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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What curriculum does the MET follow and which language are the students taught in?
    The MET is the only school in Panama to offer all three program levels of the International Baccalaureate (IB) as our curriculum from Early Childhood through High School graduation, for students aged 3 through 18: the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Learn more about the IB Continuum here.

    The language of instruction is English throughout the curriculum and all grades.
  • What are the ages of the students at the MET?
    The MET is open to students aged of 3 through 18. We offer programs beginning in Early Childhood through the IB Diploma Programme.
  • Which accreditations and memberships does the MET hold?

    Accreditations

    The Metropolitan School of Panama is an IB World School, accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to offer its continuum of programs: 


    The school is also accredited by Panama’s Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) as well as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

     

    Memberships

    The MET is currently a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), the Panamanian Association of Internationally Minded Schools (PAIS), and the Association of American Schools in South America (AASSA).

    These partnerships offer the school support and access to the latest educational practices, opportunities for recruiting highly qualified staff, and ways for our students to engage in cultural and educational exchanges with other international school students worldwide.

  • Are students achieving a good level of Spanish at the MET?
    Yes, we place great emphasis on learning Spanish and have expert teachers trained in International Baccalaureate (IB) teaching styles to deliver Spanish to both native and non-native students. As part of our commitment to nurturing global citizens at the MET, we’re proud that Panama offers not only its culture and traditions, but also a language spoken throughout the world.

    MET students learn Spanish from Kinder through Grade 12 (equivalent to Years 1 through 13 in the UK). Spanish Language and Literature is also one of the subjects with the highest passing rates and scores for our students in the IB Diploma. Most of our students pursue the bilingual (English and Spanish) diploma. For example, in 2021, 70% of our graduating students received a bilingual diploma.

    We adapt Spanish lessons to our students’ needs, offering different levels of advancement across Elementary, Middle, and High School, for both native and non-native speakers.
  • How do you support children who require English as an Additional Language (EAL)?
    Students who are new to English or who are still acquiring English for academic purposes will receive “English as an Additional Language” (EAL) support. 

    The MET EAL Program teaches English to students who have not yet reached academic proficiency in English through different content areas. From Elementary through High School, EAL teachers support students as they develop English skills needed to access and participate fully in the IB curriculum. 

    The EAL Universal Inclusion Model provides small group instruction and in-class support to students. This is based on educational research and best practice in international schools around the world. Students who are identified as requiring EAL support will join the EAL program. They’ll receive EAL services for a minimum of two academic years, or until they achieve a high intermediate English level and are ready to meet with their grade-level requirements. Please note that additional fees apply.
  • Does the MET offer support for special needs?
    Yes, to meet the diverse needs of our students, our Exceptional Education Program (EEP) offers support services to students with mild to moderate learning needs.  

    The EEP Universal Inclusion Model is designed to assist in developing the academic, behavioral, and social development of students who are identified as in need of extra support. Based upon the level of support required, this program does have an additional cost.
  • What are the class sizes at the MET?

    Our class sizes are:

    • Early Childhood: Between 12 and 18 students per class with a teacher and a teacher's assistant.
    • Elementary School (Grades 1–5): Between 16 and 24 students per class. 
    • Middle and High School (Grades 6–12): Between 18 and 24 students per class.
  • Do you offer a food service or have a cafeteria?

    Yes, our school cafeteria cooks fresh food every day to give your child the nutrition needed for a healthy lifestyle and an attentive mind. Our nutritional program is offered to all students, with no extra cost.

    At the MET, we develop the whole child, focusing not only on academics, but also the physical and emotional well-being of each student.

    Learn more about how we support your child's nutrition and see sample lunch menu options.

  • Do you have a bus service?

    Yes, we offer a private school bus service in Panama City to help your child get to school safely and on time every day.

    All our buses are equipped with seatbelts and a bus monitor. Students enjoy door-to-door service to and from school. We also offer transportation for students who participate in our extracurricular activities.

    Learn more about our transportation service.
  • Do students wear a uniform at the MET?

    Yes, according to Panamanian law, all students in schools must wear a school uniform.

    Find out more about our school uniforms.

  • Do you offer extracurricular activities?
    Yes, we offer a wide range of extra- and co-curricular activities. Our activities allow our students to enjoy opportunities on sports teams, pursue their passions in the creative arts, or participate in clubs where they learn new skills or develop existing ones. This is part of our commitment to student health and well-being at the MET.

    Our activities are updated each school year and are advertised to our families shortly after the school year begins in August.

    We also have a full athletics program. Our Jaguars of all ages are encouraged to participate. The program consists of intramural and inter-scholastic competitions, which means that some students practice and play along with schoolmates, while others play against other schools or clubs.

    Learn more about our extracurricular activities.
  • What is the MET’s philosophy?
    The MET is committed to each child reaching their personal level of excellence through a balanced academic program that nurtures their self-esteem and potential while engaging them in the world that surrounds them.
  • How can parents gauge the academic success of the school?
    Our excellent academic outcomes and support throughout each child’s learning journey are testaments to the academic success at the MET. 

    Scores above world averages on Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests in Elementary and Middle School, in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Middle and Lower High School, and in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Upper High School confirm this. 

    At the MET, our teachers know that a healthy and confident child will be more attentive in class and will achieve more. We offer a disciplined and stable environment that helps our students feel happy and secure at all times, allowing each child to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, maturity, stability, and a genuine appreciation and respect for others.
  • What makes the MET stand out from other international schools in Panama?
    We’re the only school in Panama offering the three prestigious IB programs in English, allowing us to provide students with a stimulating academic curriculum in a caring learning environment, combined with a unique international focus from ages 3 to 18. 

    Learn more about the IB Continuum.
  • With so many different nationalities, how do you ensure a sense of community within the school?
    We’re a welcoming and caring school community dedicated to building the social and emotional confidence of every child. We encourage respect for all nations and cultures across all our learning. This respect is shared among all students and staff.

    Our Parent Council is an important source of information for our families and serves as our parents' active link to our school. Our Parent Council contributes to our school through committees on educational matters and by organizing social events for all to participate in.

    The dedicated involvement and amazing work of our parents builds the close-knit community we’re so proud of. We recognize that parent collaboration is key to a healthy, safe, and caring family feeling at the MET. Throughout the school year, our community events are significant in bringing everyone together to celebrate our cultural and international environment.
  • How does the MET make sure that the children are included and integrated into the local community?
    The MET makes excellent use of Panama’s rich cultural opportunities. We organize regular school visits and trips throughout the school year to enhance our students’ the learning experiences beyond the classroom.

    Our students visit local galleries and museums and sites of historical significance or scientific interest. 

    We also offer residential visits and trips abroad for multicultural experiences and learning.
  • The MET is located to the north of Panama City at 8.5 kilometers from Costa del Este. Can you tell us more about the campus?
    Our campus is set across 5 hectares of beautiful gardens. The Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, and High School are safe and idyllic. The MET offers green and calm surroundings as an ideal learning environment.

    Learn more about our campus.
  • What facilities do you have on campus?
    Early Childhood students have a unique, dedicated space with their own entrance, open-plan classrooms, and an outdoor, covered play area. 

    Our Elementary School students benefit from music rooms, spacious classrooms, a space for movement and dance, a large gym, and separate playgrounds. Elementary classrooms are designed by grade and organized into “neighborhoods” to maximize learning between classes. Our counselors and EEP specialists are located inside these areas so it’s easy for students receive the best support. Both our Early Childhood and Elementary students visit specialist drama, art, music, and STEAM classrooms, plus the library/media center.

    Our Middle and High School facilities are set up to support students as they master a wide range of subjects. There are rooms for design technology, computer technology, art and design, music, and drama. Students can explore the wonders of science in one of seven science laboratories or our STEAM room, for example, or revise for their Diploma Programme in the library or our dedicated IBDP study room.

    Learn more about our facilities.