Welcome to Villa Sophia

With the beginning of a brand new year we have a brand new name reflecting our new direction, Villa Sophia (formely Sophia Preschool).

Villa Sophia is grounded in a sense of place, something athe 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.

Our Environment

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

Our Story

Situated in Ōākura, 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. Learn More

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”. Learn More

Our Food

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

 
 
 
 
 

Villa Sophia Noticeboard

 
 
 

Summer at Sophia Preschool

Take a walkthrough, and flyover Sophia Preschool 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

 
🍂Our upcoming workshop is fully booked. We're thrilled by the interest and THANK YOU so much for your support. If you missed a spot, watch for future events coming up in July. Feel free to contact us with any questions or how to join our email list.
PRINT MAKING is a favourite thing for children to explore. There is a magical quality to mark-making and printing. DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 22ND, 2025 TIME: 9:30 am till 12:30 pm ADDRESS: Villa Sophia 1160 Main Road Ōakura (right next to the Hall) AG
🔶Looking for a fun activity for your child? Join our Printmaking Workshop for Kids! Children will explore printmaking through Stamping, Jelli Printing, Mono Printing and Botanical Prints. Designed for ages 4 to 10, this workshop enhances creativity,
These Self Portraits make my heart sing! It’s a brave and courageous thing to draw a version of yourself and then show it to the world. These young artists, 4 to 10 years, truly captured a snapshot of themselves in time. Each portrait complete
#childrenhaverightstoo #childrenhavefeelingstoo #childrendesrvebetter #peacefulparenting #childrenhaveavoicetoo #wellbeingforkids #childrensadvocate
Abstract Art and Self Portraits are two of our favourite things we offer for children. Both these art forms give kids a real boost of self confidence in their ability to express themselves. Incredible things happen when we let go of how things shoul
✨As the new term begins are you looking for a homely place for your child with a lot of heart? We are a family friendly, small Playgroup where children can blossom in a nurturing natural environment.  ✨Playgroup opens two mornings per week, Monday
 

Follow Villa Sophia on Instagram

 
 

Contact Us

If you have any enquiries regarding our fees or enrolments, please get in contact with us below.

🍂Our upcoming workshop is fully booked. We're thrilled by the interest and THANK YOU so much for your support. If you missed a spot, watch for future events coming up in July. Feel free to contact us with any questions or how to join our email list.
PRINT MAKING is a favourite thing for children to explore. There is a magical quality to mark-making and printing. DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 22ND, 2025 TIME: 9:30 am till 12:30 pm ADDRESS: Villa Sophia 1160 Main Road Ōakura (right next to the Hall) AG
🔶Looking for a fun activity for your child? Join our Printmaking Workshop for Kids! Children will explore printmaking through Stamping, Jelli Printing, Mono Printing and Botanical Prints. Designed for ages 4 to 10, this workshop enhances creativity,
These Self Portraits make my heart sing! It’s a brave and courageous thing to draw a version of yourself and then show it to the world. These young artists, 4 to 10 years, truly captured a snapshot of themselves in time. Each portrait complete
#childrenhaverightstoo #childrenhavefeelingstoo #childrendesrvebetter #peacefulparenting #childrenhaveavoicetoo #wellbeingforkids #childrensadvocate
Abstract Art and Self Portraits are two of our favourite things we offer for children. Both these art forms give kids a real boost of self confidence in their ability to express themselves. Incredible things happen when we let go of how things shoul
✨As the new term begins are you looking for a homely place for your child with a lot of heart? We are a family friendly, small Playgroup where children can blossom in a nurturing natural environment.  ✨Playgroup opens two mornings per week, Monday