La Paz Community School (La Paz), located in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica, is a trailblazing educational model seeking international educators. Founded in 2007, the school has spent 17 years refining a dual-immersion, experiential learning program. This innovative approach empowers students to develop critical skills such as analytical thinking, multicultural empathy, and creativity, all essential for fostering harmony within their personal lives, communities, nations, and the world at large.
At La Paz, students from diverse communities in Costa Rica and around the globe come together to learn and grow into creative, multilingual, compassionate, and responsible global leaders. General Director and Co-founder Abel P. McClennen says of the school’s mission:
We believe that pre-K-12 education must be a beacon for a better version of shared humanity that promotes compassion and mutual understanding, thus connecting diverse communities so they may learn from each other and grow together.
As an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, La Paz offers students a rigorous and meaningful academic experience deeply rooted in both the La Paz Peace Practices and the IB learner profile. These frameworks help students build connections to themselves, their families, their communities, and the wider world.
From preschool through 12th grade, the curriculum emphasizes the arts, physical movement, and Anchor Projects as essential components. The arts, integral in developing creativity, innovation, and cultural awareness, prepare students to become future-focused leaders. Student-led Anchor Projects encourage hands-on service learning that addresses community challenges, promotes sustainability, and cultivates essential 21st-century skills. Equally emphasized is physical movement, helping students understand their bodies, adopt healthy lifestyles, and promote overall well-being. This holistic approach ensures that La Paz students are equipped to make a positive impact globally.
Teachers at La Paz collaborate with the on-site Behavior and Education Support Team (BEST), a group of experts providing vital support to students and families in nurturing each child’s unique abilities. The diverse experiences of students, through curricular and extracurricular initiatives, foster dialogue and holistic growth within a dynamic and supportive learning environment.
La Paz is currently operating at full capacity, with around 620 students—75% of whom are Costa Rican—spanning Early Childhood to Grade 12, across two campuses. Approximately 69% of the teaching staff are also Costa Rican. Authentic learning experiences, delivered through experiential and hands-on curricular and extracurricular activities, enable students to develop a strong sense of place and global perspective.
La Paz hires certified single teachers and considers teaching couples, including those with a non-teaching partner, as well as newly certified candidates. Interns seeking international teaching experience are also welcome. Teachers must hold an academic degree in the subject they are teaching. In Costa Rica, there is no age limit to obtain a work visa.
Overseas teaching benefits include an annual $2,500 allowance for housing or air flights. The tuition benefit offers an 80% discount for the first two children and 100% for the third. Local health insurance, including long-term disability, is fully covered. La Paz provides professional development opportunities to support staff growth.
To access La Paz Community School’s profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of any vacancies, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
