Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in San Carlos
Summary: If you're moving to San Carlos with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in San Carlos
San Carlos, is a tranquil beach town known for its serene environment and expat-friendly community. While it's not a bustling metropolis, it does offer a handful of international and bilingual school options for expat families. Two of the most popular schools within a reasonable driving distance from San Carlos are the Coronado International School and the Panama Coast International School, both of which cater to the needs of international students with diverse backgrounds. Here's a list of schools that expat and digital nomad families might consider for their children's education.
Coronado International School
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Coronado
Website: www.coronadointernationalschool.com
Coronado International School offers a bilingual education with a focus on the American curriculum. The school prides itself on its small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention, and a range of extracurricular activities to enhance students' learning experiences. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and sports areas.
Panama Coast International School
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Gorgona
Website: www.panamacoastinternationalschool.org
Located just a short drive from San Carlos, Panama Coast International School offers an English-based education with a focus on the holistic development of students. The school follows an international curriculum and provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and technology clubs.
Academia Internacional Boquete (AIB)
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Boquete
Website: www.aib.edu.pa
Although a bit further away, AIB is an option for families willing to commute or relocate closer to Boquete. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and boasts a diverse student body, with a strong emphasis on community service and environmental stewardship.
George Washington International School
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Arraijan
Website: www.gwis.edu.pa
George Washington International School is another option for families in the San Carlos area. The school offers a bilingual education with a U.S.-based curriculum and a variety of extracurricular activities, including a robotics club and Model United Nations.
King's College, The British School of Panama
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 13
Location(s): Panama City
Website: www.kingscollege.com.pa
For those willing to drive a bit further, King's College offers the English National Curriculum and is part of a prestigious group of international schools. With a strong academic record and a wide range of extracurricular activities, it's a solid choice for families seeking a British education in Panama.
International School of Panama (ISP)
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Panama City
Website: www.isp.edu.pa
ISP is a well-established school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It has a diverse student population and provides excellent facilities, including a state-of-the-art athletic complex, performing arts center, and technology-integrated classrooms.
Metropolitan School of Panama
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Panama City
Website: www.themetropolitanschool.com
Another option in Panama City, the Metropolitan School offers the IB program and a U.S.-accredited curriculum. The school is known for its modern campus, strong emphasis on technology in education, and a wide array of sports and arts programs.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to San Carlos
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama
- Best Places to Live in Panama
- Real Estate in Panama
- Volunteering in Bocas del Toro
- Pros and Cons of Living in Panama 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Panama
- More Advice about Retiring in Panama
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Panama