Article written: October 2, 2026
How much does private school cost in Panama in 2027? At the primary level, annual tuition ranges from $450 to $7,225, and enrollment fees range from $70 to $2,223.33. That is according to Panama’s consumer protection authority, Acodeco, which collected 2027 prices from more than 200 private schools nationwide.
Most schools are holding prices steady. Of the 183 schools with comparable data for 2026 and 2027, about three in four will keep or lower their fees. The rest are raising them, some by more than 50%.
Panama Private School Fees for 2027 at a Glance
| Fee (primary level) | Lowest | Highest | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition (anualidad) | $450 | $7,225 | $6,775 |
| Enrollment fee (matrícula) | $70 | $2,223.33 | $2,153 |
| Admission fee (42 schools only) | $15 | $6,000 | $5,985 |
The admission fee is a separate one-time charge for new students. Acodeco found that 42 schools charge one, and at the top of the range it is close to a full year of tuition.
How Many Schools Are Raising Fees for 2027?
| Fee | Schools keeping or lowering | Schools raising | Largest increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment fee | 133 (73%) | 50 (27%) | $207.50 (65.4%) |
| Annual tuition | 137 (75%) | 46 (25%) | $755 (54.7%) |
For annual tuition, 132 schools kept the same price, 5 lowered it and 46 raised it, according to TVN’s report on Acodeco’s data.
Which Schools Have the Biggest Increases?
Media reports on Acodeco’s data name several schools with large enrollment fee increases:
| School | Province | 2026 enrollment | 2027 enrollment | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academia Bilingüe Santa Mónica | Coclé | $317.50 | $525.00 | +$207.50 (65.4%) |
| Escuela Adventista de San Andrés | Chiriquí | $103.00 | $165.00 | +$62.00 (60.2%) |
| Colegio Isaac Rabin | Panama City | n/a | n/a | +$200.00 |
For annual tuition, La Estrella de Panamá reported a $500 increase at Instituto Atenea, a rise of 15.6%.
Are Panama City Schools Raising Prices?
Acodeco broke out 55 schools in Panama City. Most are keeping enrollment fees the same, but increases are more common in the upper grades.
| Level (Panama City) | Schools with no change | Schools raising fees |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten | 36 | 15 |
| Primary | 35 | 15 |
| Middle school (premedia) | 32 | 16 |
| High school (media) | 33 | 19 |
Across all levels, between 69% and 72% of Panama City schools left enrollment fees unchanged, and 68% to 70% kept annual tuition unchanged.
What Costs Are Not Included in Tuition?
Acodeco cautioned that enrollment and annual tuition are only part of what families pay. Other common charges include:
- Admission fees for new students, up to $6,000
- Parent association dues
- Extracurricular activities
- Family events and school fundraisers
The agency recommends that families read the education services contract before signing. They should check payment dates and conditions, ask about discounts and compare several schools. Acodeco also noted that its survey covers only the prices schools report. It does not rate the quality of education.
Why School Costs Matter When Choosing Where to Live
For families moving to Panama, the school often decides the neighborhood. Many choose a home based on the commute to class, especially in Panama City, where traffic can turn a short distance into a long drive.
The wide range in fees also matters for the overall budget. The gap between the lowest and highest annual tuition is $6,775 per child, before admission fees and extras. Families comparing Panama City, Panamá Oeste, Coronado or Chiriquí should weigh school fees, housing and commute together.
Casa Solution Can Help
If you are relocating with children, Casa Solution can help you find homes and rentals near the schools you are considering, compare neighborhoods and understand total living costs. Contact our team to start your search.
