Homeschooling in Panama, Central America

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Homeschooling in Panama, Central America

by Troy Beverly
(el paso, tx, u.s.)

Hello! I'm new to the whole concept of homeschooling and I would like to know what I would have to do to sign my child up for homeschooling, since we're moving to Panama in Central America.

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Homeschooling in Panama, Central America

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Jul 25, 2009
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Homeschoolers are already there
by: Genia Quetel

We just left Panama last year, and homeschooled while living there. My husband was working for the US Embassy at the time. You can contact the other homeschoolers there on their Yahoo group. I met a few of them, but they are all scattered across Panama. You can find a few of them at Excedra Books around 10am most days in the cafe, they sell lots of books in English. I can't remember what street it's on.

There's a store there call UltraCom that sells educational materials and office supplies. This store is a homeschoolers dream come true. If they don't have it, you don't need it. It's located at the corner La Paz and Transismica. Join PriceSmart ( the local Sams club )so that you can get good deals on meats and other American goods.

Conway is the Latin American Target. Clothes are cheap in Panama, but finding appropriate girls clothing is going to be a challenge ( if you have girls ). You'll see what I mean when you get there. The culture is really different.

Don't miss Summit Park, Gamboa Spa and Resort, and the Children's Science Museum. El Valle is beautiful and not very expensive. If you like water parks El Campo is bugdet friendly.

There are some words of caution though. There are only 2 classes there: rich and poor. Crime is pretty high. You will see children selling goods in the middle of the roads between stop lights, so be careful how you drive in the daytime.

The police department is corrupt so try not to get into a traffic accident. Many people just pay off the other driver at the scene. It can take up to 6 hours for them to arrive on the scene.

Multiplaza and Multiplaza Mall are expensive. Allbrook Mall makes everyone check all bags at a bag drop off before entering any stores. Theft is high at Allbrook.

The Chiva buses ( brightly colored school buses )are dangerous, so watch out for them while driving and walking at all times. Traffic is horrific in the heart of the city at rush hour, and all night Friday and Saturday nights.

The good news is the people are friendly. They have a low murder rate ( there aren't many guns in Panama ). Children are fairly safe there. The food is good, and fresh at all times. They were cleaning up the harbor while we were living there. There are plenty of playgrounds for the kids to play.

The Causeway is great for having dinner out on the water, and entertainment there is fantastic. There's am awesome market that sells crafts not too far from the Causeway that you just have to go too.

In spite of it all, we loved it there and hope to go on vacation at El Valle again soon.

Take Care,
Genia Quetel

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Jul 25, 2009
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Submitted by: Genia Quetel

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We just left Panama last year, and homeschooled while living there. My husband was working for the US Embassy at the time. You can contact the other homeschoolers there on their Yahoo group. I met a few of them, but they are all scattered across Panama. You can find a few of them at Excedra Books around 10am most days in the cafe, they sell lots of books in English. I can't remember what street it's on. There's a store there call UltraCom that sells educational materials and office supplies. This store is a homeschoolers dream come true. If they don't have it, you don't need it. It's located at the corner La Paz and Transismica. Join PriceSmart ( the local Sams club )so that you can get good deals on meats and other American goods. Conway is the Latin American Target. Clothes are cheap in Panama, but finding appropriate girls clothing is going to be a challenge ( if you have girls ). You'll see what I mean when you get there. The culture is really different. Don't miss Summit Park, Gamboa Spa and Resort, and the Children's Science Museum. El Valle is beautiful and not very expensive. If you like water parks El Campo is bugdet friendly. There are some words of caution though. There are only 2 classes there: rich and poor. Crime is pretty high. You will see children selling goods in the middle of the roads between stop lights, so be careful how you drive in the daytime. The police department is corrupt so try not to get into a traffic accident. Many people just pay off the other driver at the scene. It can take up to 6 hours for them to arrive on the scene. Multiplaza and Multiplaza Mall are expensive. Allbrook Mall makes everyone check all bags at a bag drop off before entering any stores. Theft is high at Allbrook. The Chiva buses ( brightly colored school buses )are dangerous, so watch out for them while driving and walking at all times. Traffic is horrific in the heart of the city at rush hour, and all night Friday and Saturday nights. The good news is the people are friendly. They have a low murder rate ( there aren't many guns in Panama ). Children are fairly safe there. The food is good, and fresh at all times. They were cleaning up the harbor while we were living there. There are plenty of playgrounds for the kids to play. The Causeway is great for having dinner out on the water, and entertainment there is fantastic. There's am awesome market that sells crafts not too far from the Causeway that you just have to go too. In spite of it all, we loved it there and hope to go on vacation at El Valle again soon. Take Care, Genia Quetel

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Jul 25, 2009
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You don't have to sign up
by: Genia Quetel

I forgot to tell you that you don't have to fill out a letter of intent. Contact HSPanama-owner@yahoogroups.com Deysi Walton was the coordinator. She's in the states now, but she's still in contact with some of the members.

A word of caution: it's not illegal to homeschool in Pamana, but it's not legal either. It's in limbo. It's better to not let yourself be a blip on the radar. Think American homeschoolers in the early 70' and 80's. If you go the Minister of Education, they will tell you that you can't, but that's not legal either. If push comes to shove, then you can enroll your child in distance learning and it won't be a problem at all. Treat it as a don't ask, don't tell situation.

Take care,
Genia Quetel

Aug 11, 2009
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Homeschooling in Panama,How do I start
by: naomi egosi

Hi, we just moved to Panama as well and am looking into homeschooling my 7 year old son. I am also a first timer so I have no experience and am a little nervous about it.... Any insight? SHould I go online and order books for his grade level? I do not even know where to start. ANy help would be appreciated! :-)

Aug 11, 2009
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Curriculum Suggestion for 7yo
by: Heather

Hi Naomi,
Would you be interested in Christian-based or secular homeschooling materials, or does it matter?

Aug 11, 2009
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Curriculum for 7 yr old
by: Anonymous

Hi Heather-

We are a Jewish family so secular would probably be best.
Are you in Panama? I am really a little nervous about starting since I have no experience with homeschooling but have heard nothing but great things about it!

Sep 17, 2009
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We're coming to Panama in January 2010, as homeschool family, would love any insights any could give us!
by: Stacey Martinez

We travel extensively and LOVE the opportunity to study the areas we visit prior to arriving. We are most often travelling with our kids on cruise ships, so we don't stay in ports long, so we want to get to the best stuff in the shortest time! This time we're stopping at Gatun Lake & Cristobal in January 2010. Anyone have suggestions for our family? Reading... Resources... Online stuff... Don't miss when you get there stuff... we're open to it all! Francisco and Stacey Martinez email: thedancefamily@verizon.net Thanks!

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Homeschooling in Panama, Central America

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