Thread: International Schools in Panama City

I am actually considering Gorgona over Coronado. You say you will rent within walking distance to the school. Are you renting an apartment? If so, can you give me the name of the building. Is it close to the beach and/or grocery store? Sorry, about all the questions.

We are thinking of two condos. Playa Serena is super new. We went and saw their model units last October. Playa Serena is right by the beach. The other one is Gorgona Oceanfront. I am not sure where that is located, just seen the ad for rental on the internet. It is an older building with smaller amenities but the rental per month is less. When I say walking distance, I am guessing it would be a 15-20 minute walk....who knows maybe in that heat it would seem forever to the kids. If the heat proves to be too much for the kids, we might end up taking a taxi until we purchase a car.
There is a small variety store that also sell some groceries run by a Chinese family. That store is a 5 min. walk from Playa Serena. For your major weekly purchases, Super 99 and El Rey are located in Coronado. Or you can go to El Valle for the Sunday Market too.Hope this info helps.

Originally Posted by Liont

Thanks.
Is there a website where I can check to have a rough gauge of the toll charges?

From one end to the other one-way the tolls are: $.90, $1.10, $1.50 if my memory serves me right. I drive the complete route all the time. So, round-trip its $7. It can add up for sure.

Originally Posted by Liont

Looks like there is no "best", it is only which of the "bad"s you are able to take... if you know what I mean... I think it is not easy raising a young family here, especially when you do not want to compromise on the ways we are used to, as far as education is concerned.

I could not disagree more. My family is here, and its a great place to raise families. Now, we live in the Clayton/Albrook area so that helps...

US Embassy staff attend three schools here: ISP, Balboa, and CCA. All are great schools.

Originally Posted by davidp

From one end to the other one-way the tolls are: $.90, $1.10, $1.50 if my memory serves me right. I drive the complete route all the time. So, round-trip its $7. It can add up for sure.

Thanks. I have kind of figured that out.
I've decided that it is better for everyone that my kids take the schook bus.

Don't forget Oxford International -- English is taught in all subjects with the exception of Civics....r

Originally Posted by Rok Alwar

Don't forget Oxford International -- English is taught in all subjects with the exception of Civics....r

"Taught" and "being spoken" are two different things. There are only 3 schools in Panama where many, if not all, students will be speaking English to each other on a daily basis. Oxford is not an expat school.

Well, I know that english is spoken to the students,,,,,might not be an expat school, but the students do very well when either orally or written examined in the english language...r

we are moving from Seattle to Panama in August 2011. We have enrolled our children at PCIS in Gorgona. Ended up choosing the Coronado / gorgona area to live for it's outstanding mix of quality school/beach living/expat community/small town feel. We had a great initial visit to PCIS back in December and felt that the principal Kathy was passionate about educating and was running a strong program. Our children (7 and 9 years old) tell their friends about their new school's outdoor swimming pool and coconut palms surrounding the basketball court. We have friends whose children have been attending this school for the last 2-3 yrs and they gave it rave reviews. During our most recent visit we attended a BBQ where we met several of the school families. Kids had a good time playing together and it was good to meet other parents in the community.

Thanks Sunseeker for sharing your info. It is great to hear that parents who have kids at PCIS are happy with their choices.

Hi,

my kids (both grade 10) have been going to PCIS for almost 3 weeks now and they enjoy the PCIS. At High School, PCIS works with distant learning institutions, and the marks they are getting from these have been very pleasing so far. Also, Kathy, the principal is very helpful, even with things which are not directly associated with schooling. So thumbs up!