Lawrence Hill
Head of School
The Metropolitan School of Panama is one of Panama’s leading educational institutions. Founded in 2011, the MET offers a world-class academic program for children in Early Childhood 3 through 12th grade. With more than 775 students hailing from 45 different nationalities and 125 faculty members that boast an impressive range of international teaching experience, the school is enriched by the wealth of its diverse and multicultural community.
Come and learn about life as a student at the MET. We are an international school with a goal of fostering an unrivalled multilingual learning environment where young students become truly global citizens. We pioneers with the IB continuum school in Panama, and children who study here learn to master both English and Spanish; two highly renowned world languages.
At the MET we immerse students in real-life, hands-on projects, and we aim to develop the whole child – academically successful, and active in the arts, sports and service. We help our students become well-rounded individuals, with the skills necessary for success in a globalized future, and with the values to act responsibly in building a healthier, more sustainable, more harmonious, and more just world.
We invite you to visit our school. We are confident that when you walk through the front doors at our new campus in Green Valley you will feel the MET Difference and understand what makes our school such a special learning community. We look forward to meeting you!
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 33 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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800+
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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45+
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Most common nationality
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Panamanians, a 40%.
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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Yes
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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Spanish and French (for Secondary students only).
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Max. number of students per class
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24
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Average number of students per class
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Average class size for Early Childhood is 15, Average class size for Elementary is 20, Average class size for Middle School and for High School is 22.
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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Technology has become a new and key “literacy” for today’s students and professionals. Thus, the MET is a technology-rich school where we offer an Apple one-to-one technology program, where each student from Kinder to 4th Grade has an iPad, and each student from 5th to 12th Grade has a MAC laptop.
Each classroom is equipped with the latest technological offerings for education, such as SMARTboards in every classroom. These interactive digital boards enhance the teaching and learning experience in the classroom by expanding the nature of content, introducing different media and digital educational resources to lesson plans and providing interactivity through which students can demonstrate their mastery of content.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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As the MET already offered a one-to-one Apple technology program, we were able to switch to a virtual school offering within 24 hours of schools closing in Panama. During the pandemic, students connected to classes from 19 countries and we continue to offer virtual classes when quarantining or government mandates require this. Our new state-of-the-art campus is equipped with Wifi6 (5G) and offers students wireless capacity and modern technologies not previously seen in Panama school campuses.
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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We accommodate all religions and non-religious families.
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External examinations or assessments available
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IB Diploma
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Results in these examinations
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For the 2024-2025 academic school year, the MET students achieved an average score of 32.2, 2 points higher than the IB world average.
We are very proud to report that our highest scores were a very impressive 43 and 42 points. 40 points is the level of attainment required to gain admission to the world’s elite universities, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and Stanford.
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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To meet the diverse needs of MET's students, MET's Exceptional Education Program offers support services for students with mild to moderate learning needs.
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Learning support offered
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The MET’s Universal Inclusion Model has been developed by combining research based inclusion programs including Response to Intervention and is designed to support students based on their individual and specific needs. MET's services follow a multi-tiered approach that encourages each student’s success through frequent progress monitoring and instructional interventions, personalized to the child’s personal level.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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METAGS Enrichment Program: to qualify for this Exceptional Education Program academic service, the MET uses standardized assessments in achievement and cognitive ability that are internationally recognized. The program will incorporate pull-out instruction/extension and an individual personal project to stretch and enhance critical thinking skills.
The program will provide a variety of learning experiences that challenge, engage and inspire students to develop their full potential. Students will have opportunities to collaborate with their academic peers, develop an awareness for their giftedness as well as explore topics in depth and of individual interest.
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Entry evaluation for students
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Assessment
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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No deadline
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes. As an international school we have rolling admissions.
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School start time
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8:00am
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School finish time
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3:00pm (Friday 1:15pm)
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School bus service available
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Yes
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School provided lunches
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Yes - included in the school fees.
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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MET strives to offer meal options to meet students' individual dietary needs. In addition to regular meal plan, MET offers daily vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free menu options, as well as modified options for students with sensory needs.
If a child has any dietary needs, MET informs the school's nutritionist upon admission. Parents may also schedule an appointment with the school’s nutritionist at any time to work together in developing an individual nutritional plan for the child.
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Uniform required
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Yes
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Facilities at the school
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We have a black box theater, 8 fully equipped science labs, a media center, a library plus 3 music rooms and various creative spaces.
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Sports facilities at the school
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Extensive outdoor sports fields include FIFA-sized soccer fields, indoor athletic facilities, and a pool provides young athletes turf to train and compete in inter-school competitions.
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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The Metropolitan School of Panama is a private IB World school that is setting a new standard of excellence in Panama. Now in it's 14th year and pioneer in Panama and Central America to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB)'s continuum of programs in English for students in Early Childhood 3 through 12th grade.
The IB is a world acclaimed academic program with innovative teaching methodologies that allows the development of intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills necessary to learn, work and succeed in a rapidly globalizing world.
In September 2017, MET joined Nord Anglia Education, the world's leading schools organization, uniting with over 70 other outstanding schools in 33 countries around the world to offer a quality education in Panama. The MET's learning community is unique. It is a vibrant tight-knit community that resembles a family more than a school. Every member of our MET family shares the same goals: to provide the best educational experience to our children within an environment that fosters respect and celebrates diversity.
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Teaching approach of the school
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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, and engages them in the world that surrounds them.
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Our Campus
Our campus at the Metropolitan School of Panama spans five purpose-built hectares in Green Valley, north of Panama City. Architecturally designed with “neighborhoods” of classrooms by age group, the learning spaces are flexible, modern, and tailored to collaboration. We house 89 instructional areas including 77 classrooms, seven science labs plus a dedicated STEAM lab, specialized studios for art, dance, drama, music rehearsal, and a black-box theatre. Sports facilities include indoor courts, outdoor all-weather fields, a 25-meter swimming pool, and AstroTurf soccer field. Our library & media center, IB Diploma suite, and seamless integration of Apple technology across campus further support our mission. Bright, green surroundings enhance well-being and inspire every student.
Early Childhood
Our Early Childhood Center is a purpose-built facility located at ground level with its own dedicated entrance. Designed to meet the developmental needs of young children, it offers bright, open classrooms and a safe, welcoming environment where students learn through play, exploration, and collaboration with peers and teachers. The center features flexible learning spaces, including dedicated areas for music, art, movement, and dramatic play, as well as “The Plaza,” a central hub where children engage in creativity and problem-solving. In addition, our Early Childhood students enjoy secure outdoor playgrounds and shaded spaces that foster both physical activity and imaginative play, providing a rich foundation for future learning.
Elementary
Our Elementary School is designed to foster curiosity, independence, and collaboration in a safe and engaging environment. Classrooms are bright, modern, and flexible, allowing teachers to adapt spaces for group projects, individual work, and hands-on learning. Students benefit from access to specialized facilities such as science and STEAM labs, art and music studios, a library and media center, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas that support both academic and social growth. Learning neighborhoods encourage interaction across grade levels while maintaining a nurturing community atmosphere. With access to technology and creative resources, our Elementary program provides students with the tools to explore, problem-solve, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Middle School
Our Middle School facilities are designed to support students as they transition into greater independence and academic challenge. Learning spaces are flexible and technology-rich, encouraging collaboration, inquiry, and problem-solving. Students benefit from access to science labs, a newly inaugurated Maker Space dedicated to STEAM projects, as well as art, music, and drama studios, a black-box theatre, and a fully equipped library and media center. Sports and fitness facilities, including a swimming pool, gymnasium, and outdoor fields, promote well-being and balance. This area fosters community, giving students opportunities to explore diverse interests, develop leadership skills, and build confidence in preparation for the academic rigor of High School.
High School
Our High School facilities are designed to prepare students for the challenges of university and beyond through a rigorous and supportive environment. Classrooms are equipped with modern technology and flexible layouts to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and independent study. Students have access to state-of-the-art science labs, a Maker Space for STEAM innovation, art and music studios, a black-box theatre, and a comprehensive library and media center. Sports and fitness areas, including a swimming pool, gymnasium, and outdoor fields, promote balance and well-being. Dedicated spaces for the IB Diploma Programme further support academic excellence. The High School experience fosters responsibility, leadership, and resilience, equipping students with the skills and confidence to thrive in their future endeavors.
