I understand that school starts in late March in Panama, but when does the school year end?

Question

and should i start filling out applications for next year (1st grade) now?

Answer 1

School gets out around Dec. 15th.  The application process depends on the school.  You should contact the school(s) now to find out about their waiting list.  

Note, some private schools go by the US calendar of Aug - May/June.

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Answer 2

I am not Sure. I think November

Answer 3

The school year ends around the middle of December, in some years (not many) when there have been teacher strikes it has ended later (late December or beginning of January). School this year will start in late Feb. for Public Schools and late March for Private Schools. I am presuming you will attend the later.

Do follow Cary advise and enroll as soon as possible, some schools already have waiting lists (it is sometimes harder to get into a good school here in Panama than a college in the states... and I am talking about a Panamanian student).

To share an anecdote with you, I tried to enroll my 2 year old daughter (yes... 2 years old!) something that should be easy right because she was going to "maternal" (it is like pre-pre kinder garden), and we had to talk to 3 schools (private) before they took her in in..... She even had to do a test?!! for gods sake.

Not trying to scare you, just letting you the ground rules, I am sure you will do fine and get a good school for your kid. Just make sure you do it as soon as possible....

Good luck!!!

Answer 4

December.