Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Number of students |
800 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
45 |
Max. number of students per class |
24 |
Average number of students per class |
18 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
English as an Additional Language |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish |
Use of technology in the classroom |
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. |
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) |
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. |
Uniform required |
Yes |
Entry evaluation for students |
Assessment |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No deadline |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes. As an international school we have rolling admissions. |
External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma |
Results in these examinations |
For the 2020-2021 the average DP score for MET students was 35 points, 2 points above the world average of 33 points.
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School bus service available |
Yes |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
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. |
Learning support offered |
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. |
The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
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. |
School start time |
8:00am |
School finish time |
3:00pm (Friday 1:15pm) |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Sports (Soccer, volleyball, swimming, triathlon, karate
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School provided lunches |
Yes - included in the school fees. |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
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. |
Sports facilities at the school |
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. |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
Other facilities at the school |
We have a black box theater, 8 fully equipped science labs, a media center, a library plus 3 music rooms and various creative spaces. |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
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 tenth year and the only the only school 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.
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Teaching approach of the school |
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. |