Admissions at Gaia School

Now Accepting Applications for the 2025–2026 School Year
September 2025 – June 2026

At Gaia School, we offer a holistic Waldorf-inspired education rooted in nature, creativity, and human connection. Our admissions process is designed to ensure that families who share our values and educational philosophy enjoy a smooth and meaningful transition into our learning community on the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica.

If you're searching for an international school in Costa Rica that honors childhood, supports emotional development, and nurtures creativity, we invite you to begin the admissions process below.

Admissions Process

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

You may complete the application form in one of the following ways:

  • Online Form (Recommended): Fast and easy to submit.

  • PDF Form: Download, complete, and send via email.

  • Personal Appointment: Schedule a visit or call with our Admissions Manager to complete the form together.

➡️ Be sure to choose the correct application form based on your child’s age group and preferred language.
[Access Application Forms here]

Submitting the wrong form may delay the process. Contact us if you need guidance.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

All applicants must submit a complete file to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

📎 [View the full list of Required Documents]

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee & Submit All Documents

  • A $100 application fee (per child) is required.

  • Attach the payment receipt along with all required documents in a single email for efficiency.

  • Subject line: ADMISSION – [Child’s Name] – [Grade Applying To]

  • 📩 [View Payment & Bank Details here]

Step 4: Parent Interview

Once we’ve received your completed application and fee:

  • Pre-K & Kindergarten: Interview with both parents/legal guardians and the child.

  • Grades 1–7: Interview with the parents/legal guardians only.

👥 Both parents or guardians should attend. If only one has legal custody, documentation may be requested. This conversation helps us understand your family’s values and answer any questions you may have.

Step 5: Five-Day Trial Period

All applicants must complete a mandatory 5-day trial to ensure a good fit with our school environment.

  • Preferred timing: Before June 1, 2025.

  • If not possible: The first two weeks of the school year will serve as the trial. Enrollment is confirmed only upon successful completion.

Step 6: Enrollment Confirmation

If the trial period is successful and both your family and our teachers feel Gaia School is the right fit, we will send you an official Acceptance Letter.

To finalize enrollment:

  • Sign the Educational Services Contract

  • Pay matriculation and materials fees

Your child’s place at Gaia School will be secured once these steps are completed.

Please click HERE to access more information and all the documents you need.

🔍 Why Choose Gaia School?

  • Waldorf-inspired curriculum in English and Spanish

  • Located in nature-rich Manzanillo-Betel, Costa Rica

  • International and local families

  • Emphasis on emotional development, creativity, and connection

  • No screens, no rush — just childhood honored

TUITION FEES

At Gaia School, we are committed to offering a high-quality, nature-based education inspired by the Waldorf approach. Below you’ll find an overview of the tuition costs and enrollment fees for the upcoming school year (September 2025 – June 2026).

Our school is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's Blue Zones, and welcomes both international and local families seeking holistic education in Costa Rica.

One-Time Enrollment Fees (Per Child):

  • The Application Fee of $100 is required at the time of submission.

  • The Matriculation Fee and Materials Fee are due in full for all students at the time of enrollment, regardless of entry date. These fees are mandatory prerequisites for enrollment.

Application fee

$100

Matriculation fee

$320

Materials fee

$420

Tuition for the Academic Year 2025 - 2026:
Early Childhood (Pk-7th grade)

Yearly fee

Monthly fee
(12 months)

$10380

$865

Families who choose to pay the full annual tuition in one installment receive a 5% discount.

Sibling Discount

We offer a 10% tuition discount for each additional child from the same family.

Annual Adjustments

Please note:

  • Tuition and enrollment fees are non-refundable.

  • Fees may increase by approximately 5% annually.

📬 Need More Information?

If you are looking for a Waldorf-inspired international school in Costa Rica with transparent pricing and a personalized admissions process, we invite you to reach out.

📩 Contact our Admissions Manager for any questions or assistance: contact@gaiaschoolcr.org. 

VISITS

Interested in enrolling at Gaia School in Costa Rica? We offer weekly opportunities for parents to visit our campus and learn more about our Waldorf-inspired education.

Visit days:

  • Tuesdays · 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Fridays · 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

📩 To schedule a visit, please complete the School Visit Form or email us at contact@gaiaschoolcr.org.

Note: Visits are for parents only. Students will explore the school during their 5-day trial period as part of the admissions process.