Last spots available for our next Open House! Book now!

About Us

Meet our team of guides dedicated to the education and growth of each child

Our Story

Gándara was born in 2013 from the dream of two families seeking a different education for their children: a space where respect, nature, and freedom were the foundations of learning. What began as a small school on a property in Gondomar has become an NEASC-accredited international school, with a team of passionate guides and a community of families who share the same vision.

Our Mission

To accompany each child in their holistic development, respecting their natural rhythms and processes, in a natural setting where active learning, multilingual living, and curiosity drive each day.

Our Values

Respect

For each child's unique rhythms, emotions, and processes.

Autonomy

We foster independence and confidence in one's own abilities.

Community

Families, guides, and children grow together in a shared project.

Nature

Our more than 5,000 m² property is a living classroom for learning and exploration.

Reinvestment

Gándara does not distribute profits: every euro is reinvested in the school to offer the best possible education.

Our Team

Photo coming soon

Patricia Méndez

Co-Director

Together with Pablo I founded Barkibu, the project that allows us to support Gándara and where we look after animals and their families. We fell in love with Gándara because our daughters grow up here and we believe it is the best possible education: that is why we support it and accompany families day to day.

Pablo Pazos

Co-Director

Patricia and I are the founders of Barkibu, the project that allows us to support Gándara and where we look after animals and their families. We fell in love with Gándara as a family: our daughters study here and we believe this is the best possible education. That is why we support it and manage it to last for many years.

Iago Ferraz

Founder, Head of Education and educator

For fifteen years I dreamed of starting a different kind of school: a place of coexistence built on respect and love for children, in the middle of nature. Today that dream is Gándara, where I learn and enjoy every day with the best teachers: the children themselves. Being part of this makes me deeply grateful.

Verónica Álvarez

Deputy Director

Gándara is much more than a job to me: it is my second home. It makes me happy to be part of this little big family and to learn every day from the values in the air here: solidarity, freedom, integrity and creativity.

Photo coming soon

Alba Couse

Preschool educator

I am an Early Childhood teacher with a specialisation in Hearing and Language, currently taking the Montessori 0-6 master's at the International Montessori Institute. I first came to Gándara for my university placement and stayed: this year I accompany Preschool, with a special eye for high sensitivity and care.

Carmen Aguilar

Cycle 1 educator

I am a Primary school teacher specialising in English. My experience as a teacher and class tutor has allowed me to accompany children with different rhythms, interests and needs. I keep training in active methodologies and, especially, in the Montessori method. I face this new stage with great excitement and the commitment to accompany every child with sensitivity, respect and affection.

David Torres

Cycle 2 educator and Science lead

I am an oceanographer and science communicator: for more than ten years I have been bringing science closer to audiences of every age, with training in Montessori science, educational robotics and gamification. I love it when wonder at nature becomes the door to learning, from the sea to the vegetable garden.

Patricia Iglesias

Preschool educator and Cycle 1 English

A philologist by training and an educator by vocation: I came to education through my love of languages and stayed for the children. I have spent years teaching English to young children through play, with training in active pedagogies, Montessori and nature education, and an approach where the emotional bond always comes first.

Photo coming soon

Paula Alonso

Lunch and Preschool educator

I am an Early Childhood teacher and have spent my whole professional life between respectful education and nature: for years I coordinated the 3-6 area of a free-education project and ran a children's leisure centre. At Gándara I accompany lunchtime and Preschool, where the table is also school: eating calmly, talking and caring for each other.

Sandra Amigo

Cycle 2 educator and English specialist

I am a teacher specialising in foreign languages, trilingual in English, Spanish and Catalan, and a Forest School Teacher. I have coordinated English at schools with more than 250 students and educational projects at university level, always with active and Montessori methodologies. What drives me is building a better world through an education that fosters empathy and respect for everything around us.

Photo coming soon

Yoli Paz

Cleaning and care of the spaces

I make sure Gándara's spaces are clean and welcoming every day. A well-cared-for environment also educates.

See Our School

Ready to meet us?

Take the next step and discover how we can accompany your child in their learning journey.