Question 1

1. Dates and Deadlines

Accepted Answer

We accept applications year-round, subject to space availability. This may vary during annual school breaks.

Question 2

2. How long will I have to wait before I know if my child has been offered a place at Gaia School?

Accepted Answer

You can expect to receive a decision within 2 weeks after completing all required steps in the admissions process.

Question 3

3. What are the steps of the admissions process?

Accepted Answer

The process includes four steps: online application, family interview, a five-day trial period, and enrollment confirmation. You can see the full details in our Admissions Process section.

Question 4

4. What does the five-day trial period involve?

Accepted Answer

All applicants take part in a five-day trial period, during which the child experiences the rhythm of the school, and both the family and teachers can observe whether the environment feels like the right fit. More details in our Admissions Process section.

Question 5

5. Is it possible to enroll my child for a partial year?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Partial-year enrollment is possible, subject to space availability, with a minimum commitment of three months.

Question 6

6. Fees for Partial-Year Enrollment (2026–2027)

Accepted Answer

-Tuition: $1,250 per month, per child
-Matriculation and Materials Fee: paid in full, regardless of the enrollment period
All students must complete the admissions process, including submission of required documents, a parent interview, and a five-day trial period before enrollment can be confirmed.

Question 7

7. Is English required for enrollment?

Accepted Answer

While English proficiency is beneficial and recommended, it is not a requirement for admission.

Question 8

8. How do you handle students with special needs or learning differences?

Accepted Answer

Gaia School is committed to inclusive education. If your child has a physical, cognitive, or social condition, we ask families to provide documentation from a relevant professional outlining the condition and any specific needs.
We work closely with families to understand each student’s needs and assess whether our available resources can support them appropriately. While we would like to welcome all children, our ability to do so depends on the level of support we are able to provide.
For further questions or to discuss your child’s needs, please contact our admissions team at admissions@gaiaschoolcr.org.

Question 9

9. What calendar does Gaia use?

Accepted Answer

Gaia School follows an international academic calendar, with the school year running from late August through mid-June.
For key dates, holidays, and school events, please refer to our School Calendar:

Question 10

10. Does the school offer transportation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer transportation routes covering San Isidro, Mal País, Santa Teresa, Hermosa, Santiago, and Manzanillo.
For more details on availability, schedules, and pricing, please contact Ivannia Fernández at ivannia.fernandez@gaiaschoolcr.org.

Question 11

11. Does Gaia School provide meals and snacks?

Accepted Answer

We are pleased to offer a
gluten-free, sugar-free, and plant-based menu. Our meals are made with fresh, whole, organic ingredients and are
carefully designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing children.

The food program fee is included in the monthly tuition.

Question 12

12. What are the class sizes?

Accepted Answer

-Pre-K: maximum of 12 students per class
-All other grades: maximum of 18 students per class

Question 13

13. Why Waldorf?

Accepted Answer

“The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility – these three forces are the very nerve of Education.” – Rudolf Steiner
Waldorf education emphasizes developmentally appropriate learning that integrates nature, science, art, music, movement, and interpersonal development. In the early years, learning is highly experiential, and children may spend much of their day outdoors.
Waldorf education is academically rigorous. Although some subjects, such as formal reading, begin later than in conventional schools, students often develop strong academic, artistic, and social capacities in a well-balanced way.
For older students, advanced subjects are often taught through project-based learning, connecting academic content with real-world application.

Question 14

14. Is Waldorf similar to Montessori?

Accepted Answer

Both Waldorf and Montessori are alternative approaches to education, but they differ in important ways.
Waldorf education integrates academics with creativity, imagination, and a strong sense of community. It follows a gentle, teacher-guided approach in which learning unfolds in an age-appropriate and balanced way..
Montessori places more emphasis on self-directed exploration, while Waldorf creates a warm, artistic, and home-like environment where storytelling, movement, and creative expression are central to the learning process.

Question 15

15. When do Waldorf schools introduce reading?

Accepted Answer

Formal reading instruction typically begins around ages 6 to 7, usually in first grade.

In the early years, Waldorf education focuses on movement, play, oral language, storytelling, and sensory experiences.
These elements support neurological development and build the foundation for strong literacy skills.

This approach reflects the understanding that reading readiness emerges from a well-integrated developmental process, rather than being introduced prematurely.

Question 16

16. Are Waldorf schools religious?

Accepted Answer

No. Waldorf schools are non-sectarian and non-denominational, and they welcome children from all cultural and religious backgrounds.
While Waldorf education recognizes a spiritual dimension to human life, it is not affiliated with any church or religious doctrine. The curriculum includes mythology, festivals, and cultural studies from different traditions, encouraging students to develop a broad and inclusive worldview.

Question 17

17. Where do the teachers come from? Are they Waldorf trained? Do they have degrees?

Accepted Answer

Our teaching team is diverse and international, with educators from different countries, many of whom have strong roots in Costa Rica.
All of our teachers hold university degrees. Some come with Waldorf certification, while others are experienced educators who receive ongoing Waldorf mentorship and training.
Each year, teachers participate in continuous professional development, including:
-Annual Waldorf teacher training, both locally and internationally
-A dedicated professional development week every February at Gaia School, led by experienced Waldorf educators

Question 18

18. Is Gaia implementing a bilingual program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gaia School is actively developing a bilingual program that integrates Spanish and English instruction from the earliest grades to support a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Question 19

19. Will Gaia School have a high school program? When will it start?

Accepted Answer

At present, Gaia accepts students from Pre-K through 6th grade and plans to add one grade per year until reaching 12th grade.

Question 20

20. Do colleges recognize and accept Waldorf high school graduates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Colleges and universities around the world recognize and accept Waldorf high school graduates.
The holistic nature of Waldorf education prepares students with strong academic, creative, and critical thinking skills that support success in higher education.

Question 21

21. Which accreditations will the school have?

Accepted Answer

Gaia plans to pursue both Costa Rican accreditation through MEP and international certifications such as Waldorf and SACS, among others.
These processes typically take several years. If specific accreditations are important to your family, please contact the Head of School at brayan.munoz@gaiaschoolcr.org

Question 22

22. How much do tuition and enrollment fees increase each year?

Accepted Answer

Gaia School is a non-profit institution committed to offering high-quality education at cost.
To support long-term sustainability, the school anticipates annual tuition adjustments in line with inflation, typically between 5% and 10% per year.

Question 23

23. What is the school’s strategic plan in terms of growth, teachers, grades, students, and programs?

Accepted Answer

Gaia continues to develop its educational program in response to campus growth, community interest, and the school’s
ability to integrate qualified teachers and staff.

To learn more about our development, recent milestones, and projections, we invite you to review our Annual Report

View Report

Question 24

24. What is the short-term and long-term plan for the financial success of the school?

Accepted Answer

Gaia School was established as a non-profit association. All tuition and donations are reinvested into the school.
In the early years, the costs of land, facilities, and operations are supported by donations. Over time, the goal is for tuition to cover annual operating costs and scholarship programs.

Question 25

25. Does Gaia School offer scholarships or financial aid

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gaia School has a need-based scholarship program, as part of its commitment to building a socioeconomically diverse community. You can learn about the full process in our Financial Aid section.

Question 26

26. Is the Gaia School campus secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The safety and security of students, staff, and visitors are a top priority at Gaia School.
The campus includes 24-hour security provided by an external company registered with Costa Rica’s Ministry of National Security. Gaia continuously evaluates and improves its safety protocols to maintain a secure learning environment.

Preguntas frecuentes

Aceptamos aplicaciones durante todo el año, sujetas a disponibilidad de espacios.
Esto puede variar durante los períodos de vacaciones escolares.

La decisión se comunica aproximadamente dentro de las dos semanas posteriores a completar todos los pasos requeridos del proceso de admisión.

Sí. La matrícula por períodos parciales es posible según disponibilidad de espacios y requiere un compromiso mínimo de tres meses.

Aunque tener conocimientos de inglés es beneficioso y recomendado, no es un requisito para la admisión.

Gaia School sigue un calendario académico internacional, con el ciclo lectivo iniciando a finales de agosto y finalizando a mediados de junio.
Para fechas importantes, feriados y actividades escolares podés consultar nuestro calendario escolar.

Sí. Contamos con rutas de transporte que cubren San Isidro, Mal País, Santa Teresa, Hermosa, Santiago y Manzanillo.

Para más información sobre disponibilidad, horarios y tarifas podés contactar a Ivannia Fernández: ivannia.fernandez@gaiaschoolcr.org

- Pre-K: máximo 12 estudiantes por grupo
- Todos los demás grados: máximo 18 estudiantes por grupo

Sí. Gaia School continúa desarrollando un programa bilingüe que integra español e inglés desde los primeros grados para acompañar una comunidad diversa e inclusiva.

Actualmente Gaia recibe estudiantes desde Pre-K hasta sexto grado y planea agregar un grado adicional por año hasta alcanzar 12.º grado.

Sí. Universidades alrededor del mundo reconocen y aceptan graduados provenientes de escuelas Waldorf.
La naturaleza integral de esta educación prepara a los estudiantes con habilidades académicas, creativas y de pensamiento crítico que apoyan su desarrollo en estudios superiores.

Gaia School es una institución sin fines de lucro comprometida con ofrecer educación de alta calidad a costo real.
Para sostener su crecimiento a largo plazo, la escuela proyecta ajustes anuales alineados con la inflación, generalmente entre un 5% y un 10%.

Comenzá el camino de tu familia en Gaia

Ya sea que estés listo para aplicar, querás visitar nuestro campus o simplemente tengás una pregunta, te invitamos a dar el siguiente paso y conectar con nuestro equipo de admisiones.