The International School of Panama:
More than 40 years of shaping students with
Our Story
1980
A group of parents and international community members came together to establish a new school for Panamanian and international families, conducting surveys, launching a fundraising campaign, forming The International School Association, and creating a philosophy while seeking Ministry of Education approval.
1982
Nancy Boss became the first Director in May, and the school opened in September with 43 students, doubling enrollment within the year. In October, the Board of Directors was elected and planned annual grade expansions.
1985
Initially serving students from Kinder to 3rd Grade with an international curriculum, the school grew to 145 students from 24 countries, prompting the rental and renovation of a neighboring building to expand to Sixth Grade.
1986
The school continued to flourish and grades 9-12 were added. ISP now offered all students the opportunity to attend from Pre-Kinder all the way to graduation. As the school continued to grow, so did the community of families. Through activities organized by parents, faculty, and staff, such as picnics and sporting events.
1990
ISP graduated its first senior class with eight students and continued attracting local and international students. In pursuit of academic excellence, the Board of Directors unveiled a Master Plan and acquired land to build a state-of-the-art campus in Cerro Viento.
1993
The doors to the new Cerro Viento Campus opened in February with an enrollment of 278 students. With plenty of room to expand on the property, the school continued to grow. With the IB Program well established, the number of students graduating with the IB Diploma or IB certificates and moving on to the universities and colleges of their choice grew.
2002
PANAMUN (the Panama Model United Nations conference), hosted by ISP, became a THIMUN (The Hague International Model United Nations) affiliate after being visited and evaluated by a THIMUN Board member 7.
2006
The campus was expanded to accommodate a growing student population, adding a Cafetorium, middle school science labs, a dedicated Early Childhood Centre, and an elementary cafeteria.
2010-2011
Covered tennis courts and a semi-Olympic swimming pool were inaugurated.
2014
Serving over 1,000 students, the school’s facilities continued to improve and expand. Work began on the new Bus Depot and Performing Arts Center.
2015
The Bus Depot and Performing Arts Center were inaugurated. And later, the ambitious multi-sport field and track was added. With this, ISP now boasts one of two FIFA One Star Certified Artificial Turf Fields in all of Panama.
2020 - 2021
We transitioned to a fully online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and remained so to ensure continuity in our education.
2021
ISP launched an in-person support program alongside its online program, the first international school in Panama to do so.
2023
ISP became accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
2024
ISP became the first school to offer an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Diploma. The counseling team grew to include 8 counselors, and all High School Science Labs were renovated. Construction of a new High School building and upgrades to the Elementary School Field are underway.
Our Mission
To inspire and challenge every learner to reach their full potential and become curious, independent, and compassionate citizens of the world.
Our Core Values
We care for, respect, and value one another. It’s not about me; it’s about us.
We embrace our differences, enrich our community, and make meaningful connections, ensuring our global-mindedness.
We tackle challenges willingly and persevere in order to succeed.
We are creative and curious learners, empowered to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
We contribute to a sustainable future by taking care of our planet and leaving our environment better than we found it.
