Relocating to a new country is never simple, especially when you’re doing it with children. Between finding a home, navigating paperwork, and adjusting to a new culture, choosing the right school can feel overwhelming. And yet, it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. 

At the Metropolitan School of Panama (MET), we’ve welcomed hundreds of families in transition. Based on what they’ve shared, here are five things every parent should consider when choosing a school in Panama.

1. How will my child be supported during the transition? 

Moving is a big emotional shift for children. The first few weeks can shape their entire experience. At the MET, we take transition support seriously through our pastoral care program, a holistic approach that focuses on students’ emotional wellbeing, sense of belonging, and social adjustment. 

In Secondary School, new students are paired with a buddy to help them navigate their first days. In Early Childhood and Elementary, students are welcomed and supported directly by their homeroom teachers, who stay with them throughout the day and provide consistent guidance and care. 

Ask this: What does the school do to help new students settle in? Are there orientation programs or peer support systems?

2. Is the school community welcoming to international families? 

For many families, the school becomes their first point of connection in a new country. MET’s diverse community, representing over 45 nationalities, offers a strong network of parents, events, and informal support that helps families feel at home. 

The MET Parent Council plays a key role in building this community. They organize sports activities, social events, and our much-loved International Day, which celebrates the cultures represented in our school and is a highlight of the year. 

Ask this: How do parents get involved? Are there opportunities to connect with other families?

3. Does the curriculum support internationally minded students? 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is designed to develop curious, compassionate, and globally aware learners. MET offers the full IB Continuum: 

This approach provides consistency, academic rigor, and a focus on inquiry and personal growth, ideal for students adapting to new environments and cultures. 

Ask this: How is the IB implemented across grade levels? How does the school support students who are new to the IB?

4. What does daily life at school look like? 

Beyond academics, it’s important to understand how students spend their day. The MET’s campus in Green Valley offers green spaces, modern facilities, and a wide range of extracurriculars, from sports and music to robotics and service learning. 

Ask this: Can I see a sample daily schedule? What extracurriculars are available for my child’s age group?

5. How does the MET connect your child to world-class learning experiences? 

One of the unique advantages of choosing the MET is the access to global partnerships that elevate the learning experience. Through collaborations with institutions like The Juilliard School, MIT, and UNICEF, students are exposed to world-class programs in the arts, science, innovation, and global citizenship. 

These partnerships bring expert-designed content, interdisciplinary projects, and real-world challenges into the classroom, helping students develop creativity, critical thinking, and a sense of purpose from an early age. For families relocating to Panama, it’s reassuring to know that their children are part of a school that connects them to a broader world of opportunity. 

Ask this: What kind of global programs are integrated into the curriculum? How do students engage with these partnerships? 

Want to learn more about MET? 

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