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La Paz Community School - Cabo Velas

Costa Rica, Guanacaste

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 1 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 370
Type Co-educational
Opened 2007
Bus Service No
Part of
La Paz Community School
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP)
Taught languages Spanish, English
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

La Paz Community School is a PreK–12, non-profit, dual-immersion school in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, operating on two campuses: Cabo Velas and Tempisque, plus an Events and Sports Center on the Cabo Velas campus. The school teaches in English and Spanish and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for 11th and 12th grades, with a bilingual PreK–12 education that immerses students in two languages and two cultures. Its experiential learning approach brings hands-on, real-world connections to every subject, from science labs and gardens to anchor projects such as managing a chicken coop, greenhouses, and composting. Facilities include air-conditioned classrooms, libraries, science labs, art and music spaces, a stage, and a semi-Olympic pool and arena for sports and performances. The Extracurricular Program spans sports, arts, recreation and culture, and anchor projects feed opportunities for leadership, service, and community impact across grades. Our teachers collaborate with families to support each student's growth everyday.

This campus is part of La Paz Community School

400 mts este del proyecto, Mar Vista, Provincia de Guanacaste, Brasilito, 50308, Costa Rica

The Essentials

La Paz Community School - Cabo Velas has 370 pupils, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
La Paz Community School has two campuses in Guanacaste, Costa Rica: Cabo Velas Campus in Brasilito and Tempisque Campus in Palmira, Carrillo. The Cabo Velas Campus is 400 meters east of the entrance to the Mar Vista Project, Brasilito, Cabo Velas, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste 50308. The Tempisque Campus is 300 meters northwest from the Do IT Center Lagar entrance to Papagayo, Comunidad, Palmira, Carrillo, Guanacaste 50502.

Stages
PreK–12: Bajura (Preschool), Miravalles (Kinder–2nd), Arenal (3rd–5th), Tenorio (6th–8th), Chirripó (9th–12th); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offered.

Type
PreK–12, dual-immersion, non-profit school with two campuses (Cabo Velas and Tempisque).

Pupil Nationality Mix
796 students from 26 countries

Country affiliation
Costa Rica
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The La Paz uniform consists of a La Paz uniform shirt with black shorts, skirts, pants, or skorts. Closed-toed shoes are required; grades 3 and above wear a PE uniform that includes a gray La Paz Movement shirt or Ruta La Paz shirt with Movement shorts or black leggings. On trips or excursions, the La Paz uniform may be required, and Movement days require wearing the Movement kit with changes back to the regular uniform after PE unless it is the last class of the day.

Food Options
La Paz operates its own lunch program, La Cocina de La Paz, Monday through Friday with a monthly menu; families can purchase lunches or students may bring lunch. Microwaves are available and students should bring a water bottle and labeled containers; candy, soda, or food deliveries from unauthorized sources are not permitted.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Directors and operated by the Asociación Escuela Comunal La Paz. Two campuses serve Guanacaste: Cabo Velas and Tempisque. Tuition is approved by the Board for each academic year.
Fees
Application & Enrollment Fees

- New student registration fee (one-time): USD 1,500.
- Annual enrollment fee (Explore program): USD 510.
- Annual enrollment fee (PK3–12): USD 1,185.
- Non‑resident annual fee (students without Costa Rican residency): USD 3,000.

Tuition fees by year group (2026/2027 academic year) — annual, per‑trimester, and per‑month amounts

- Explore (8:00 am – 1:00 pm): Annual USD 5,688; Trimester USD 1,896; Monthly USD 474.
- Explore (8:00 am – 3:00 pm): Annual USD 7,032; Trimester USD 2,344; Monthly USD 586.
- Pre‑K (8:00 am – 1:00 pm): Annual USD 7,116; Trimester USD 2,372; Monthly USD 593.
- Pre‑K (8:00 am – 3:00 pm): Annual USD 8,384; Trimester USD 2,795; Monthly USD 699.
- Kinder / 1st / 2nd grade: Annual USD 10,241; Trimester USD 3,414; Monthly USD 853.
- Grades 3–5: Annual USD 10,617; Trimester USD 3,539; Monthly USD 885.
- Grades 6–8: Annual USD 11,700; Trimester USD 3,900; Monthly USD 975.
- Grades 9–10: Annual USD 11,700; Trimester USD 3,900; Monthly USD 975.
- Grades 11–12: Annual USD 12,171; Trimester USD 4,057; Monthly USD 1,014.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment plan options: Yearly (one full payment at the start of the school year), Trimester (three equal installments), or Monthly (12 equal monthly installments).
- Trimester due dates by campus:
- Cabo Velas: June 30; October 31; February 28.
- Tempisque: July 31; November 30; March 31.
- Monthly schedules by campus:
- Cabo Velas: Monthly payments from June 30 to May 31.
- Tempisque: Monthly payments from July 31 to June 30.
- Late payment policy: A late fee of 2% per month applies if payments are not received within five business days of the due date. The school follows an escalating reminder and fee process for overdue accounts and reserves the right to suspend educational services for unpaid balances.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable; La Paz Community School operates as a day school with on‑campus programs and no residential/boarding option listed.

Other costs and typical additional fees

- Items explicitly not included in tuition: laptop computers and graphing calculators. Families are responsible for those purchases where required.
- Field trips: Field trip transportation is included in tuition except for international excursions; additional trip costs such as entry fees, lodging, food, and other expenses are not included and may be charged per trip. Students may be required to pay separately for certain excursions.
- Lunch program: The school operates a hot‑lunch program (La Cocina de La Paz). Families receive a monthly menu and pay for lunches they choose to purchase; bringing lunch from home is an alternative.
- Uniforms: School‑issued uniform pieces are required for daily wear; all uniform pieces must be school‑issued and families will be charged for replacement uniforms if the school provides one. PE/Movement uniform is required for older grades.
- Miscellaneous charges: Fees may apply for certain field trips, extracurricular activities, lost or damaged items, and other optional services.

Refunds and deposits

- Enrollment payments and key fee payments are non‑refundable: payments of enrollment, non‑resident, new student, and annual/trimester/monthly fees are non‑refundable. The school may retain deposits and fees as specified in the enrollment agreement and handbook. The school may require outstanding balances to be paid even if a student departs.

Fee payment options and banking information

- Accepted payment methods: wire / bank transfer, check deposit, and credit/debit card. The school does not accept cash or in‑office check payments. Electronic invoices and reminders are issued in advance of due dates.
- Bank accounts used for transfers include accounts held in Banco de Costa Rica, Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, and Banco BAC San José under the account name Asociación Escuela Comunal La Paz (bank account details and SWIFT/IBAN information are provided for bank transfers).

Discounts, financial aid and scholarships (fees‑related)

- Early‑bird discount on the enrollment fee: a discount is applied to the enrollment fee for payments made by early deadlines (early enrollment dates differ by campus). A family‑discount policy applies for larger families (for example, a multi‑child discount structure is specified). The school offers financial aid (up to 50% of tuition) and a scholarship program for greater assistance; enrollment and new student fees must be paid in full even when financial aid is granted.

Notes on payment enforcement

- The school employs a sequence of invoice reminders prior to due dates and applies late fees and collection procedures for overdue accounts. Continued non‑payment may result in an obligatory meeting and possible termination of enrollment if agreed payment plans are not met. Outstanding debt remains the responsibility of the family even after departure.
Academics

La Paz Community School - Cabo Velas teaches IB (DP) for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
Bilingual preK-12 education in Guanacaste. Dual Language Immersion goes beyond mastering two languages - it's an immersion into two cultures. Experiential Learning uses hands-on activities to bring lessons to life. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered. Two Guanacaste campuses provide accessible, bilingual, experiential learning.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a Behavior and Education Support Team (BEST) that provides socio-emotional and academic support with specialists in Special Education, School Counseling, and Educational Psychology. Counseling offers individualized and group support focused on prevention and personal development, using the Positive Behavioral Support Model to tailor behavioral plans. Neurodiversity is addressed, and Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy are available to support diverse learning needs. Mindfulness is practiced regularly in Community Meetings and integrated into lessons to develop attention, emotional management, and empathy, with BEST reinforcing these skills. The Peace Practices guide daily acts of compassion and balance, and Career and College Counseling supports students in exploring interests and planning for higher education.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
BEST provides socio-emotional and academic support with specialists in Special Education, School Counseling, and Educational Psychology. Neurodiversity is addressed with targeted strategies for ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other learning differences. Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy are offered to support daily functioning and communication. Individualized Support Plans are developed for each student, with differentiated instruction and classroom interventions. The program uses a Positive Behavioral Support Model and restorative justice to guide behavior and learning.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches in English and Spanish through a Dual Language Immersion program. The Dual Language Immersion goes beyond mastering two languages to an immersion into two cultures, fostering global citizenship. Students enhance language skills through interdisciplinary planning and theme-based content, bridging learning between English and Spanish and exploring similarities and differences. The core curriculum is based on International Baccalaureate and U.S. and Costa Rican standards. La Paz operates on two campuses in Guanacaste, offering bilingual education across both sites.

Mental Wellbeing
Mindfulness is taught and practiced regularly, helping students stay present and develop self-awareness, attention, sensory awareness, and emotional management. Mindfulness activities include breathing exercises, mindful listening, body scans, journaling, nature observation, and mindful reading, integrated into Community Meetings and lessons. The BEST program reinforces these skills by supporting emotional regulation and reflection on learning challenges. Counseling and socio-emotional supports, including positive disciplinary approaches and restorative practices, further support student wellbeing. Peace Practices promote compassionate, balanced behavior and respectful communication within the school community.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is addressed through a formal Student Family Handbook with defined behavior expectations, safety procedures, and incident response. The school utilizes the BEST team to support student safety and wellbeing, using a Positive Behavioral Support Model and restorative justice for conflict resolution. Visitors sign in at the main office and receive a Visitor Pass, with access restricted if safety concerns arise. The handbook covers accident response, insurance requirements, and field trip protocols, and outlines procedures for communicating concerns to families and for due process in serious cases. Restorative justice is the principal approach to addressing conflicts, supported by clear behavioral boundaries for students and adults.
Parent Experience

History
La Paz Community School was founded in 2007 by a group of educators, parents, guardians, and community members who shared a dream to offer an innovative, hands-on, bilingual education in Guanacaste. Operations began with 50 students from Kindergarten to 7th grade, including eight scholarship students, and the first two classrooms were built in loaned facilities in Flamingo, Guanacaste. In 2011, a film crew captured the La Paz campus and local community learning experiences. Today, approximately 750 students from preschool through 12th grade attend on two campuses, representing diverse communities in Costa Rica and around the world. Anchor Projects on the Cabo Velas campus connect students with the environment through year-long, hands-on work such as managing a chicken coop, greenhouses, and gardens.

Community
The Cabo Velas Events and Sports Center provides top-tier facilities, including an arena and a semi-Olympic pool, for students and the community to share sports and cultural experiences. Anchor Projects connect students with the local community, promoting sustainability and 21st-century skills through year-long projects. The Visiting Educator Program and volunteering opportunities invite university and other volunteers to work with La Paz students and teachers. Families participate through the Cooperative Hours program, contributing 18 hours of service annually to support the school.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
La Paz Community School operates two Guanacaste campuses, Cabo Velas and Tempisque, plus an Events and Sports Center on the Cabo Velas campus. The Cabo Velas Campus features air-conditioned classrooms, a nurse on-site, a library, a science lab, BEST (Behavioral and Educational Specialized Team) offices, and multiple covered playgrounds, including a skate ramp and a half-court basketball area, with expansive gardens and spaces for performances and art. The Tempisque Campus offers similar academic facilities, including air-conditioned classrooms, a nurse on-site, a library and science labs, plus a music room and sound studio, an art room and experiential learning spaces. The Events and Sports Center includes an Arena, a semi-Olympic Aquatic Center, and additional facilities for sports and cultural events.

Sports Facilities
The Tiburones athletic program at Cabo Velas and the Pumas Athletic Program at Tempisque provide competitive interscholastic sports that include soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, chess, fencing and more. The Gold Coast League provides tournaments for our teams, and the Ministry of Education supports these competitions. The Arena offers a 1,100-square-meter covered court that can be configured as a basketball court, two volleyball courts or six pickleball courts and is used for gymnastics and cultural events. The Aquatic Center features a semi-Olympic pool for PE and community use, with options for open swim, lessons, water polo and lifeguard training. Tempisque Campus also has a soccer field, a mini-soccer field and track, and a covered basketball court.

Academic Facilities
The Cabo Velas Campus has air-conditioned classrooms, a library, a science lab, BEST offices, a music room and sound studio, a stage for performances, and an art room with an exhibition space, plus experiential spaces such as a composting area, chicken coop, greenhouse, sensory gardens and orchards. The Tempisque Campus offers air-conditioned classrooms, a nurse on-site, a library, science labs, a music room and sound studio, an art room and experiential spaces.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The La Paz Extracurricular Program offers activities for students and the community through sports, The Arts, recreation and culture. The Tiburones athletic program at Cabo Velas and the Pumas Athletic Program at Tempisque provide competitive interscholastic sports programs that include soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, chess, fencing and more. The Gold Coast League provides tournaments for our teams, and students engaged in high-performance Arts or Sports programs outside of school are registered in the La Paz Student-Athlete program to ensure academic balance.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
La Paz Community School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for 11th and 12th grades. Students select six subjects and three core components (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service) to complete the diploma. The program provides breadth and depth of knowledge and supports intellectual, emotional, and ethical development, with study in at least two languages. Assessment includes external and internal components, with a maximum diploma score of 45. Experiential learning and a focus on real-world understanding are integrated into the program.

Arts & Creative
Arts are embedded as a core course from preschool to 12th grade. The Visual Arts program covers art and design across mediums including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and media art, with opportunities to pursue the IB Visual Arts pathway at Standard and Higher Levels. The Music program engages voice, percussion, ukulele, marimba, and electronic recordings to cultivate musical appreciation and creativity. The Drama program develops creativity and communication, preparing students for IB Drama in the upper grades.

Cultural & Language
La Paz provides bilingual preK-12 education across two Guanacaste campuses. The Dual Language Immersion program goes beyond mastering two languages to immersion in two cultures, fostering true global citizenship.

Social & Hobbies
The Extracurricular Program offers activities for students and the community, including sports, the Arts, recreation and culture. The Tiburones athletic program at Cabo Velas and the Pumas Athletic Program at Tempisque provide competitive interscholastic sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, chess, fencing and more. Student athletes balance training with academics, and the community supports La Paz teams through regular games and Gold Coast League tournaments.

Community & Service
Anchor Projects engage students from Kindergarten to 8th grade in activities like recycling, composting, managing the chicken coop, protecting monkeys, conserving water and energy on campus, sustainable agriculture, and gardening. In 9th and 10th grades, students participate in the Pre-CAS program focusing on projects that directly benefit the local community. In 11th and 12th grades, through the IB CAS Program, students design and lead their own projects that have meaningful community impact.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities are fostered through Anchor Projects and the IB CAS program, with students designing and leading their own projects in the upper grades. The CAS program links creativity, activity, and service with leadership development and community impact. The IB Diploma Programme supports high-level thinking, communication, and collaboration skills that prepare students for future study and work.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Mindfulness is practiced regularly through Community Meetings and integrated into lessons, helping students develop self-management, attention, emotional regulation, and ecological awareness. The BEST program uses mindfulness to regulate emotions and reflect on learning challenges, building skills for success. The four Peace Practices guide daily actions to cultivate compassion, balance, environmental stewardship, and effective listening.
Languages

Language Provision
All La Paz students take Language and Literature in both Spanish and English. Group 1 includes English A: Language and Literature and Spanish A: Language and Literature. Group 2 offers English B and Spanish B as language acquisition courses.

Bilingual Teaching
The school provides bilingual preK-12 education in Costa Rica. The program integrates two languages across the curriculum. Dual Language Immersion goes beyond mastering two languages by immersing students in two cultures.

Immersion Programs
La Paz offers a Dual Language Immersion program. The program goes beyond mastering two languages and provides immersion into two cultures. In the IB Diploma Programme, all La Paz students take Language and Literature in both Spanish and English, with English B and Spanish B available in Language Acquisition.
Reputation

Accreditations
MEP (Ministry of Public Education of Costa Rica), International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), Association of Private Education Centers in Costa Rica (ACEP), National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
Admissions

Admissions
Two campuses: Cabo Velas and Tempisque. Requirements to apply include visiting the school, filling out the application form, immunization record, current passport or birth certificate, parent's ID, an essay or drawing, grades from the current year and previous year, teacher recommendation form, a No debt certificate if the student comes from a Costa Rican private school, and documentation confirming the status of the residency application. A tour can be scheduled via the Schedule a Tour link. The school offers two financial assistance programs to ensure education is accessible to all families: Financial Aid, which covers up to 50% of tuition (Enrollment and new student fees must be paid in full), and the Scholarship Program, for families who require more than 50% tuition assistance (Application period January to March; Start of classes in September).

Scholarships
The La Paz Scholarship Program has provided scholarships to more than 100 students, including 34 graduates, from diverse communities in Guanacaste. This donor-funded program supports scholarship families with reduced fees and specialized resources. Scholarships cover 51% to 95% of school fees based on financial need, with each family contributing according to their financial capacity. Holistic support includes educational materials (computers, calculators, school supplies, and reduced or free lunches and uniforms), transportation, on-site scholarship coordinators, parent and family workshops, specialized services, and extracurricular programs. The majority of scholarship students are welcomed to the La Paz community in lower primary years. The selection process is rigorous and includes interviews and home visits, considering factors such as the family's economic need, family support/involvement, and future family goals. Scholarships are renewed annually based on academic achievement, attendance, behavior, financial need, and fulfillment of cooperative hours.
School Events
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