Recognizing the need for a bilingual, international school in Panajachel, LIFE School (Lake Atitlan International Facility for Education) was established in September 1989 by a handful of parents and educators as an alternative to home schooling.The school was established and continues to be run as a parent association under the leadership of a parent board and the principal. Initially starting with just a few students, it rapidly grew over the years both due to increased international immigration as well as increased amounts of scholarships being offered to the local community. Currently 45% of LIFE students receive some form of financial assistance.LIFE School is unique! It continues to be the only school in Guatemala who provides such unprecedented access to a top-quality, international education to Mayan indigenous children and international students alike.