Gecko Garden School

1. Make an inquiry: Start by completing the GGS Inquiry Form on the school website; a school representative will contact you by email to arrange the next step. Parents should use the same email address that will be used for official correspondence and check spam folders, because tour times and follow-up are scheduled by email. The Inquiry Form is the required first contact to initiate the admissions sequence.

2. Schedule and attend a school visit: A school visit (or an initial video call for families not yet in Cambodia) is required to begin the formal admissions process; in-person visits are offered from 8:00 AM and last about 45 minutes. At least one primary guardian and the child must take part in the visit before the family may be placed on the wait list, and parents should plan to see the garden and classrooms during morning arrival time. If you cannot be physically present, the school accepts a video call as an initial visit for long-distance enrolment—tell the school this in your Inquiry Form.

3. Child evaluation / observation: During the visit teachers carry out an informal assessment by observing the child as they play and move around the garden and classrooms; this helps determine age‑appropriate placement and the child's social and physical readiness. Parents should be prepared that this is observational (not a formal test) and that reduced or no screen time beforehand is recommended by the school to help the child demonstrate typical developmental behaviours. Note that understanding English is not required for preschool placements, but some English is expected for Kindergarten placement.

4. Placement decisions and priorities: The College of Teachers (mainly Head Teachers) reviews candidates and offers spaces as they become available, typically on a first‑come, first‑served basis while taking class composition and staffing into account. The school gives priority to siblings of current students, alumni, members of the Parent & Child Group, and families transferring from Waldorf/Steiner schools, and limits students from any single nationality to 30% of a class (nationality by passport) to preserve international diversity. If teachers believe a trial period would help, a trial can be arranged and fees will be billed from the child's first day of that trial; if no space is available families will be invited to join the wait list.

5. Offer, fees and securing a place: Offers are sent by email to the address on your Inquiry Form; a child's place is considered secure only when the Capital Fee has been paid and all required registration steps completed. The school's published 2025–2026 fee schedule shows example tuition levels and mandatory fees: for example, half‑day term tuition $899 (annual $3,452), full‑day term tuition $1,351 (annual $5,188), twilight term tuition $307 (annual $1,179), a one‑time registration fee (listed as $555), and an annual capital fee (listed as $500) — fees exclude lunch and snacks and are non‑refundable. Families should read the School Fee Policy carefully (it specifies payment timing, late fees, the 5% sibling discount, and that all fees are non‑refundable) and contact administration with any special fee requests in writing.

6. Start and transition: Once fees are paid and a start date is agreed with the Head Teacher, the child may begin; for preschool classes the school and family will discuss a transition plan to support the child's entry. Expect the Head Teacher to coordinate the first days (or trial days) and to confirm start logistics such as arrival time, drop‑off/pick‑up, and any early drop‑off options. If you need records or further paperwork (immunisations, passport copy, emergency contacts), have those ready to speed enrollment.

Gecko Garden operates a wait list. If no space is available after assessment and review, families are asked whether they wish to join the wait list; registering early and joining the wait list improves your position because offers are made as spaces become available. Offers are issued by the College of Teachers when a spot opens; placement remains subject to class composition, staffing and the school's priorities (siblings, alumni, Parent & Child members, Waldorf transfers) and to the school's 30% nationality cap per class. When the school offers a place it will be communicated by email, and the child's spot is secured when the Capital Fee is paid; families should be aware that fees are non‑refundable and that the School Fee Policy specifies payment deadlines and late‑payment penalties (e.g., a weekly late fee and possible loss of place after unpaid fees). For long waits, maintain contact with the office (via the Inquiry Form or administration@geckogardenschool.org) so the school has up‑to‑date information and can notify you promptly of offers.

The school website does not publish a formal scholarship programme. Gecko Garden does invite financial gifts to support the school and asks donors to consider helping the school's mission, but there is no posted, structured scholarship or means‑tested bursary scheme on the website. The School Fee Policy does note that “any special requests in terms of fees must be submitted in writing to the Administrative Director with supporting documents,” which indicates fee concessions or case‑by‑case arrangements may be possible if you contact the administration directly. If you are seeking fee assistance, the recommended next steps are to (1) email administration@geckogardenschool.org or call the school to ask about discretionary support, and (2) prepare written documentation explaining the request so it can be considered by the Administration.