The Balay Sofia story is one that continues to this day through the perseverance of a community striving to make the world a happier, healthier, and more beautiful place for children and adults alike.

The story started in 2008 with a couple driven by their desire to give the best education for their son. They, together with other parents and individuals with the same advocacy, formed an early childhood playgroup which they called Sofia Playgarden. Through the generosity of relatives from the Netherlands, Sofia received her first set of toys.

Without a permanent location, Sofia Playgarden moved from one location to another -- from a room in the home of a school parent to small spaces rented in different parts of Baguio. In 2014, Sofia found a home surrounded by tall pine trees and natural space in Navy Base, Baguio City. It was here that Sofia Playgarden unfurled and began its exploration into the grade school. As a result, she transformed into Balay Sofia - Home of Sofia Playgarden and Sofia Grade School. In 2020, Balay Sofia once again moved to another home in 53 Palma Street where it currently resides, and is now offering Kindergarten and Grades 1 through 8 for SY 2022-23.

Each year was an exciting year for Sofia -- seeing the children grow taller and wiser, hearing the lilt of their voices, and cherishing their laughter. Each year just as well, Balay Sofia overcame all the challenges and growing pains that a small school contends with to become wiser. Together, the parents, teachers, staff, friends, and children worked head, heart, and hands to build the school. Balay Sofia pooled everyone's talents and skills, and built the school's own playground, hosted various fundraising events, moved from one location to another, created new spaces, fine-tuned policies, and found ways to keep going. Through these shared experiences, Sofia continues to grow not just as a school but as a community. Each year, she takes a step closer towards realizing her vision of becoming:

• • an institution rooted in wisdom, strength & love;

  • a sustainable learning community of individuals dedicated and committed towards a better world by cherishing, protecting and guiding each other;

  • and a school where children can grow to be truthful, compassionate, and responsible human beings who can impart meaning to their own lives and the lives of others.

As time passed, more and more parents and individuals have responded to the educational impulse. Through volunteerism, a deeper commitment to a more holistic and nurturing education has kept the community motivated to continue the advocacy and build a Steiner/Waldorf school that offers Kindergarten through Grade 12. Our biggest dream is to be able to offer the Steiner/Waldorf Education to children of all walks of life regardless of race, color, and financial status.

Balay Sofia or “home of wisdom” is now a pioneering effort encouraging all members of its school community to co-create a balanced and healthy school environment where children and adults can learn and happily work together for the betterment of themselves and the future of society.