By Danielle Finnegan | July 31, 2024 | Guanacaste
Club
Community

Just minutes from the gates of Peninsula Papagayo, La Paz School stands as a testament to the power of diversity and community engagement. This educational institution, known for its inclusive ethos, brings together students from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, fostering a community where commonalities are celebrated over differences. At the heart of the school’s mission is its robust scholarship program, designed to ensure equal opportunities for all students.

The Tempsique campus, the school’s K-12 branch that opened in 2021, is gearing up for a new academic year. This September will welcome 300 students, just 100 shy of its current capacity. Projections suggest that by January 2025, the student body will grow to 315. Tempsique is the second campus under the La Paz banner, with the original campus established in Cabo Velas in 2007. The school boasts a vibrant community representing 21 nationalities and employs 78 teachers, 22 assistants, and 23 other professionals who provide academic and socioemotional support across its two campuses.

A cornerstone of La Paz’s scholarship initiative is the annual fundraiser Ruta La Paz. This year’s event, held at Playa Hermosa, attracted 300 runners, including children, who competed in races of 250 meters, 1 kilometer, or 5 kilometers. Starting at 4 p.m., the event drew participants from across the country. Prizes included hotel stays, and the event received sponsorship from notable supporters like PPGY, a backer for the past three years. The fundraiser successfully amassed over USD 150,000. The next race is slated for May 25, 2025 at Playas del Coco. Details can be found here.

The proceeds from Ruta La Paz support the school’s scholarship program. These funds cover a spectrum of needs, including academics, extracurricular activities, transportation, emotional support, and overnight field trips. Two dedicated scholarship coordinators work tirelessly to assist students and their families, ensuring that scholarship recipients enjoy the same opportunities as their peers. The overarching goal is for these students to graduate, pursue higher education, and return to their communities as agents of change. La Paz Global, a 501c3 organization, organizes events and bolsters the school community. For more information or to get involved, visit lapazglobal.org.

La Paz School’s commitment to community engagement extends beyond its scholarship program. The school offers a variety of programs, including school camps and trimester-based engagements, to foster a sense of belonging and participation. Summer camps are a particular highlight, offering a range of activities for children aged 3 to 12. The upcoming camps are scheduled for August 12-16, August 19-23, December 9-13, and December 16-20.

Mélida Luconi, the Director of Advancement and Admissions, highlights La Paz’s unique appeal: “What’s remarkable about La Paz is that it has become the school where students want to be. They are happy kids. This experience helps students learn how to thrive.” La Paz School is dedicated to nurturing each student’s potential by fostering critical thinking and offering a supportive environment.

For further details or to get involved, visit the La Paz School website.

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