After completing the Middle Years Programme (MYP) students enter Grade 11, where they can pursue any combination of three possible graduation tracks: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP);  the U.S. High School Diploma (HS); and the Bachillerato en Educación Media Diploma from the Costa Rican Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP). 

The Diploma Programme (DP) aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.  

The DP is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising of Theory of knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and the extended essay.

DP Core

Through the Diploma Programme (DP) core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service.  There are 3 components to the core:

• Theory of knowledge: students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.
• The extended essay: is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.
• Creativity, activity, service: students complete a project related to those three concepts.

6 subject areas

The Diploma Programme allows students to select subjects according to the academic profile of each student, and in relation to this, Pan American School, has been characterized by offering one of the widest subject menus in the country, allowing students to select subjects according to their profile or professional interests. In the 2023-2024 academic year we offer the following subject options:

Core Components from the Diploma Program

1. Theory of knowledge
2. extended essay
3. CAS

Pamoja Courses offered

In our efforts to provide as many course options as possible in the Diploma Programme, we have partnered with Pamoja, the only IB-authorized online provider of Diploma Programme Courses. Pamoja offers 22 online courses for Diploma Programme students and these courses help students pursue a more personalized educational program while also satisfying the requirements of the IBO.

Through a broad offering, we provide the preparation and opportunities to develop abilities and attitudes that will support students to become responsible citizens who find creative solutions to life’s challenges. Theory is combined with practice through research skills, state-of-the-art technology, reflection, critical reading and thinking skills, and oral and written communication. We believe these skills are essential to students’ future academic, professional, and personal success. 

Diploma Programme students start the day with our unique Sports & Fitness Program, in which students choose the activity that best suits their interests and needs. A pillar of our program is Service Learning, where we emphasize the value of direct involvement in developing social awareness through hands-on experiences,  giving time, effort, and passion to improve the lives of others who are less fortunate.

Our student life is varied and encourages student input in the school’s decision-making processes. We encourage involvement in the Student Government and National Honor Society; both organizations carry out activities that encourage service, leadership, and school spirit, and contribute to integration within generations. 

Today’s world requires international-mindedness to understand other societies and cultures. This is accomplished through the ongoing development of the IB Learner Profile as well as through specific activities such as summer programs with reputable colleges, Model United Nations, and the opportunities available through the Association of American Schools of Central America (AASCA) and other international organizations.

For more information about our curriculum, course requirements, and policies, please write to info@panam.ed.cr.