FAQ

“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 philosophy emphasizes a developmentally appropriate education that weaves together an appreciation for nature with the sciences, art, music,  movement and the development of interpersonal skills.  In the early years, student learning is very experiential, and they may spend much of their day outdoors.  We think this approach fits well with the local culture and priorities of those born on the Nicoya Peninsula and those who chose to live here.

Waldorf is academically rigorous.  While some traditional “school” subjects like reading begin later in the Waldorf curriculum, by eighth grade Waldorf students typically are more advanced than their conventionally educated peers.  In addition to excelling in the subjects measured by a standardized test, Waldorf students will likely be far ahead of their peers in the important subjects that aren’t tested, such as art, music and dance.

For older students, we will offer the advanced courses they need (to prepare for an advanced education or a technical career.  Often these subjects are taught through project-based learning, in the same way that they are used in the real world.

Both Waldorf and Montessori are alternative approaches to education. Waldorf uniquely integrates academics with creativity, imagination, and a strong sense of community. With a gentle, teacher-guided approach, learning unfolds naturally, allowing children to develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually in a balanced and age-appropriate way. Academics in Waldorf are rigorous and deeply engaging, introduced at the right time to align with a child’s developmental stage. Through hands-on, artistic, and nature-based experiences, students build a strong academic foundation while fostering a lifelong love of learning. While Montessori encourages self-directed exploration, Waldorf offers a warm, artistic, and home-like environment, where storytelling, movement, and creative expression enrich academics, supporting the child as a whole—mind, body, and spirit.

In Waldorf schools, formal reading instruction begins around age six or seven, typically in first grade. This approach is based on the understanding that early childhood development is deeply connected to movement, play, and sensory experiences. Neurological and developmental research shows that before children are ready for formal academics like reading, they need to develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and oral language abilities, which are essential for literacy.

In the early years, Waldorf education emphasizes storytelling, rhythm, music, art, and hands-on activities to strengthen cognitive development, creativity, and social-emotional intelligence. This holistic foundation ensures that when reading is introduced, children approach it with eagerness, comprehension, and a deep love for learning, rather than memorization or pressure. Studies suggest that children who develop literacy at their own pace often become more fluent, engaged, and confident readers in the long run.

No, Waldorf schools are non-sectarian and non-denominational, welcoming children from all cultural and religious backgrounds. While not affiliated with any church or religious doctrine, Waldorf education recognizes that there is a spiritual dimension to human life and seeks to foster respect, understanding, and appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions. The curriculum integrates world mythology, festivals, and cultural studies, encouraging students to develop a broad, inclusive worldview. Families in Waldorf schools come from a wide range of religious and philosophical backgrounds, creating a diverse and open-minded community.

Our teaching team is diverse and international, with educators from various countries, many of whom have deep roots in Costa Rica and have lived here for many years.

All of our teachers hold university degrees. While some come with Waldorf certification, others are experienced educators who receive ongoing Waldorf mentorship and training.

Every year, our teachers participate in continuous professional development, including:

• Annual Waldorf teacher training courses – both locally and internationally.
• A dedicated professional development week every February at Gaia School – led by experienced Waldorf Master Teachers, providing in-depth training and guidance.

Gaia School is committed to hiring from our local community and investing in high-quality Waldorf education by ensuring our faculty receives the best training and ongoing professional development.

Yes, we plan to expand our program to include high school, which will be built on the same property as our current school. At present, we accept students from Pre-K through 7th grade, and we will add one grade per year until reaching 12th grade.

Yes, colleges and universities worldwide recognize and accept Waldorf high school graduates. Studies indicate that 94% of Waldorf graduates attend college, with 88% graduating or nearing graduation. For example, the Waldorf School of the Peninsula reports that 96% of their graduates proceed to higher education. Additionally, the Austin Waldorf School’s Class of 2024 had an acceptance rate of 83% for their college applications.

In comparison, data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that in 2022, about 62% of high school completers in the United States immediately enrolled in college, with 45% enrolling in 4-year institutions and 17% in 2-year institutions. 

These statistics suggest that Waldorf graduates have higher college enrollment rates compared to the national average for high school graduates. The comprehensive and holistic education provided by Waldorf schools effectively prepares students for success in higher education.​

We plan to pursue both Costa Rican (MEP) and International Certifications such as Waldorf, SACS, and others., 

While such certifications are important for higher education, they will take 5-7 years to achieve.  If specific accreditations are important to your family, please email our Head of School with any questions or concerns: reese.langston@gaiaschoolcr.org.

Gaia School is a non-profit institution dedicated to providing high-quality education at cost. Currently, we rely on the generous support of our founders and other donors, for which we are deeply grateful. However, to ensure long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency, we must gradually increase enrollment and adjust fees.

We anticipate annual tuition adjustments in line with inflation, typically between 5-10% per year. In the coming years, our average monthly tuition is expected to range between $1,000 and $1,200, comparable to other private, non-profit schools in Costa Rica. Our priority is to maintain transparency and affordability while ensuring the continued growth and excellence of our educational programs.

Yes, Gaia School is actively developing a bilingual program, integrating Spanish and English instruction from the earliest grades to support a diverse and inclusive learning environment. To strengthen our bilingual education efforts, we are collaborating with Dr. Barbara Kennedy, founder of GlobaLingo Education Consulting, LLC, and co-author of the internationally recognized Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education, 3rd Edition. With over 30 years of experience as a multilingual educator, district administrator, national consultant, and state director, Dr. Kennedy is a leading advocate for equitable, high-quality bilingual education.

Through this partnership, Gaia School is committed to creating a strong bilingual program that fosters linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness, and academic excellence for all students.

We are building a world-class Waldorf School on our 46 hectare (113 acre) property in Betel, near Manzanillo.

Our rate of growth will be based on our facilities build-out, the interest of students and parents, and our ability to hire the right teachers and staff to deliver a high-quality education . Our enrollment plan is as follows:

• To enroll 52 students from P-K to 5^thgrade by September 2023.
• To enroll 76 students from Nursery to 6^thgrade by September 2024.
• To enroll 104 students from Nursery to 7^hgrade by September 2025.
• To enroll 153 students from Nursery to 8^thgrade by September 2026.

• We have established the school as a not-for-profit association, and all tuition and donations will be reinvested in the school.
• Initially, the costs of the land, facilities and operating costs are being covered by donations for the first 5 years of operations.
• In the longer term, we plan to have all of the land and facilities donated while the tuition will cover the annual operating costs and scholarship programs.

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

Gaia School is dedicated to inclusive education. When applying to the school, if your child has a specific health condition—whether physical, cognitive, or social—we kindly ask for a document from a relevant professional outlining the condition and the related special requirements. Not sharing such information could lead to unenrollment. We collaborate closely with families to comprehend each student’s distinct needs and assess whether our resources can accommodate them effectively.  We desire to enroll all children in our school, but are limited by our resources to accommodate certain special needs.

Certainly, the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors are paramount at the Gaia School. To ensure this, we have implemented a comprehensive security system, including 24-hour security provided by an external security company registered with the Ministry of National Security in Costa Rica. This additional layer of security complements our own safety measures. We continuously evaluate and improve our security protocols to maintain a safe learning environment for all.