or do students bring their own lunches? 


Recess and Play Areas 

  • Are there clean, safe playgrounds and recreational spaces? 
  • How much time do students have for unstructured play or physical activity?


Specialized Facilities 

  • Is there a library or media center? 
  • Does the school have sports fields, swimming pools, or gyms? 
  • Are there art studios or music rooms for creative development?


Transportation Services

  • Does their bus transportation service provider have a route in your neighborhood? 
College Preparation for U.S. and International Universities

Curriculum for Global Readiness

Schools in Panama offering International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), or British A-Level programs are well-suited for students aiming for universities abroad. These programs develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills essential for global competitiveness. 


Standardized Testing Support

Ask about the availability of SAT, ACT, and TOEFL preparation resources. Schools focused on U.S. college admissions may offer these as part of the curriculum or as extracurricular options. 


College Counseling 

Strong college counseling programs are essential for navigating applications to international universities. Look for schools that provide dedicated counselors to assist with essay writing, interview prep, and scholarship applications. 


University Connections and Alumni Success

Inquire about where graduates have been accepted. Some schools may have partnerships with universities or offer direct-entry programs to institutions in Panama and abroad. 

Final Considerations

Tuition and Fees 

  • What is the tuition structure? Are there any additional fees for extracurricular activities, special services, or materials? 
  • Is there a capital fee per child or family?
  • Are scholarships or sibling discounts available? 


Final Tips for Choosing a School

  • After touring several schools, it's important to compare your observations. This will help you prioritize what matters most to your family and make an informed decision. 
  • Talk With Your Children: This is especially important for your tweens and teenagers. Their opinion matters!
  • Consider Your Options: Homeschooling offers numerous benefits for children especially during a life transition like moving abroad to a third culture.
  • Trust Your Gut: Look for a school where your child feels welcome, supported, and inspired. 
  • Ask for References: Speak to other expat families or alumni for firsthand feedback. 



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