{"id":816,"date":"2026-02-26T14:27:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T14:27:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gaiaschoolcr.org\/?page_id=816"},"modified":"2026-07-15T21:35:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T21:35:25","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gaiaschoolcr.org\/es\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Preguntas frecuentes"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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FAQs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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1. Dates and Deadlines <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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We accept applications year-round, subject to space availability. This may vary during annual school breaks.\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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2. How long will I have to wait before I know if my child has been offered a place at Gaia School? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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You can expect to receive a decision within 2 weeks after completing all required steps in the admissions process.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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3. What are the steps of the admissions process? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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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<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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4. What does the five-day trial period involve? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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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\u00a0Admissions Process<\/a>\u00a0section.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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5. Is it possible to enroll my child for a partial year? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yes. Partial-year enrollment is possible, subject to space availability, with a minimum commitment of three months.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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6. Fees for Partial-Year Enrollment (2026\u20132027) <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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-Tuition: $1,250 per month, per child
\n-Matriculation and Materials Fee: paid in full, regardless of the enrollment period

\nAll 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.\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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7. Is English required for enrollment? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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While English proficiency is beneficial and recommended, it is not a requirement for admission.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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8. How do you handle students with special needs or learning differences? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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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.

\nWe work closely with families to understand each student\u2019s 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.
\nFor further questions or to discuss your child\u2019s needs, please contact our admissions team at admissions@gaiaschoolcr.org.\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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9. What calendar does Gaia use? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Gaia School follows an international academic calendar, with the school year running from late August through mid-June.\nFor key dates, holidays, and school events, please refer to our School Calendar:\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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10. Does the school offer transportation? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yes. We offer transportation routes covering San Isidro, Mal Pa\u00eds, Santa Teresa, Hermosa, Santiago, and Manzanillo.

\nFor more details on availability, schedules, and pricing, please contact Ivannia Fern\u00e1ndez at ivannia.fernandez@gaiaschoolcr.org.\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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11. Does Gaia School provide meals and snacks? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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We are pleased to offer a\ngluten-free, sugar-free, and plant-based menu. Our meals are made with fresh, whole, organic ingredients and are\ncarefully designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing children.

\n\n\nThe food program fee is included in the monthly tuition.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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12. What are the class sizes? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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-Pre-K: maximum of 12 students per class
\n-All other grades: maximum of 18 students per class\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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13. Why Waldorf? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u201cThe need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility \u2013 these three forces are the very nerve of Education.\u201d \u2013 Rudolf Steiner

\nWaldorf 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.

\nWaldorf 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.

\nFor older students, advanced subjects are often taught through project-based learning, connecting academic content with real-world application.\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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14. Is Waldorf similar to Montessori? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Both Waldorf and Montessori are alternative approaches to education, but they differ in important ways.

\nWaldorf 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..

\nMontessori 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.\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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15. When do Waldorf schools introduce reading? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Formal reading instruction typically begins around ages 6 to 7, usually in first grade.

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

\n\nThis approach reflects the understanding that reading readiness emerges from a well-integrated developmental process, rather than being introduced prematurely.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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16. Are Waldorf schools religious? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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No. Waldorf schools are non-sectarian and non-denominational, and they welcome children from all cultural and religious backgrounds.

\nWhile 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.\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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17. Where do the teachers come from? Are they Waldorf trained? Do they have degrees? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Our teaching team is diverse and international, with educators from different countries, many of whom have strong roots in Costa Rica.

\nAll of our teachers hold university degrees. Some come with Waldorf certification, while others are experienced educators who receive ongoing Waldorf mentorship and training.

\nEach year, teachers participate in continuous professional development, including:

\n-Annual Waldorf teacher training, both locally and internationally

\n-A dedicated professional development week every February at Gaia School, led by experienced Waldorf educators\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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18. Is Gaia implementing a bilingual program? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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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.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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19. Will Gaia School have a high school program? When will it start? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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At present, Gaia accepts students from Pre-K through 6th grade and plans to add one grade per year until reaching 12th grade.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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20. Do colleges recognize and accept Waldorf high school graduates? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yes. Colleges and universities around the world recognize and accept Waldorf high school graduates.
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21. Which accreditations will the school have? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Gaia plans to pursue both Costa Rican accreditation through MEP and international certifications such as Waldorf and SACS, among others.
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22. How much do tuition and enrollment fees increase each year? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Gaia School is a non-profit institution committed to offering high-quality education at cost.
\nTo support long-term sustainability, the school anticipates annual tuition adjustments in line with inflation, typically between 5% and 10% per year.\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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23. What is the school\u2019s strategic plan in terms of growth, teachers, grades, students, and programs? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Gaia continues to develop its educational program in response to campus growth, community interest, and the school\u2019s\nability to integrate qualified teachers and staff.\n\nTo learn more about our development, recent milestones, and projections, we invite you to review our Annual Report<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tView Report<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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24. What is the short-term and long-term plan for the financial success of the school? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Gaia School was established as a non-profit association. All tuition and donations are reinvested into the school.
\nIn 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.\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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25. Does Gaia School offer scholarships or financial aid <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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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\u00a0Financial Aid<\/a>\u00a0section.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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26. Is the Gaia School campus secure? <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yes. The safety and security of students, staff, and visitors are a top priority at Gaia School.
\nThe campus includes 24-hour security provided by an external company registered with Costa Rica\u2019s Ministry of National Security. Gaia continuously evaluates and improves its safety protocols to maintain a secure learning environment.\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t