FAQs
What is unique about La Paz’s scholarship program?
La Paz provides a world-class, bilingual education that graduates informed, mindful, compassionate lifelong learners. The core focus of the curriculum is to challenge students to think independently, question paradigms, and learn through experience, not rote memorization. This is a paradigm shift in education, especially in Latin America and Costa Rica. La Paz students are equipped to think independently, problem solve, develop enduring solutions, and be leaders in their communities thanks to a program focused on balancing open-minded intellectual discourse with the development of personal, emotional and social skills of each child.
How is La Paz scholarship students/families supported?
Since La Paz operates as a non-profit co-operative, each scholarship family is asked to contribute a small amount of money per year in order to ensure a sense of ownership and investment in their child’s education. In addition to financial commitments, all families (including sponsored families) are asked to donate a set number of cooperative hours to the school each term: this volunteerism fosters an enriched academic environment for our students, gives all La Paz families a sense of purpose and ownership, and builds strong community connections in our area. Scholarship students and families are in constant contact with the scholarship director who makes ongoing home visits, organizes the parent volunteer hours, addresses any concerns, and communicates with the family and teachers throughout the year. Scholarship students and their families are integral to the La Paz community. Parents are proud of the success of their children, grateful for the educational opportunity, and deeply invested in the school community.
How much does a full scholarship cost to support?
Full scholarships include transportation, lunch, school supplies, and special services for a total amount of $12,000.
How are La Paz scholarship students selected?
The majority of scholarship students are welcomed to the La Paz community in their lower primary years. This means that the admissions process does not focus on aptitude, rather it seeks out families who are willing to support their child’s education at La Paz.
The selection process for scholarship students is rigorous and comprehensive. The La Paz Scholarship Committee conducts interviews and home visits and carefully considers factors such as the family’s economic need, family support/involvement, and future family goals. Scholarships are renewed annually based upon the student’s academic achievement, attendance, behavior, financial need and fulfillment of family cooperative hours.
Is my donation Tax Deductible?
La Paz Community School is recognized as a non-profit association in Costa Rica. In addition, La Paz is partnered with La Paz Global, a 501(c)3 registered non-profit organization in the United States (EIN# 42-1649091). As a result, donations made in the USA are tax-deductible and donations made in CR may be claimed as expenses.
Is there a minimum amount that I have to donate in order to support the program?
No. The La Paz Scholarship Program gladly supports donations of any amount. Additionally, you can choose to make a single donation or a recurring donation on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
I want to learn more. What other resources are available to me?
The best way to get answers to your direct questions is to talk to us. We welcome open and transparent dialogue with all donors and those interested in becoming a donor. Please email us at SCHOLARSHIP@LAPAZSCHOOL.ORG and we will be in touch with you shortly. Regardless of where you are located in the world, we will connect with you. In the meantime, please take a moment to review our annual scholarship program profile here.
