International Schools and the like

[Ty(Tyson) DeWees]

Is there a list of international schools, daycare centers, and English schools? I know most people here are retired but it would help me do my home work and get a better picture.

In fact if there is a business listing for Boquete that would be great.

Thanks

[Elizabeth Worley]

Other options, besides those already mentioned:

Insituto de Guadalupano is 12 grades and bilingual. The Cambridge School in David is 12 grades and most classes are taught in English. Many middle and upper class Panamanians send their children here so that they graduate from high school fully bilingual. St. Augustine's, also in David, has the reputation for the highest academic standards, but is in Spanish (though they must be doing a good job teaching English, as graduates regularly are accepted to good US universities). There is a small, brand-new parent run school cooperative for high school level students, who are expats, but want to attend college in US. They are using an online curriculum that is used by US diplomats and other foreign service personnel for their kids overseas. A fully accredited teacher, US, is on site to monitor, do additional teaching, etc.

Good luck.

[Elizabeth Worley]

Yes, Richard, I know. Sad, really...we have an entire couple of generations of largely functionally (just) illiterate people. I guess I'm just an old fogey who grew up reading and writing, and not watching huge amounts of TV and developing the ability to "text" while simultaneously driving, brushing my teeth, applying makeup, and carrying on a conversation.

[Roger Bellido]

Elizabeth/Richard:

I know technology is good but sometimes it does bad things on new generation. You have brought to the conversation an issue that we in Panama have started to see among young people. Texting - chatting is making young people how to write correctly. It is a shame to see how high school, college and univesity students write. It is unbelievable the amount of grammatical, sintaxis, ortography errors you find on their writtings. They write just the same they are used to when "texting".

[Abigayle]

A teacher that can teach grades K-12 in all subject matter, must be one heck of a teacher. Elizabeth, do you think there is more than one in this program? Abby L.

[Elizabeth Worley]

I have no idea what you are referring to. There are several schools, the ones I mentioned and others mentioned by other posters, who have GRADES K-12, with teachers appropriate to each grade and subject, and many students. The small parent coordinated cooperative has only 6 students (it only opened in May), one teacher on site to supervise and assist the students, and an internationally certified online curriculum that is tailored to each student's level. Again, what are you implying or referring to?

[Abigayle]

Elizabeth, I am referring to the reference you made about the school used by U.S. Diplomats for their families. You said they have an on line teacher. I said that sounded like a lot of material and a heavy load, in so many words. Hope that clarifys things for you. Abby L.

[Elizabeth Worley]

online curriculum...not TEACHER. Approved by US State Department, etc. etc. Hope this clarifies things for you.

[Abigayle]

Yes, it does, thank you. When you said "a fully accredited teacher", I got the impression that you were referring to one teacher. When I first started teaching in the Des Moines Schools, the year I graduated was somewhat like now. There was a hiring freeze. I was lucky to land a job in the inter-city. I walked by hookers on the corner. Before I could teach, I had to fix breakfast for the fourth and fifth graders. These were children with behavioral disorders and learning disabilities. I make pancakes to teach fractions, and fruit for spelling. Talk about starting for scratch. By the way, my husband and I really appreciated the article that you wrote about your neighbor to be that passed away. Abby L.

[Elizabeth Worley]

Now THAT is front line duty, Abby! Wow. Sounds like you rose to the occasion and were very creative.

[Michael Vuytowecz]

There is a new Oxford International School being built in the beach community of Coronado, one hour from Panama City. See the link for a community profile

http://www.ipreinfo.com/coronado-panama.html