Casa de las Estrellas Scholarship Application/Renewal

Submission Instructions

Please review all the information provided carefully before submitting your application.
Attach all necessary documents (e.g., financial documentation, academic records) to ensure timely processing.

Click here to go directly to the Scholarship Application

Deadline for Submission:  April 15th, 2025

Important Note:
We understand that every family’s situation is unique, and while the following guidelines are intended to help you prepare your application, they are not one-size-fits-all. If you are missing any of the recommended documents or if your circumstances are difficult to document in a traditional way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to reviewing each application on its own individual merit and working with you to understand your specific context.

Scholarship Application Documents

Please review the following categories and document options to gather the necessary information for your scholarship application. These documents are required for all families, whether returning or new. The goal is to get a clear picture of your family’s financial situation, ensuring we can award scholarships fairly and transparently.

1. Standard Documents for All Families

These documents help establish a clear understanding of your household income, family size, and any applicable government assistance that may support the scholarship review.

A. Proof of Income (Formal Employment)
If you or your family members are formally employed, please provide one or more of the following documents:

  • Recent Pay Stubs: The last 2-3 months of pay stubs to demonstrate regular income.

  • Tax Returns: The most recent income tax returns 

  • Other Tax Documents: Documents showing reported wages for formal employment.

B. Proof of Family Size
To verify the number of dependents in your household, please provide:

  • Birth Certificates: For each child in the household.

  • Proof of Guardianship: If applicable, such as for single-parent families or shared custody arrangements.

C. Bank Statements
To supplement income verification, please provide:

  • Recent Bank Statements: Typically from the past 3-6 months to verify cash flow and savings. This is helpful even for families with traditional income sources.

D. Government Assistance Documentation (If Applicable)
If your family receives any form of government assistance, provide the following:

  • Government Assistance Letters: Documents showing you receive welfare, unemployment benefits, or any other support.

2. Documents for Families with Informal or Self-Employment Income

In Nosara, many families earn income through informal or self-employed work. If you fall into this category, we understand that traditional documentation such as pay stubs may not be available. Instead, we offer alternative documents for income verification.

A. For Self-Employed Families
If you are self-employed or run your own business, please provide one or more of the following documents to demonstrate your income:

  • Business Income Statement: A statement of your business income, including both gross income and expenses. This can be self-written or prepared with an accountant.

  • Tax Returns: If you file taxes as self-employed, provide your Profit or Loss statements from Business, or the equivalent documents from your country.

  • Invoices/Receipts: Recent invoices or receipts that show work done for clients or customers.

  • Bank Statements with Notations: Provide recent bank statements showing payments received for services, along with any explanations for income variability.

B. For Families with Informal Employment or Freelance Work
For families whose income comes from informal labor or freelance work, the following documents can help support your application:

  • Sworn Declaration: A signed affidavit or sworn statement explaining your income situation. This is a personal document where you can explain your source of income and why formal pay stubs are unavailable.

  • Invoices or Written Agreements: Copies of invoices or written agreements outlining payment arrangements for informal or freelance work.

  • Notarized Letter: A letter from your employer, client, or business associate confirming your income and the work performed.

C. Additional Documentation for Community-Specific Needs
In Nosara, informal labor is common. If you work informally or run a small business in the local community, the following additional documents can help clarify your income:

  • Letter of Support from Community Leaders or Employers: A letter from a local employer or community leader vouching for your work and income situation.

  • Payment Records: For trades such as construction or domestic work, provide receipts, contracts, or a ledger of payments made to you.

  • Digital Payment Records: If you receive payments via digital platforms like PayPal, Venmo, or similar, provide digital records showing payments received.

D. Expenses Documentation (for Self-Employed Families)
If you are self-employed, please include an outline of your business expenses. These may include:

  • Expense Documentation: Details about business-related expenses (tools, transportation, office supplies, workspace rent, etc.) that reduce your net income.

E. Non-Formal or Seasonal Employment
For families whose income varies with the seasons (e.g., agriculture), please provide:

  • Seasonal Employment Records: A summary of your seasonal work, indicating when you worked and how much you earned during those periods.

Additional Notes for the Nosara Community

We recognize that many families in Nosara may not have traditional employment or documentation. Our goal is to gather a clear and honest understanding of your financial situation, not to place undue burden on your family. We are committed to working with you to ensure that the scholarship process is inclusive and fair, regardless of your income documentation.

When traditional proof of income is unavailable, we may rely on self-reported income and expenses, along with third-party verification (e.g., community leaders, local business owners, or references who work with the family). This allows us to better understand your financial situation and ensure that scholarship awards are based on accurate and equitable information.

Sample List of Documents to Submit

For All Families

  • Recent pay stubs or tax returns (if applicable)

  • Bank statements from the past 3-6 months

  • Government assistance documents (if applicable)

  • Birth certificates of children

  • Proof of guardianship (if applicable)

For Self-Employed or Informal Workers

  • Business income statement or tax returns 

  • Invoices or written agreements (if applicable)

  • Bank statements with income transactions

  • Notarized letters or sworn affidavits

  • Payment records from mobile apps or digital platforms

For Families with Informal Employment or Freelance Work

  • Sworn declaration of income

  • Letters from local employers or community leaders (optional)

  • Transaction records or payment histories (if digital transactions are used)

  • Receipts, contracts, or ledgers showing work completed and payments received

Final Thoughts on Documentation

Please submit as many of these documents as possible to ensure we have a comprehensive understanding of your family's financial situation. We are here to help and ensure that all families have an opportunity to apply for scholarships, regardless of the formality of their income.

If you have any questions about the documents or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Scholarship Types & Criteria

Casa de las Estrellas offers two types of scholarships to support families in need, with a focus on ensuring a diverse and inclusive school community. The following criteria will be used to evaluate scholarship applications:

1.Heritage Scholarships

Heritage Scholarships are available to families who have a long-standing connection to the Nosara area. These scholarships prioritize those who have lived in Nosara or neighboring communities for a significant period of time and who contribute to the local culture and community.

Eligibility for Heritage Scholarships:

  • Length of Residency: Priority will be given to families who have lived in Nosara or its neighboring communities for 3 years or more. Families who have been residents for less than 3 years will still be considered, but their application may be given lower priority.

  • Community Engagement: Applicants who have demonstrated active involvement in the local community will be prioritized.

  • Heritage and Local Ties: Preference will be given to families who are part of the local culture and who have deep ties to the region, including both Costa Rican and Nicaraguan families with generational connections to Nosara and surrounding areas. These families are seen as integral to the area's cultural and historical fabric.

2. International Scholarships

International Scholarships are designed for families who have relocated to Nosara from outside Costa Rica. These scholarships are intended to support families who are committed to establishing long-term roots in the community, contributing meaningfully to the local culture, and integrating into the fabric of Nosara over time.

Eligibility for International Scholarships:

  • Long-Term Residency Commitment: These scholarships are available to families who have recently moved to Nosara or who are planning to make Nosara their permanent home. While length of residency is not as critical as for Heritage Scholarship applicants, priority will be given to families who demonstrate a commitment to long-term residence and community integration.

  • Cultural Contribution: We look for families who, regardless of their length of stay, contribute to the cultural diversity and vitality of Nosara. Applicants should show how they are actively involved in and enhancing the community in ways that align with the values of our school and area.

Additonal Criteria and Factors for Scholarship Consideration

1. Length of Time Living in Nosara

In addition to the specific Heritage and International categories, length of time lived in Nosara is a priority factor for all scholarship applicants. We recognize that long-term residents contribute to the stability and richness of the community, and as such, those who have been part of Nosara for several years will be prioritized.

  • 3+ Years in Nosara: Families who have lived in Nosara for 3 years or more will be prioritized in the decision-making process, regardless of whether they are applying for a Heritage or International Scholarship.

  • Less Than 3 Years in Nosara: Families who have lived in Nosara for less than 3 years will still be considered, but their application may be given a lower priority in comparison to longer-term residents.

2. Financial Need

As with all scholarship applications, financial need remains a key criterion. The scholarship amount awarded will be based on the financial documentation provided by the family and their demonstrated ability to pay tuition.

3. Academic and Behavioral Expectations

All applicants must maintain good academic standing and demonstrate appropriate behavior as outlined by the school. Scholarship recipients are expected to:

  • Attend school regularly and participate actively in their learning.

  • Contribute positively to the school environment through their behavior and interactions with peers and teachers.

4. Family Engagement and Contribution to the School Community

Scholarship recipients are expected to be engaged in and contribute to the broader school community. This could include:

  • Volunteerism: Families who actively volunteer at school events, fundraising initiatives, or school improvement projects.

  • Support for School Events: Families who support the school’s cultural or community events, such as festivals, parent-teacher meetings, and social events.

  • Active Participation: Participation in school committees or initiatives that support the mission of the school.

5. Demonstrated Commitment to Waldorf Education

Casa de las Estrellas follows a Waldorf education model, and families who align with this educational philosophy will be given preference. This could include:

  • Commitment to the Values of Waldorf Education: Families who demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the principles of Waldorf education, including its focus on creativity, hands-on learning, and holistic development.

  • Active Participation in Waldorf-related Activities: Families who participate in Waldorf-related events, workshops, or activities (such as parent education sessions, crafts, or community projects) may be prioritized.

6. Community Service or Contribution Outside of the School

While this focuses on the family’s involvement in the broader Nosara community, it’s helpful to evaluate how they contribute to the community as a whole. This could include:

  • Volunteering or Local Service: Families who contribute their time and skills to local NGOs, schools, or community service projects in Nosara.

  • Environmental or Social Impact: Families who actively work to support sustainability, social justice, or environmental initiatives in Nosara and beyond.

7. Potential for Long-Term Impact

  • Future Contribution: Consideration can be given to how the family or student may contribute to the long-term development of the school or community. For example, a family that is committed to staying in Nosara for the long term may be prioritized due to the ongoing stability they bring to the community.

8. Interviews or Testimonials

  • Personal Interview or Letter of Recommendation: An optional criterion could include a personal interview or letter of recommendation to better understand the family’s unique situation. This could help clarify the reasons for financial need, commitment to the school, and overall suitability for the scholarship.

9. Student Behavior and Character

While this overlaps with academic performance, it could be useful to assess a student's overall behavior and character, which will affect the scholarship decision. This criterion may include:

  • Demonstrated Leadership or Peer Influence: Students who contribute positively to the school’s social or academic culture (e.g., helping peers, being a role model for younger students).

  • Behavioral Expectations: Consideration of the student’s overall behavior record in the school, including adherence to school rules, respect for others, and overall contributions to the school environment.

10. Parental Support for Student’s Education

Scholarships can also consider the level of parental involvement and the family’s commitment to supporting the child’s education:

  • Parental Commitment to Education: Families that actively engage in their child's educational journey by helping with homework, attending meetings, and supporting their child’s academic needs can be prioritized.

  • Interest in Educational Development: Parents who are proactive in seeking resources for their child’s educational and developmental needs, including tutoring, extracurricular activities, or therapy, can be given additional consideration.