Educational Philosophy
- An international learning community comprises teachers, staff, students, and parents who are committed to the formation of GLOBAL CITIZENS prepared to face the challenges of living in and contributing to an increasingly globalized world.
- LEARNING is an active and lifelong process in which all members of our educational community participate and strive for excellence.
- A well-rounded education includes logical reasoning, languages, artistic sensitivity, social awareness, physical and mental health, and critical thinking. It allows for the nurture of each person's special interests, qualities, and talents through real-life learning EXPERIENCES and diverse educational OPPORTUNITIES.
- The acquisition of SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE should be applied to the development of a social conscience and a commitment to peace, democracy, cultural diversity, and service to humanity.
- A stimulating learning ENVIRONMENT includes a safe, comfortable, and attractive campus, and a supportive and happy atmosphere.
- The continuous practice of VALUES shapes the moral-ethical and spiritual character of each person.
Objectives
- To promote the development of the investigative spirit using scientific and technological tools.
- To provide a challenging international academic program.
- To prepare fully bilingual students in English and Spanish.
- To promote international-mindedness and cross-cultural experiences.
- To foster a commitment toward conservation and sustainability of natural resources.
- To implement strategies leading to responsible behaviors in the areas of sexuality, alcohol, and drugs.
- To promote health and balance among mind, body, and spirit in a safe, happy, and supportive learning environment.
- To engage students through an interdisciplinary approach to learning.
- To reinforce the concept that learning can be fun.
- To stimulate creativity, reflection, and critical thinking as part of the process of gaining knowledge and achieving excellence.
- To strengthen self-confidence, autonomy, and a desire to learn in an environment of respect and freedom.
- To foster leadership qualities and social commitment.
- To prepare students for career decision-making and support them in seeking admission to the college of their choice.
Approach to Learning and Teaching
In order to achieve this, At Pan-American School we develop students:
- Self-management skills to become independent learners able to develop their own lines of inquiry and their learning journey.
- Research skills, to be able to seek out, evaluate, understand, and apply new knowledge and learning in new settings.
- Thinking skills, to become critical thinkers.
- Communication skills, to communicate in different languages and approaches, depending on the context.
- Social skills, including face to face and using online learning platforms.
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
The program emphasizes an inquiry and play-based approach to learning and exploring our world. Each student has a unique learning and developmental journey. Our classrooms and curriculum are designed to connect with the natural world, provide flexible and engaging opportunities to captivate the children, and give the students agency over their learning and growth. Student academic, social, and emotional growth is documented in a digital portfolio with students and teachers deciding together the videos, photos, anecdotes, writing samples, and reflections on the child’s learning.
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Our PYP program ensures that learning is engaging, relevant, challenging, and significant. This is accomplished using a transdisciplinary approach between, across, and beyond subjects. The curriculum is organized into six transdisciplinary themes established by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
The curriculum is based on the Middle Years Programme, a challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. The MYP curriculum includes eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education. It is designed to support students as they transition from Primary School to High School, encouraging them to think analytically, rise to new academic challenges, identify personal strengths, work effectively in teams, and continuously strive for success.
Students start the day with a Fitness Program, in which they choose the activity that best suits their interests and needs.
Diploma Programme (DP)
The DP is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay.
Sports & Fitness
We are proud of Pan-American School’s record of national and international trophies.
Student Life
Education Beyond the Classroom and Learning Support Services
- Library and Research Center
- Science Laboratories
- Audio Recording Studio
- Sports Facilities
- Co-curricular classes and Opportunities
- Learning Support Services
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- College and Career Counseling
- Learning Specialists
- Service Learning and Community, Activity and Service (CAS)
- Ecological Programs
- Health Services
- Language Support
- Tutoring and Special Needs Services
- Maker space
Model United Nations (MUN)
School Awards
At Pan-American School, outstanding performance aligned with our philosophy, values and the attributes of the IB Learner Profile are recognized through various awards. Each year, the Mister Scholarship is awarded to the student who best exemplifies PAS values, and has demonstrated excellence in their learning over the course of their Middle School years (Grade 6 to Grade 8). Current students who are recipients of this award are:
- Guillermo Pérez Magno (2018), class of 2022
- Carlos Alejandro González Bachmann (2019), class of 2023
- Mariana Hernández Bueno (2020), class of 2024 and
- Marianne Weber Arroyo (2021), class of 2025
A number of additional awards celebrate student development across a range of areas.