Los Rios ES History
Opened: 1963
Closed: 1999
Los Rios Elementary School was made up of three single-story concrete buildings and one modified trailer. All facilities were air-conditioned. Los Rios was located between Albrook Air Force Station and Ft. Clayton Army Base and was near Panama City and Balboa. Los Rios Elementary School was one of the few DoDDS-Panama schools which was located in a Canal Area townsite. The school was located on a little knoll that gave students and faculty the opportunity to view ships that were transiting the canal.
Until 1989, when the military drawdown began, Los Rios Elementary School averaged approximately 300 students in kindergarten through grade six. The school enrollment for the 1981-82 school year was 325 students. Most grade levels had two classes. The principal was Mr. George Gercich. For the 1989-90 school year, the school enrollment fell to a low of 224 students. Students were sponsored by DoD, Army, Air Force, Panama Canal Commission, and other approved tuition sponsors.
Extracurricular programs at the school included folk dancing, music appreciation, and after school science classes. A talent show, Enrichment Fairs, and music programs provided students with opportunities to share their talents and learning.
Source: Schooling in the Panama Canal Zone 1904-1976, DoDDS Panama 1979-1989, and DoDDS School Information Guides