How to Homeschool Legally in Panama

Nov 2, 2024

How to Homeschool Legally in Panama

Panama has a legal framework that protects parents’ right to choose home education. Families can notify the Ministry of Education and, in some cases, complete annual evaluations. You can review the law here.

Legal considerations

Scope of compulsory schooling

Article 95 of the Panamanian Constitution states that public education is free at all pre-university levels, and that the first level of schooling, or general basic education, is compulsory.

Legal status

The Constitution of Panama, in Chapter 5 of Title III covering individual and social rights and duties, regulates national education and protects parents’ right to participate in the educational process of their children. Article 94 guarantees freedom of teaching and the right to create private educational institutions, as long as they operate within the legal framework.

Organic Education Law

The Organic Education Law organizes the education system into subsystems. Formal education is divided into three levels:

1. First level of schooling (general basic education): compulsory and free, lasting 11 years and including preschool, elementary school, and lower secondary.

2. Second level of schooling (upper secondary): free and lasting three years.

3. Third level of schooling (higher education): post-secondary, non-university, and university education.

Elementary education is considered an essential function of the State and may not be delegated to individuals or companies pursuing goals that conflict with national stability.

Case law

The law establishes fines for parents or guardians who prevent their children from attending school, and it prohibits work for children under the age of 15 when that work interferes with their right to education.

How are studies accredited?

The Panamanian system contemplates optional annual evaluations for parents who hold a university degree. Accreditation mechanisms may include evaluations and reporting to the Ministry of Education, depending on the rules that apply to each case.

Resources

Associations, networks, and groups

There are homeschool communities on social platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp that provide support and information to homeschooling families in Panama, helping them access shared resources and experiences.

Credits

This article is based on information provided by OLASE (the Latin American Observatory of Learning Without School), with additional sources from HSLDA and the Ministry of Education of Panama.