Nurturing whole children, not just good students

By cultivating their natural curiosity, creativity, and joy while developing their confidence, autonomy, and intuition to thrive in real life. Based in the Garden Route area.

JOIN US NOW!

The Hidden Costs Of Conventional Education

Children sitting in a conventional school classroom lifting hands.

Traditional education was designed for the industrial age, training people to follow instructions rather than think independently. Therefore, it made sense to

  • Extinguish natural curiosity and love of learning by rigid curricula
  • Sacrifice creativity for standardisation
  • Undermine self-confidence by constant external judgment
  • Disconnect learning from real life and personal meaning
  • Ignore unique developmental paths in favor of arbitrary timelines


But today’s children need different skills and experiences to thrive in a fast changing world.

  • We need creative thinkers, problem solvers, and emotionally intelligent humans who can navigate complexity with confidence.
  • We need individuals who can learn continuously, adapt to rapid change, and forge meaningful connections in an increasingly fragmented world. 
  • We need people who know themselves deeply—their passions, strengths, and purpose—and who approach challenges with resilience and ethical clarity.
  • And, most importantly, we need children who grow into adults capable of imagining and creating solutions to problems we cannot yet envision. This requires an educational model that preserves rather than extinguishes their natural gifts.
Children outside at Schola Vera ready to follow their passion.
A child drawing outside at Schola Vera.
A Schola Vera classroom full of experiments, curiosity and play.
Children outside at Schola Vera ready to follow their passion.

How Can We Achieve All Of This?

By going back to our natural roots! Schola Vera means “True School” – because we believe in returning education to its authentic roots. In ancient Greece, “scholé” meant leisure time devoted to learning for its own sake. Not preparation for future work, but a joyful pursuit of knowledge driven by natural curiosity.

Schola Vera Core Values: Freedom, Trust and Enthusiasm
Schola Vera Core Values: Freedom, Trust and Enthusiasm

What Is Our Approach To True Learning?

3. play

We learn best when we play, not work.

At Schola Vera, play is not just something children do between lessons—it is learning in its most natural and powerful form. Through free play, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and social skills while engaging deeply with concepts in ways that direct instruction could never achieve.
3. not stressed

We learn best when we are emotionally healthy, not stressed or pressured.

Our daily rhythm includes practices that support emotional awareness through morning circles, mindful moments, and reflection times. Without grades, tests or competitive comparisons, children remain open to challenges and develop resilience based on internal satisfaction rather than external validation.
3. curious II

We learn best when we’re curious, not forced to learn something.

At Schola Vera, children choose what they want to learn based on genuine interest, not predetermined curricula. Our guides observe each child’s natural curiosity, providing resources to deepen exploration while our learning spaces are thoughtfully designed to spark questions and wonder.
3. real experiences scaled

We learn through real experiences, not worksheets and books.

At Schola Vera, children develop skills through authentic contexts—writing letters, recording observations, or documenting projects they genuinely care about. Mathematical thinking emerges naturally as children build structures, prepare food, or solve practical problems that matter to them, creating neural connections that abstract learning simply cannot match.
3. physically active

We learn best when physically active, not sitting at a desk all day.

Children at Schola Vera are not expected to sit still for hours—movement is integrated throughout their learning experience with environments designed for natural motion. Regular outdoor time, dance, art, building and hands-on projects engage the whole body, creating embodied learning that forms stronger neural connections.
3. different ages scaled

We learn better together, from people OF different ages.

At Schola Vera, children learn from and with each other in natural, mixed-age groups instead of artificial age segregation. This approach creates an environment where comparison decreases, cooperation increases, and children develop stronger social adaptability for the multi-generational world they will navigate throughout their lives.
Learn more about our approach

Why Trust Us?

Our journey to Schola Vera began with a shared realisation: education could—and should—be different. As teachers, we witnessed how conventional schooling often dimmed children’s natural curiosity rather than nurturing it. 

Tatiana’s decade as a dedicated teacher revealed that despite her best efforts within the system, something fundamental was missing. Falco’s experience founding Ocean College, a school on a sailing vessel, showed him alternative approaches that truly engaged students. 

Meanwhile, Falco continues to struggle with the conditioning of his own conventional education—the fixed mindsets, perfectionism, and external validation that still influence his daily life and decision-making.

But it was becoming parents ourselves that transformed our perspective completely. Watching our own children’s unbridled joy in discovery, we couldn’t bear the thought of that light being extinguished by standardised education. We searched extensively for a school that honoured natural development, but found only institutions that repackaged conventional goals with prettier marketing and school premises. 

So we made the bold decision that many parents quietly dream of: to create a school we would actually send our own children to – one that truly nurtures whole children, not just good students. And that’s exactly what we are doing: our own children will be among the first students at Schola Vera. It’s our commitment to preserving what makes childhood magical while preparing children for a future that will demand creativity, resilience, and authentic self-knowledge.

Who Are We?

Tatiana

Tatiana, founder of Schola Vera, standing in front of you and smiling.

With over 10 years as a classroom teacher and extensive training in multiple educational approaches, Tatiana brings both professional expertise and maternal insight to Schola Vera.

Her journey from traditional teaching to educational innovation was inspired by witnessing the natural curiosity and joy of learning in young children, including her own.

Through years of classroom experimentation, she discovered that children thrive when given the freedom to follow their interests within thoughtfully designed environments—a principle that now forms the foundation of Schola Vera’s approach.

Falco

Falco, one of the founders of Schola Vera, looking into the camera.

Combining entrepreneurial vision with educational experience, Falco has seen firsthand how conventional education can suppress natural creativity and self-direction.

His background in establishing Ocean College, a school on a sailing vessel, and lecturing at the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin informs his passion for creating learning environments that prepare children for real life, not just exams.

Falco’s own experience with conventional schooling—its lasting impact on his mindset and the ongoing effort to unlearn its limitations—drives his commitment to offering children a fundamentally different educational path.

Mila & Elli

Our daughters, Mila & Elli, lying next to each other and looking

Our greatest teachers and the inspiration behind Schola Vera. Through their eyes, we rediscover daily what authentic learning truly means: That play is learning in its purest form.

Watching them dive into imaginative worlds, conduct “experiments” with household items, or spend hours absorbed in seemingly simple activities reminds us that play is not just what children do—it is how they make sense of the world.

Their natural play shows us that true learning radiates from within when children follow their curiosity with freedom and joy.

JOIN SCHOLA VERA

What Do We Offer?

  • A child playing at the outdoor kitchen in a Waldorf environment.
  • A child playing outside with water after a heavy rain.
  • A playgroup room at Schola Vera full of wooden toys and bright colours.
  • Three mixed-aged children following the playgroup at Schola Vera.
JOIN THE PLAYGROUP

Playgroup (Age 2.5 to 5)

Four mornings a week of play, creative exploration, and gentle rhythms. Children will experience story time, outdoor adventure, art, music, and free play in a nurturing environment that respects their developmental needs. Limited to 12 children.

In this group, younger children naturally observe and learn from older ones, while older children develop empathy, leadership, and reinforce their own knowledge by helping younger peers. The wide age range allows children to find their own level of challenge and comfort, promoting both confidence and growth.

Our playgroup places special emphasis on outdoor learning experiences, recognising that nature provides the richest possible environment for early childhood development. Through regular outdoor adventures, children develop stronger physical capabilities, improved sensory integration, and a deep connection to the natural world. Whether collecting leaves, observing insects, feeling different textures, or simply experiencing weather changes, these natural encounters stimulate cognitive development in ways that indoor environments simply cannot match.

Artistic expression forms another cornerstone of our approach. Young children communicate through many “languages” before mastering verbal expression, and art provides vital channels for this communication. Our art spaces offer open-ended materials that invite exploration rather than prescribe outcomes. We value process over product, encouraging children to explore materials deeply rather than creating predetermined crafts—allowing each child’s unique artistic voice to emerge naturally.

School Program (Age 5+)

Children develop all the skills they need for life through a joyful blend of play, exploration and project work. At Schola Vera, we recognise that play is not just something children do between lessons—it is learning in its most natural and powerful form. Through free play, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and social skills while engaging deeply with concepts in ways that direct instruction could never achieve.

Our learning spaces are designed to spark curiosity and wonder, with rich materials that invite hands-on discovery. As children build, create, experiment, and collaborate, skills emerge naturally through these meaningful contexts. Reading becomes desirable when there are fascinating books to explore; writing develops when children want to document their discoveries; and mathematical thinking unfolds naturally through building structures, cooking, or solving practical problems that matter to them.

This mixed-age environment mirrors family and community structures where children naturally learn from those slightly ahead of them while mastering skills by guiding those who are less experienced.

Daily Rhythm for the School Program

  • Open beginning – Arrive and settle through free play
  • Morning circle – Begin the day together with conversation, music, and intention-setting
  • Open exploration time – Children pursue their own significant questions from all areas of life, structuring their research and determining which learning products best suit their investigations.
  • Project work – Thematic offerings that children explore holistically, integrating cognitive understanding with artistic expression and hands-on engagement with diverse materials.
  • Reflection circles — Regular opportunities to share discoveries and consolidate learning
  • Three girls exploring things they found outside in nature.
  • Two girls reading a book in the classroom.
  • A girl climbing in a gym.
  • Children learning on a bench outside the classroom.
JOIN THE SCHOOL

Questions?

Basic Information & Practical Details

We are currently exploring suitable locations that offer both indoor learning areas and access to natural outdoor environments. It will be somewhere between George and Knysna. As soon as we know more, we will update this section.

We’re opening our doors in January 2026 and are currently securing the perfect location somewhere between George and Knysna. While we will share updates as they develop, you can apply now to secure your child’s place. With interest already strong and limited spots available, we encourage you to connect with us soon.

Our tuition fees cover everything students need for their journey. There are no additional costs for books, iPads, paper, pens, or other materials. Our fully equipped art and learning spaces include everything children need and desire for their daily play and discovery.

We also provide opportunities to work with wood and clay. Beyond our regular teaching staff, we regularly invite specialists for workshops such as dance, vocal training, and woodworking—all included in the tuition with no extra charges.

Parents are welcome to contribute their talents and interests to our school life. Depending on the financial benefit to the school, we are happy to discuss compensation through tuition adjustments.

It is very important to us that we have the financial resources to hire suitable, qualified staff and compensate them fairly. Beyond the materials our students need directly for learning, tuition fees naturally go toward staff salaries, equipment, rent, and maintenance.

Specific tuition amounts will be discussed during our personal meetings with interested families.

At Schola Vera, we celebrate individuality rather than conformity. We do not need uniforms to command respect or create community spirit – these emerge naturally through our daily interactions, shared rituals, and the understanding that every child is valued and vital to our school atmosphere.

Our sense of community develops through meaningful connections, not matching clothing. When children gather for morning circles, work on projects together, or share in our Heart and Storm ritual, they bond through authentic experiences rather than external appearances.

True respect comes from how we treat each other, not what we wear. In our mixed-age environment, children learn to value each person’s unique contributions and perspectives. They understand that everyone – regardless of their clothing choices – plays an important role in our community.

Allowing children to express themselves through their clothing choices is another way we honour their autonomy and trust their judgment. Just as we trust them to direct their own learning, we trust them to dress appropriately for their daily activities. This freedom of expression helps children develop their sense of self and learn to make thoughtful choices.

Our unity comes from shared values – freedom, enthusiasm, and trust – not from identical appearances. When children feel genuinely connected through these deeper bonds, superficial uniformity becomes unnecessary.

Educational Approach & Philosophy

The “fundamentals” referred to here often come from a perspective where schools dictate which competencies are deemed essential. At Schola Vera, we challenge this approach. We do not separate learning into “important academic skills” versus “just play” – we recognise that play itself is the most powerful and natural learning mechanism children possess.

Instead of imposing external standards, we honour each child’s innate curiosity and developmental readiness. We ask:

What genuinely interests and excites you?
What questions are you eager to explore?
What skills do you want to develop to pursue your passions?

Children at Schola Vera develop reading, writing, and mathematical thinking through meaningful contexts – documenting a nature discovery, measuring ingredients for cooking, or writing letters to friends. These skills emerge organically when children need them to accomplish something personally meaningful, creating deeper neural connections than worksheet-based learning ever could.

Through our approach of curiosity-driven exploration, emotional well-being, physical engagement, real-world learning, and mixed-age collaboration, children develop not only traditional academic competencies but also the essential life skills rarely taught in conventional settings: resilience, creative problem-solving, social intelligence, and the ability to direct their own learning – skills increasingly recognised as critical for thriving in our rapidly changing world.

At Schola Vera, children learn to trust their own instincts and abilities. They develop a deep sense of self-knowledge by exploring their interests and discovering what truly engages them. Through daily interactions with nature, they build a meaningful connection to the natural world and understand their place within it. In our mixed-age community, they learn authentic social skills like empathy, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving.

Most importantly, children at Schola Vera preserve their natural joy in learning. Rather than being taught that learning is work that happens only at certain times and in certain ways, they experience it as an integrated, continuous part of a rich and meaningful life – setting the foundation for lifelong curiosity and growth in whatever paths they may choose.

While each day remains flexible to follow children’s interests and needs, we maintain a consistent rhythm that provides security and orientation:

Children begin their day with free play, allowing each child to arrive and settle in their own way. During this open beginning, we do not impose any structure because everyone starts their day differently. Some children prefer to spend their morning outdoors being active, others enjoy having breakfast first, and some love beginning with a quiet moment looking through picture books. There is always the option to paint or create in our art area as well.

When I sense the children are ready, we gather for our morning circle. This includes our mindfulness practice, called the “weather of feelings” activity, where children learn to consciously recognise and communicate their emotions. We close our morning circle with some music and a brief overview of the day ahead.

Next comes open exploration time, where we work on various projects. Children might experiment with water, observe snails in the garden, plant seeds, or measure rainfall. There is also time for a communal snack that the children help prepare themselves.

At the end of our time together, we gather once more in a circle. We conclude the day with a short story time and reflection on our experiences.

This rhythm balances structure with freedom, individual exploration with group activities, and indoor with outdoor experiences – creating a nurturing environment where children can develop naturally at their own pace.

In the primary group, we also begin with an open start to the day. Children have the opportunity to arrive and settle through free play. During this phase, we do not impose any structure because everyone starts their day differently. Some children prefer to spend their morning outdoors being active, others enjoy having breakfast first, and some love beginning quietly with a book. There is always the option to create in our art area as well.

When I sense the children are ready, we gather for our morning circle. In the primary group, the children themselves lead this circle. We begin by discussing the date and the children make weather observations. Sometimes I add special notes about seasonal changes, an upcoming full moon, or similar natural events. Then we discuss current projects. What interests me right now? What will I focus on today? I also share my own ideas for the day with the children.

Our morning circle also includes our mindfulness practice, called the “weather of feelings” activity, where children learn to consciously recognise and communicate their emotions.
After the circle, open exploration time begins, where we work on various projects. Children manage their own morning, meaning they incorporate breaks when needed or take time for a snack on their own schedule.

Following exploration time, we come together again to reflect, give each other feedback, and offer further suggestions. Before closing the day with music, there’s time for children to write entries in their personal journals.

This question reveals one of the most profound differences between conventional schooling and our approach. In traditional education, we are conditioned to see tree climbing as a break from “real” learning.

At Schola Vera, we recognise it quite differently:
A child who spends their days climbing trees is engaged in sophisticated learning. They are developing spatial awareness, risk assessment, problem-solving skills, and physical coordination. They might be observing seasonal changes, discovering ecosystems in the bark, or finding a peaceful space for reflection and emotional processing. Some children use tree climbing to develop confidence, others to connect with nature, and still others to challenge themselves physically.

We trust that children know what they need for their development at any given moment. If a child is drawn to climbing trees day after day, we see this as meaningful work, not avoidance of learning. Often, after periods of intense physical activity like this, children naturally move toward other interests – perhaps suddenly wanting to document their climbing experiences through writing or drawing, or becoming curious about the biology of the trees they know so intimately.

The key is that we do not impose artificial timelines or transitions. Learning does not happen on an adult’s schedule. By allowing children to fully explore their interests – even if that means weeks of tree climbing – we honour their developmental needs and preserve their intrinsic motivation to learn.

Child Development & Progress

We cannot promise this, but we trust that every human will learn what they need for life at the right time for them. This includes reading and writing, as well as basic mathematical skills.

Unlike traditional schools, our children learn holistically through projects and exploration time. Everything the children learn is applied directly in real life. Above all, your child will learn what excites and interests them. They will discover and live out their own talents.

The only thing we need as parents is trust – trust in our children and their abilities and intuition.

Your child will develop the essential skills needed to thrive in an uncertain future – not through rigid curricula, but through authentic experiences that nurture their whole being.

Rather than memorising facts that quickly become obsolete, children at Schola Vera develop meta-skills: the ability to learn independently, identify resources, solve complex problems creatively, and adapt to new challenges with confidence. Through self-directed exploration, they master the art of learning itself.

Most importantly, they will preserve their natural curiosity and develop intrinsic motivation – qualities that research shows are the strongest predictors of lifelong success and wellbeing. In a world where careers and technologies change rapidly, these foundational capacities matter far more than specific knowledge that may soon be outdated.

What purpose do grades and tests really serve? They primarily soothe parental anxieties about whether children are achieving “enough.” Or better: If they are “good” enough. They create an illusion that we can control and measure our children’s development. We only need grades and tests when we lack trust.

At Schola Vera, we trust that every child continues to grow and develop. We trust that human beings learn naturally throughout their lives. We trust that every child will discover interests they’re genuinely motivated to pursue.

Instead of grades, we offer:

  • Individual meetings to discuss your child’s development and interests
  • Children’s treasure books documenting their journey (like a portfolio)
  • Reflection practices where children notice their own growth

The real question is not “How do I know my child is progressing?” but rather “Do I trust my child’s natural capacity to learn and grow?” When we shift from control to trust, we create the conditions for genuine, lasting development.

At Schola Vera, we approach behaviour and social dynamics through the lens of respect, trust, and community building rather than control and punishment.

The foundation of our approach is captured in two key words: “friendly” and “clear.” We meet children—like all people—with friendliness and respect, valuing eye-level communication and always seeking to understand their perspective. This helps us comprehend their actions and feelings more deeply.

We establish clear boundaries and agreements together with the children, believing that rules we create collectively are more likely to be honoured. When challenges arise, we address them directly and consistently, maintaining our warm approach while being clear about expectations.

Our tools for healthy social dynamics include:

  • “Giraffe and Wolf Language” (based on Nonviolent Communication): Children learn to express their needs and feelings without blame or judgment. The Giraffe represents compassionate communication, while the Wolf represents reactive responses.
  • Heart and Storm ritual: Weekly circles where children share gratitude (heart) and challenges (storm), then transform conflicts into forward-looking wishes and agreements.
  • Conflict resolution skills: We guide children to solve their own disputes, developing crucial life skills rather than having adults impose solutions.
  • Natural consequences: Instead of arbitrary punishments, children experience the natural outcomes of their choices, fostering genuine understanding and responsibility.

Our mixed-age environment naturally reduces competition and comparison while encouraging cooperation and mentorship. Older children model positive behaviour, while younger ones learn through observation and gentle guidance.

When conflicts occur, we see them as learning opportunities. We create space for all voices to be heard, help children understand different perspectives, and guide them toward mutually respectful solutions. This approach builds emotional intelligence and social competence that serves children throughout their lives.

A boy and a girl exploring the forest and taking notes.

Languages, Communication & Community

Our primary language of instruction will be English, but we embrace multilingualism as a valuable aspect of cognitive development and global citizenship.

Our environment will include:

  • Natural exposure to additional languages through stories, songs, and conversation
  • Optional German and French language integration, particularly during certain activities
  • Support for children whose home language is different from our school language

Tatiana’s trilingual background allows for authentic integration of English, French, and German elements into our program. As we grow, we hope to incorporate additional languages based on our community’s composition and interests.

At the heart of Schola Vera lies a fundamental belief in how we view children – a stance of deep trust embodied in our guiding principle: “You’re perfectly good just as you are.” We embody this philosophy by never attempting to mould children into predetermined roles or push them towards paths that don’t align with their authentic selves.

This approach works best when it extends beyond our school “walls”. We hope that parents share this trust in their children and allow it to permeate family life as well. When children experience this consistent acceptance both at school and at home, the impact on their development is profound.

Children who feel truly seen and valued for who they are don’t need to escape into digital worlds where they can be heroes in fantasy games. They do not require the constant distraction of television or social media to feel worthy or engaged. When children know they are loved exactly as they are, they are free to explore and express themselves authentically at home too. They can be children on their own terms, voice their thoughts openly, and express their emotions without fear of judgment.

This alignment between home and school creates a powerful ecosystem of trust that allows children to flourish naturally. It is not about implementing specific practices or following particular rules – it is about embracing a fundamental shift in how we perceive and interact with children. When parents and educators share this perspective, we create environments where children can develop into their fullest, most authentic selves.

All Schola Vera guides (our term for teachers) are carefully selected not only for their qualifications but for their deep respect for children and natural learning processes.

Our team can include:

  • Qualified educators with relevant training and experience
  • Individuals with specialised skills in areas like arts, nature connection, music
  • A balance of temperaments and approaches to meet diverse children’s needs

Tatiana will lead our educational program, drawing on her decade of classroom teaching experience and training in multiple educational approaches. As we grow, Tatiana will select additional guides who share our vision while bringing complementary strengths to our team.

Transitions

Having worked in the traditional school system for many years, I understand exactly what children expect and are accustomed to. With older children, I openly discuss the key differences between conventional education and our approach at Schola Vera.

Children coming from traditional schools often face specific challenges when transitioning to our environment:

  • They may feel uncertain about how to direct their own learning after years of being told exactly what to study.
  • They might initially seek constant approval or validation rather than trusting their own judgment.
  • Some children need time to rediscover their natural curiosity after it has been suppressed.
  • They may ask “Is this correct?” frequently, showing their conditioning to external validation.

I reassure children that this transition takes time and ensure they don’t put pressure on themselves. I often tell them: “How can you know what truly interests you when school has always dictated what you should focus on?”

For younger children, the adjustment is typically faster. They often still carry the natural inclination for free play and have fewer difficulties following their own interests and natural inclinations. Their intrinsic curiosity remains more intact, making the transition smoother.

We prepare children to thrive in any environment. Our approach develops exceptional self-learning skills and flexibility. But, honestly, we do not think your child will ever want to transition back to the old days of standardisation, obedience and test scores.

Children at Schola Vera quickly come to value their freedom to follow authentic interests, learning through discovery instead of instruction, and being respected as whole people. They appreciate meaningful relationships across age groups, connection to nature, and having time for deep exploration. These experiences foster such profound autonomy and joy in learning that traditional education often feels constraining by comparison.

If you are already planning for your child to eventually follow the conventional academic path, our school may not be the right fit for your family. Please consider this carefully before applying.

Children from natural learning environments often excel in higher education because they possess qualities universities increasingly value: genuine curiosity, independent thinking, self-motivation, and the ability to pursue deep interests. They haven’t had their natural love of learning extinguished by years of external evaluation and forced curricula.

However, if you’re asking this question, you’re likely still thinking within a conventional framework where education exists primarily to achieve predetermined academic milestones. This mindset is incompatible with truly trusting your child’s natural development.

Didn’t find your question? Feel free to contact us!

Email

WhatsApp

What Parents Say About Tatiana

“A Multi-Sensory Teaching Approach That Engages Every Child”

Tatiana is a born teacher and has the pedagogical tools to impart knowledge to children. Tatiana is incredibly structured and, above all, very well-organised (excellent structure and organisation were also the main points repeatedly praised by parents, especially during the difficult pandemic period).

Her working style is diverse and varied, allowing all students to find themselves somewhere and absorb knowledge through their own ‘learning channel.’ In Tatiana’s classroom, things are explained, drawn, molded, moved, jointly developed, heard, seen, and felt – yes, sometimes even smelled and tasted. The concentration phases alternate so optimally with other approaches that even students who have a bit more difficulty can stay engaged for an entire school day – this way, of course, much more can be accomplished.
Daniela, Mother

“Seeing Each Child as an Individual Whilst Maintaining Educational Excellence”

As Chairperson of the Parent Association, I’ve worked closely with Tatiana for over two years. She has an extraordinary ability to see each child as an individual, supporting and challenging them according to their unique abilities. Her teaching approach is wonderfully diverse—in her classroom, children learn through explanation, drawing, movement, and exploration. Her inquiry-based learning method allows students to choose topics that interest them while mastering essential skills.

Tatiana combines warm approachability with clear boundaries, exceptional organisation, and creativity that goes beyond her official duties. What I value most is her willingness to listen, adapt, and evolve her approaches while maintaining her core educational values—making her both an inspiring teacher and an effective collaborator.
Cora, Parent Representative

“The Perfect Balance of Warmth and Authority”

In every interaction with Tatiana, you can feel how much she loves working with children. She has the remarkable gift of balancing approachability with natural authority and respect. Tatiana knows exactly how to challenge and motivate children while simultaneously sparking their curiosity.

Her students genuinely enjoy working with her, learning not only academic content but also important values and teamwork skills. She consistently goes the extra mile, whether organising social events or leading the school’s pandemic response with valuable communication skills and a hands-on approach. As parents, we’re grateful our children had the privilege of having her as their teacher.
The Weiss Family, Parents

Next Steps to Join Schola Vera

Our admissions process is designed to ensure genuine alignment between families and our educational philosophy. We believe in taking time to truly understand each other, creating the foundation for a meaningful partnership in your child’s development. Plus, we are very curious about who you are.

Start

Introduce Your Family

Please create a written document (1-2 pages) introducing your family. This helps us understand your motivations and ensures we’re a good fit for each other. 

Format: PDF document, submitted via our online form below 

Here are some guiding questions:

  • Who are you as a family?
  • What draws you specifically to Schola Vera? 
  • How do you envision your child’s experience with us?
  • What does your child think about joining our community?
  • What questions remain after exploring our website?

Week 1

Initial Conversation (Optional)

We may arrange a brief phone call to clarify anything from your introduction and answer immediate questions you might have.

Week 2

Family Visit

We will invite you to visit our home for an informal afternoon where you can:

  • Meet our family and experience the environment that inspires Schola Vera
  • Watch your children engage in natural, unstructured play with Mila and Elli
  • Have relaxed conversations about our educational philosophy over tea
  • Ask detailed questions about our vision and approach

This visit gives you a genuine taste of the Schola Vera atmosphere – where learning happens naturally through connection, play, and authentic relationships.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours

Week 3

Mutual Decision

After your visit, we will take time to reflect on whether we are the right fit for each other. This is not just about whether we accept your family—it is about ensuring both you and we feel excited about this journey.

Week 4

Enrollment

If we decide to move forward together, you’ll:

  • Sign enrollment contracts
  • Complete necessary paperwork
  • Transfer the enrollment deposit to secure your child’s place

Ready To Join?

Parent/Guardian Information

Child Information

How many children do you want to apply for?

Other Information

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply

Didn’t find what you were looking for?

FAQ

Email

WhatsApp