The Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco) monitored the tuition and annuity costs of private schools for the 2027 school year, with information collected from more than 200 private educational centers nationwide.
For the primary level, 183 schools have data comparable to 2026. According to the information provided by the centers, enrollment for 2027 ranges between $70 and $2,223.33while annuities range from $450 up to $7,225depending on the school and the province.
In registration, 133 of the 183 comparable schools, equivalent to 73%, will maintain the same cost or reported decreases by 2027. The other 50 recorded increases. The largest individual increase was $207.50, equivalent to 65.4%.
Among the most relevant increases are the Santa Monica Bilingual Academyin Coclé, with $207.50 (65.4%); he Isaac Rabin Schoolin Central Panama, with $200 (9.9%), and the Caribbean International Schoolin Colón, with $150 (8%).
The rest of the increases in enrollment were between $0.51 (0.2%) and $109.45 (40.5%).
Annuities also register increases
In the case of primary annuities, 137 of the 183 comparable schools, about 75%, will maintain the same cost or reported reductions versus 2026.
The amounts reported range from $450 at the Teresa de Jesús Bilingual School, in Panama East, up to $7,225 at the Colegio de Panamá, in Central Panama.
In primary school, 132 schools showed no variation, while 46 reported increases and five decreased. The largest individual increase was $755, equivalent to 54.7%.
Among the most significant increases in annuity are Oxford International Schoolwith $755 (14.9%); Athena Institutewith $500 (15.6%), and Royal College of Panamawith $425 (9%).
Variations by educational level
Acodeco monitoring also analyzed costs by educational level in Central Panama, where 55 private schools were considered.
In enrollment, for preschool (kindergarten), 36 schools will maintain their costs, 15 reported increases and three decreases. In primary school, 35 will have no variation, 15 will increase and four will reduce their prices.
In pre-media, 32 schools will maintain their costs, 16 reported increases and four decreases. In middle or high school, 33 will maintain prices, 19 registered increases and four decreases.
In general terms, between 69% and 72% of the educational centers in the sample, depending on the level analyzed, did not present increases in their tuition costs for 2027.
Among the most notable enrollment increases in Central Panama are those of Isaac Rabin School, with $200 in preschool and primary school; Colegio Javier, with $51 in preschool and $63.50 in primary, and Escuela Americana, with $65 in preschool and $50 in primary.
Decreases were also recorded. In preschool, CEBG Monte de Sión El Buen Pastor reduced $35, María Inmaculada International School $30 and The Oxford School $20. In primary school, in addition, the San Judas Tadeo Parish School reported a reduction of $10.
In pre-media, 32 of 52 comparable schools, equivalent to 62%will maintain the 2026 costs. Among the increases are Isaac Rabin School, with $200 (8.6%); Ganexa Fine Arts Academy, with $90 (19.6%), and Javier College, with $45.50 (7.4%).
In middle or high school, 56 comparable data were obtained. Of these, 33 showed no change and 19 schools reported increases of between $10 and $200.
Annuity: majority will maintain prices
For annuity, up to 54 comparable data were obtained for the period 2027/2026. In preschool, 38 of the 54 schools will maintain their costs, while 16 reported increases.
The most relevant increases were those of Oxford International School, with $530 (10.5%); Atenea Institute, with $500 (18.2%)and Academia Bilingüe La Medalla Milagrosa and Colegio Real de Panamá, both with $350.
In primary school, 37 of 54 schools showed no variations and 17 reported increases. Oxford International School recorded the largest increase, with $755 (14.9%)followed by Instituto Atenea, with $500 (15.6%), and Colegio Real de Panamá, with $425 (9%).
In pre-media, 36 of 52 schools, equivalent to 69%they will maintain the same costs. Among the increases are Oxford International School, with $1,020 (18.6%); Instituto Atenea, with $500 (14.7%), and Colegio Real de Panamá, with $450 (8.6%).
For middle or high school, 47 comparable data were obtained corresponding to 44 centers. Of them, 32 will maintain the same costs and 15 reported increases. Oxford International School recorded an increase of $1,120 (20.4%); Instituto Atenea and Colegio Real de Panamá, $500 each, and Academia Bilingüe La Medalla Milagrosa, $350 (18.4%).
In general, between 68% and 70% of the sample, depending on the segment, do not present increases in annuity costs.
Admission fee
The monitoring also identified that 42 private educational centers nationwide charge a single admission feewhose amounts range between $15 and $6,000 per student.
Acodeco recalled that tuition and annuity represent only part of the expenses associated with private education. There may be additional costs for extracurricular activities, family fairs, parent associations or other concepts, as well as special discounts.
The entity recommended that parents and guardians review the conditions of the contract for the provision of educational services before formalizing registration and knowing in advance the amounts, dates and payment conditions.
The information collected by Acodeco (www.acodeco.gob.pa) exclusively reflects the tuition and annuity costs reported by private schools and does not constitute an evaluation of the quality of the educational service. Its purpose is to serve as a reference to compare costs and make informed decisions.
