Education is a cornerstone of any country. Education can teach students about world issues, spread awareness and understanding, and can even be used as a force for peace. Making it a priority is a smart move for any sovereign nation. One of the main reasons people choose Panama as their new home is to educate their children. While this can be a very positive and rewarding experience, there is a lot of conflicting information online regarding education in Panama, so you need an in-depth look at Panama’s educational system. Panama has an educational system considered one of the best in Latin America. Panama has numerous primary and high schools that offer bilingual programs, vocational programs, and technology-based education.
Essential Parts of Panama’s Education System
Panama is a country where educational standards are high. There are three general sectors that students fall under in Panama’s education system: public, private, or both. Most students attend public sector schools, while those who can afford it choose private institutions. It is not uncommon to find students attending both public and private schools. The general goal of Panama’s education system is to provide all students with a structured learning experience that will benefit them in their future endeavors. Nonetheless, it is up to the school administration to devise the programs which work for them. Panamanian students must attend school from ages four to 15. There are three stages of education: basic, secondary, and tertiary. Basic education takes place in two stages: pre-school and primary. Pre-school consists of two years for children aged four to five. Primary school lasts six years for children aged six to 12. In pre-middle school, students aged 12 to 15 (or grades seven to nine) prepare for the next stage of their education. These three stages make up the block of compulsory schooling*.
Levels of Education
Panama has a population that is 90% literate*, thanks to widespread access to free and compulsory education for students in the pre-school, primary, and secondary levels of schooling. Students attend government schools, where they can easily transition from one level of education to another. Panamanian education comprises a total of 827,583 students. 703,445 attend public schools, and 124,138 students attend private schools. The total number of 12th graders for the 2019/2020 school year was 43,466. The 10,000 high school seniors in private schools are the ones who have the ability to conduct university studies abroad. There are currently 35,000 students in higher education in 11 private universities in the country, and every year 18,000 new students go into the University of Panama (government-subsidized university)*. Let’s explore the different stages of schooling that are used in Panama.
- Primary – From ages 6 to 12, the primary school consists of learning a variety of subjects, including natural sciences, social studies, Spanish, and English. Students will also have practical subjects such as hygiene, agriculture, and artistic and manual studies during this time. When these six years are over, students are awarded a certificate that allows them to enter the first stage of secondary school or the common cycle.
- Middle – Middle school education runs for three years and continues to lay the educational path for secondary education. At age 12, students enter the ciclo básico (common cycle), similar to an American middle school. At this level, students study Math, Spanish, History, and other basic subjects for three years.
- Secondary – Students then complete the ciclo común (ages 15 to 18), the equivalent of high school, where they study Math, Science, Spanish, and English. Passing a final exam allows them to attend the university or technical school of their choice.
- Vocational – Panama’s aggressive adult education and vocational programs are highly successful; for example, the government offers courses for workers who wish to increase their careers and/or move up the corporate ladder. Graduates of these programs become technicians after studying for two and a half to three years, and they are qualified for better jobs once they graduate. Or people can take courses that enable them to get jobs sooner rather than later in fields such as banking, commerce, or office work.
- University – Students who enroll in higher education like at the University of Panama must first pass an entrance exam. Students who fulfill the university’s general education requirements receive a bachelor’s degree after four years. Students have the option of continuing their education and completing a doctorate. Some students choose to leave school and get jobs, though most find that they need to take short-term vocational courses to be adequately prepared for the job market.
Public or Private Schools
The Panamanian educational system consists of public schools, private schools, bilingual schools, and international schools. Each type provides a different level of education, but they all offer the same basic compulsory education. The cost can vary significantly depending on the school you choose, from one or two thousand US dollars to all the way up to several thousand dollars or more.
Takeaways
Overall, Panama has made good headway in providing a strong education system to learners in Panama. However, there is still room for improvement that can be offered by further implementing the three-year basic cycle curriculum and reducing or eliminating the use of private schools. These efforts could improve students’ educational experiences across the nation and help develop a more mature and developed citizenry. It’s clear that Panama is committed to education and has taken advantage of the resources available to ensure that students and teachers alike are getting all the support they need from the government and their communities and families.
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