Financial Aid
Financial Aid Application Process
At Gaia School, we are committed to building a socioeconomically diverse community. Our need-based scholarship program supports families whose financial capacity does not fully cover the cost of tuition, while remaining aligned with the values and educational approach of the school.
Scholarships are granted through a thoughtful and transparent evaluation process, and are awarded for a period of two school years.
Step-by-Step Process
- Request the Application Form
To begin the process, families must request the financial aid application form by writing to becas@gaiaschoolcr.org. - Application Submission
Submit the completed application form along with all required financial information and supporting documentation. - Initial Review
Our social worker will review all submitted information within approximately 10 business days and will contact the family to schedule a home visit.
Scholarship
Percentage
We offer scholarships of 25%, 50%, and 75% of the tuition fee. The percentage granted depends on the family’s financial situation, determined through our evaluation process with the Social Worker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the scholarship application process take?
The initial review process takes approximately 10 business days, once:
- All required documentation has been submitted, and
- The home visit with the social worker has been completed
Additional time may be required for the final evaluation and recommendation.
Who can apply for a scholarship?
Scholarships are available to families who demonstrate a genuine financial need and who are aligned with the school’s commitment to providing high-quality education that is accessible to a diverse community.
We receive applications from both local and international families who are part of our school community or wish to join it.
All applications are evaluated through a comprehensive socioeconomic assessment, and the need for financial support must be clearly supported through the submitted documentation and evaluation process.
When can families apply for a scholarship?
The scholarship process takes place during two periods each year:
First cycle:
March to the end of June (for enrollment in the following academic year)
Second cycle:
Mid-October to mid-December
Families are encouraged to apply within these periods to ensure their application can be reviewed on time.
Who conducts the socioeconomic assessment?
The process is carried out by an external social worker, who:
- Reviews the submitted information and documentation
- Conducts a home visit
- Carries out an interview with the family
- Prepares a professional recommendation based on a comprehensive analysis of the family’s situation
What happens if I request a specific scholarship percentage (for example, 100%)?
The percentage awarded is not determined solely by the amount requested, but by the results of the evaluation process.
As a result, the recommendation may be:
- To grant the requested percentage
- To adjust the percentage (increase or decrease it)
- In some cases, not to award a scholarship if the evaluation does not justify it
This is determined based on the information provided and in alignment with the criteria established for each scholarship level.
Can I apply for a scholarship without starting the admissions process?
It is recommended, whenever possible, that the admissions and financial aid application processes be carried
out simultaneously, as they are directly linked and form part of a single, integrated process.
The financial aid process will begin only once:
– The Finance Department has confirmed that the socio-economic assessment fee has been paid directly to the social worker
– All required documentation has been submitted
– This ensures that both processes are aligned and can be reviewed in a timely and coordinated manner.
If I am awarded a scholarship, does that mean I am admitted to Gaia?
No. Admissions and scholarship decisions are independent processes, and one does not determine the outcome of the other.
A student is considered officially admitted only once both processes have been completed and each department has issued its final decision.
This means that:
- Receiving a scholarship does not guarantee admission
- Being admitted does not guarantee receiving a scholarship
Each process is evaluated independently to ensure a fair and comprehensive review.
Contact
For inquiries or more information about our financial aid program, please contact Angie Briceño, our Administrative Director, at becas@gaiaschoolcr.org.
She will be happy to assist with any questions about the process.