Playa Venao’s

International Schools

Playa Venao has become an increasingly popular destination for expat families seeking a unique and enriching lifestyle. Its laid-back, community-oriented atmosphere, combined with a stunning natural environment, offers an ideal setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The area is known for its world-class surfing, beautiful beaches, and a wide array of outdoor activities, all of which contribute to a healthy and active way of life.

For parents considering a move, the presence of two international schools located in the area of Playa Venao provides a crucial advantage, ensuring a smooth transition and the availability of a quality education for their children.

Playa Venao is home to two unique educational institutions that embrace a holistic approach to learning: The Creating Center and Manglares School. Both offer a break from traditional classrooms, while they each have a distinct approach to their curriculum.

The Creating Center Playa Venao

Tucked in the hills overlooking Playa Venao, The Creating Center offers a quality education in a great location. As an IB Primary Years Programme Candidate School, TCC blends a U.S.-based curriculum with the International Baccalaureate’s global standards, creating a dynamic environment where students grow as curious, confident, and compassionate learners. Rooted in the school’s five pillars—individuality, independence, wholesomeness, community, and love of nature—students experience flexible learning, hands-on enrichment, and a curriculum designed to spark creativity and innovation.

Through its partnership with Edmentum, The Creating Center provides students with an internationally recognized education, carrying both Cognia and College Board accreditation, ensuring doors are open to universities around the world. At TCC, academic excellence and personal growth unfold side by side, allowing children to thrive in a setting where world-class education meets the beauty and freedom of Panama’s Pacific Coast.

Manglares School

Just minutes from Playa Venao and within walking distance of a warm, tight-knit residential project, Manglares Discovery School offers one of the region’s most distinctive educational experiences. Tucked at the entrance of a lush forest, with a waterfall and creek running through campus, Manglares is an internationally (WASC) accredited PK–8 private school that blends academic excellence with hands-on, place-based learning. A top choice for relocating families seeking an international-caliber education in a close-knit, environmentally rich community, Manglares follows the CGC framework—developed by Kevin Bartlett, founder of the IB Primary Years Programme—which emphasizes deep understanding, transferable skills, and real-world application.Students engage in interdisciplinary projects rooted in their surroundings, from mapping biodiversity to building sustainability exhibits. Manglares nurtures the whole child—intellectually, socially, and emotionally—through a child-led approach that values curiosity, compassion, and voice. The forest is a classroom, the community is a collaborator, and learning is a lifelong expedition.

After-School Activities

Outside of school, the kids growing up in Playa Venao stay busy enjoying the wide variety of activities that are available, all of which contribute to a healthy and active way of life. The many options at hand include surfing, futbol, Brazilian jiu jitsu, gymnastics, horseback riding, balet, chess club, footvolley and more.
 
Playa Venao’s 2 international schools are a great advantage for expat families – as well as the many other benefits and conveniences it offers. The tight-knit local community, healthy active lifestyle, and stunning natural environment make Playa Venao a great option for families looking for a safe, welcoming and unique community to live.