+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.
Gaia Council and Committee meetings are on Tuesdays at 6:00pm.
Annual Community Meeting of Gaia Board/Council: Dec. 12, 2023
Full Spectrum Street Outreach for youth up to age 25
Thank you to the MN Department of Human Services for funding.
Contact us for support! 612-385-8409
Fullspectrum.gds@gmail.com
Current News
We are are currently accepting applications for new students at all grade levels, K-12. Apply online here: https://forms.gle/nWPtpF8EEE76zk467
Or contact us for a hardcopy.
We also welcome new interns and volunteers!
For a private tour, call 612-823-0154 or email SCHOOL@GAIADEMOCRATIC.ORG.
Virtual tours available too.
We love to show off our school!
See what learning in freedom can do for you!
Alert! We MOVED to a new location summer of 2018!
our address IS:
1219 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414
(on the corner of 13th and University Ave. SE)
Metrotransit bus stop is on University, serviced by routes 6 and 2. Other options include the U of M buses and nearby light rail train stops.
School hours are 9:30am-4:00pm.
Covid policies updated Sept. 2023:
We are currently providing free PPE and rapid tests to students and staff. We continue to use covid prevention ventilation, cleaning policies and protocols.
The well being of our community is our top priority. We are keeping up to date on current available guidelines and scientific data. We are confident in our safety precautions, partially due to our small size and cooperative environment. Precautions include: regular disinfection of our space, increased air flow and medical grade quality air filtration in every room. Our staff have been vaccinated and test weekly.
Students/Staff with symptoms of sickness should stay home. Anyone who tests positive for must stay away from school for 5-10 days depending on when negative results are received.
(updated 8/14/2021) COVID19/Weather/Closing Policy:
We generally follow Minneapolis Public Schools district's decisions on closing/delaying school. However, the Gaia Council voted in March 2020 to allow flexibility with this policy.
2024-2025 School Calendar
Hours: 9:30am-4:00pm
*Summer school: Monday July 8- Friday Aug. 9, 2024, *11:00am-5:00pm
School starts: Tues. Sept. 3, 2024
No School:
Thurs. & Fri. Oct. 17 & 18, 2024
Fri. Nov. 1, 2024
Wed.-Fri. Nov. 27, 28, 29, 2024
Winter Break- Dec. 23, 2024- Jan. 6, 2025
Mon. Jan. 20, 2025
Mon. Feb. 17, 2025
Spring Break: Fri. March 28- returning on Mon. April 7, 2025
Mon. May 5, 2025
Mon. May 26, 2025
Graduation/ Last day Fri. June 13
(offsite, school building closed)
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:
Gaia Democratic School © 2013