History
Since its founding in 2008, Magen David Academy (MDA) has grown from a small school of 150 students to a prestigious PK through 12th grade educational institution of more than 450 students and 120 staff members from 14 different countries.
Magen David Academy’s warm and welcoming school environment values engagement and participation and fosters individual growth in all aspects. Magen David Academy is the only International Orthodox Jewish School in the region, accredited by Cognia/AdvancEd and its affiliate SACS, with a proud, young history of academic excellence and community involvement. MDA is also accredited by the Panamanian Ministry of Education (MEDUCA).
As most international schools, MDA has a U.S. based curriculum; most of its teaching staff are part of the international learning community and the main instructional language used on campus is English.
In addition, MDA is an active member of the following associations:
- AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN THE AMERICAS (AMISA)
- Panamanian Association of Internationally-minded Schools (PAIS)
MDA teachers enjoy the added benefit of experiencing, learning and participating in school-wide traditions and celebrations from both Jewish as well as Panamanian holidays and festivities.
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Magen David Academy serves the Orthodox Jewish Community of Panama. As such, we strive to create life-long learners by nurturing a strong sense of curiosity combined with the ability to analyze and think independently. We foster excellence by providing a 21st Century education to prepare students to attend universities around the world. To accomplish this goal, we implement a broad and sequential plan of study that emphasizes the development of students into productive and happy citizens of the global community.
Envisioned as a magnet for learning, MDA believes in the extraordinary capacity of children to learn and therefore reach their maximum potential. We aim to provide students with positive, academically challenging and intellectually stimulating learning experiences.
Here, children are inspired to learn, encouraged to play and grow, surrounded by highly qualified teachers in a challenging and familial learning community. Our students gain a strong academic foundation, and grow up to be independent, capable and confident thinkers. They also learn what it means to be members of a community and how to work together and support each other.
Educators are motivated to stay abreast of contemporary research in education and encouraged to use modern methods of instruction as well as maintaining expectations for student learning and individualization of instruction in their teaching.
JUDAIC PHILOSOPHY
The Judaic Program encompasses all grade levels and it provides the child with the foundation for becoming a contributing and successful member of the local and global Jewish community. Emphasis is placed on religious, cultural and language instruction, all in the framework of Modern Orthodox Judaism.
Hebrew language is part of the academic curriculum, taught as a third language (oral, written, and grammar) to all students from First grade through Secondary School.
The Judaic Program is structured in a way that encompasses all educational systems of the school, in order to teach students that Judaism is an integral part of their lives. As a Jewish school, all Jewish observances and holidays are honored and celebrated according to Orthodox Jewish Law.
