Welcome to Villa Sophia

 
 
 
 
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Villa Sophia is grounded in a sense of place, something at the heart of all we do.

Villa Sophia is located right in the heart of Ōākura, our community, and the place where our beautiful 100-year-old villa stands, covered in wisteria and surrounded by a children's garden.

After a year of pause and reflection, (much needed after 17 years of being open as an Early Childhood Centre) we have re-imagined our purpose and will be offering educational and inspirational learning opportunities for children, parents, and teachers in 2023.

 

View Our Latest Upcoming Event

Our Story

Situated in Ōakura Taranaki, a beautiful coastal village, 15 minutes out of New Plymouth, Villa Sophia is a well-established, Reggio Emilia inspired, small centre for 2-5 year old children.

Our Environment

We view the environment as a living space, where the environment is a 'teacher' actively participating in the process of education.

Our Philosophy

We are deeply inspired by the philosophy of Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy. “Things about children and for children are best learnt from children”.

Our Food

Where possible we cook dishes with vegetables and herbs grown each season in the Preschool organic garden, where organic practices are followed.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Summer at Villa Sophia

Take a walkthrough, and flyover Villa Sophia in Oakura Taranaki in its restful but blooming holiday state. Video by Edgeline Photography

 

Children as Artists Exhibition

A child's view of the world and their sense of place

In conjunction with Universal Children's Day, the children of Sophia Preschool created an exhibition of art, with the aim to promote awareness of children worldwide. Children who have rights within their communities and to acknowledge their ability to express themselves through art.

We would love to share a hundred thanks to Hall of Design Studio + Gallery, who understood our vision, understood the tamariki and assisted in promoting our tamariki and their creative mahi as active citizens in their world.

Read the article on Stuff.co.nz

 
We are bringing the gift of seasonal joy with a hands on Christmas themed workshop. SUNDAY DECEMBER 8TH 2024 9 am till 12 30 pm Villa Sophia 1160 Main Road Ōakura (right next to the Hall) 4 to 10 years $40 per child. Payment is essential prior to th
✨CHRISTMAS ARTS and CRAFT WORK SHOP ✨DATE: SUNDAY DECEMBER 8TH 2024 ✨TIME: 9 am till 12 30 pm ✨ADDRESS: Villa Sophia 1160 Main Road Ōakura (right next to the Hall) ✨AGE GROUP: 4 to 10 years ✨COST: $40 per child. Payment is essential prior to this eve
“Peace is present right here and now, In ourselves and in everything we say and do.” Thich Nhat Hahn
🌳FOREST SCHOOL THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. CALLING ALL NATURE EXPLORERS! 🌸Spring is springing and we are excited to be offering a three day school holiday programme where children can be creative, imaginative and find their sense of wonder in NATURE.
 
 
 

Contact Us

If you have any enquiries please get in contact with us below.

 
We are bringing the gift of seasonal joy with a hands on Christmas themed workshop. SUNDAY DECEMBER 8TH 2024 9 am till 12 30 pm Villa Sophia 1160 Main Road Ōakura (right next to the Hall) 4 to 10 years $40 per child. Payment is essential prior to th
✨CHRISTMAS ARTS and CRAFT WORK SHOP ✨DATE: SUNDAY DECEMBER 8TH 2024 ✨TIME: 9 am till 12 30 pm ✨ADDRESS: Villa Sophia 1160 Main Road Ōakura (right next to the Hall) ✨AGE GROUP: 4 to 10 years ✨COST: $40 per child. Payment is essential prior to this eve
“Peace is present right here and now, In ourselves and in everything we say and do.” Thich Nhat Hahn
🌳FOREST SCHOOL THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. CALLING ALL NATURE EXPLORERS! 🌸Spring is springing and we are excited to be offering a three day school holiday programme where children can be creative, imaginative and find their sense of wonder in NATURE.