+1.612.823-0154

1219 University Ave. SE Minneapolis, MN 55414

​​​Gaia Democratic​ school​

Gaia Democratic School provides a multi age environment for learning together in fun and freedom. We strive to create a school that: -celebrates and honors each individual and the community as a whole --is anti-oppression, anti-racist,  -is inclusive of learning diversity and needs -is "Full Spectrum" in regards to respecting all community members' gender identities, neurodiversity and learning styles. We promote cooperative and self-directed learning, academic freedom, social justice, youth rights, environmental stewardship, and of course, democratic education. Flexible options, small groups and individualized plans are always part of the deal at Gaia. Gaia Democratic School admits students and hires staff of any race, color, religion, gender, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, national and ethnic origin and accords to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to all students at the school. GDS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, national or ethnic origin or any other reason.

Greetings beloved Gaia Community, 

After many years and a rich history located at 1219 University, we’re making a big move. Gaia is officially looking for our forever home through the purchase of our own building! 

Since long before our official founding in 2013, we have dreamed of a space that can hold all of Gaia’s creativity, visions, and social work. While we are deeply grateful for our time at 1219 University, we are ready to step into a new chapter. This will enable us to offer a more dynamic and safe learning environment for our students.

We are absolutely thrilled to share that we have a generous donor who has pledged 275k towards our goal. We are hoping to raise 200K through community fundraising to make this change sustainable. 

As you know, Gaia is a unique organization within the field of education. We are committed to continuing to provide a safe space where youth are in charge of their own education and can learn together in fun and freedom. We want to ensure that Gaia is an available space of inspiration and support for generations of students to come. In order for this to be possible, we need your help to make this big step in Gaia’s phase of growth! 

With the official end of our lease at the end of our school year, we are calling in all alumni, allies, and supporters to champion our mission. We hope you will support us during this time of transition. Here are some ways that you can help: 

Donate and share our fundraiser: https://gofund.me/635d5d4b3

Attend our events and bring a friend! We’ll be hosting a closing party at 1219 University to raise funds and celebrate our next move. 

Volunteer during school or during events

Help with our big move (June)

If you’re an alumni or parent that has seen and felt the positive impact of Gaia Democratic School, we’re inviting folks to submit video or written testimonials. If you’re interested in participating, please let us know!! 

Thank you for your continued support. We will be keeping you updated as we get closer to our dream building! ​

With Love, Gaia Fundraising Team 2/22/2026 

Current News

2025-2026 School Calendar

*Summer Unschool: Monday July 7- Friday Aug. 8, 2025, *10:00am-4:00pm

School starts: Monday Sept. 8, 2025
Hours: 9:30am-4:00pm
No School: 
-Thursday & Friday, October 16 & 17 
-Friday, October 31 
-Monday, November 3 
-Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, November 26, 27, 28
-Winter Break:​ December 22- January 2, 2026 (returning Mon. Jan. 5, 2026)
-Monday, January 19
-Friday, February 13
-Monday, February 16 
-Spring Break: Friday, March 27- Friday, April 3 (returning Monday, April 6) 
-Monday, May 4
-Monday, May 25
Graduation/Last Day of the year party: Thursday, June 11 (off campus)

No school bus: Tues. Sept. 23, Oct. 2, Oct. 15, Nov. 4, Jan. 23,
March 20, May 26, May 27

Camping & other event dates &/or any changes to the above will be announced with as much advance notice as possible. 

February 2021 Newsletter: 

Feb. 2021 Newsletter (1).pdf

March 2021 Newsletter.pdf

April 2021 Newsletter: 


May 2021 Newsletter: 


June 2021 Newsletter: 


July 2021 Newsletter: