Villora Academy and the 100 Languages of a Child

I was lucky enough to be there right at the beginning — during those first meetings with parents, when everything still feels fresh, slightly undefined, and full of possibility.

I sat and listened to Alex sharing her story and her vision of what education should look like. It was one of those moments where you find yourself nodding along, while at the same time quietly rethinking everything you thought you knew about schooling. There was something both reassuring and slightly unsettling about it — in the best possible way.

Later, I joined the wider meeting with families interested in the project and had the chance to meet the founders. Three women, all very different, and all bringing something valuable and inspiring. Alex, with her Harvard background and her experience building a network of kindergartens called Wioski in her home country. Kerry, with deep experience in setting up alternative education environments. And Jaqueline, the founder of Villora House — a space where childcare, remote working, and wellness already coexist in a very natural way.

Together, they are creating something that feels genuinely new. Not just another alternative school, but a project that asks you to really understand it before deciding if it's right for your family.

🌱 Overview

The project is based in Malveira da Serra — which is quickly becoming something of a hub for alternative education. And once you arrive, it's easy to see why. The surroundings are simply stunning.

They've recently secured a space at Morada del Sol, and it has that rare quality of feeling both open and intimate at the same time. The lower part of the land includes a small house, a basketball court, and plenty of space for movement and play — including trees that children can actually climb, which always feels like a good indicator of the kind of childhood being encouraged here.

The upper part holds the main building, the kitchen, and a pool where swimming lessons will take place. And then there are the views — the ocean stretching out in the distance, the colours of the flowers, the ever-changing light. It all adds to a sense that this is more than just a location; it's part of the experience.

🌿 The Concept

Because this is such a new project, I can't yet tell you exactly what a typical school day will look like. But I can tell you what the two-day camp felt like, and more importantly, what sits at the heart of this approach.

Villora Academy is rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, which, if you're not familiar with it, is worth taking the time to understand. It's not Montessori, and it's not Waldorf — it's something altogether different.

At its core, it is built on the idea that children are naturally capable, curious, and full of potential. They are not there to be filled with knowledge, but to explore, question, and make sense of the world around them in their own way. Learning happens through curiosity, through projects, through expression — whether that's drawing, building, storytelling, or movement.

The environment plays a significant role too. Spaces are designed to be calm, beautiful, and intentional, almost like a quiet message to the child that what they think and create matters. Teachers observe closely, listening for what sparks interest, and then gently build learning experiences around that. It's a very different rhythm from traditional education — slower, more responsive, and deeply child-led.

🌼 What This Means in Practice

And this is where it becomes very real, especially for us as parents.

There is no traditional curriculum in the way most of us are used to. You won't see highly structured lessons where every child is doing the same thing at the same time. Progress isn't measured in neat, predictable steps, and you may not receive regular updates on reading levels or academic milestones in the way you might expect.

Instead, learning unfolds over time, often in ways that are not immediately visible. It requires a different kind of trust — trust that your child will learn what they need to learn, in their own time, through their interests, their questions, and their experiences.

That said, there is also a layer of structure quietly sitting in the background. The school will work with CambriLearn, which provides a framework for tracking progress and maintaining academic continuity. There are also plans to incorporate elements such as Singapore Maths and aspects of the Cambridge curriculum, so children are still developing core skills — just through a different pathway.

🏡 Structure & Daily Life

Villora Academy is planned for younger children, roughly between the ages of five and ten. Learning will be organised through ateliers — spaces dedicated to different forms of exploration, such as literacy, maths, visual arts, water, taste, and woodworking.

But much of what happens day to day will extend beyond these spaces. There will be excursions, time with animals, beach days, and plenty of movement through sports like tennis and football. What stands out is that the rhythm of the school is not fixed — it evolves, shaped by the children, the teachers, and very much by the families involved.

💛 Language, Community & Values

One of the aspects that really stood out to me is the focus on Portuguese immersion. Each group will have both an English-speaking and a Portuguese-speaking teacher, which creates a very natural and consistent exposure to the language.

There is also a strong emphasis on community, not just within the school but beyond it. Children will take part in projects that give back to the local area, guided by teachers who are deeply connected to the community themselves. It adds a layer of meaning to their learning that goes beyond the classroom.

Parents are very much part of this environment too. Through regular gatherings, conversations, and shared decision-making, families help shape the direction of the school. It feels less like a service you sign up for and more like something you actively build together.

🌍 The Camp Experience

The two-day camp gave a glimpse into how this might feel in practice.

The children moved freely between activities, running, exploring, and naturally engaging with what was around them. There was space for conversation with teachers, space for play, and space for simply being.

Meals were shared and prepared with care. A beautiful vegetarian lunch cooked by Alex's family became a moment in itself — children helping to set the table, serving one another, and sitting down together. It felt far more like a family meal than anything institutional.

Afterwards, the energy shifted back outdoors — climbing trees, playing games, a bit of basketball. The second day brought the beach, followed by a woodworking session led by Alex's husband, who runs a boutique carpentry company @smallhumandesign. My son absolutely loved it and proudly made a birdhouse, which, as you can imagine, is now a treasured creation.

Parents were part of it all — helping, chatting, joining in. The days ended with a barbecue and long, easy conversations, the kind that make you feel like something meaningful is slowly taking shape.

⚖️ Important Considerations

This is a very open and flexible model of education, and it won't suit everyone. It asks for patience, understanding, and a willingness to step away from more traditional expectations. Structure is present, but it looks different, and community involvement is not optional — it's part of the foundation.

For some families, this will feel incredibly aligned. For others, it may feel uncertain.

🌿 My Honest Reflection

There is something truly inspiring about this project. It's thoughtful, intentional, and clearly built with a strong sense of purpose.

At the same time, it requires you to be honest with yourself about what you need as a parent and what your child needs to thrive. If you are looking for clear structure, measurable milestones, and a more traditional academic path, this may feel like a stretch.

But if you are open to a slower, more curious, more connected way of learning, this could become something very special.

🌱 Final Thoughts

I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing how this evolves. Because while the philosophy is beautiful, the real magic always lies in how it translates into everyday life.

I'll be keeping a close eye on this one and sharing more as it grows — especially once the day-to-day learning begins to take shape.

🌿 Closing Note

Alternative education is a beautiful, complex journey — and I know this first-hand through my own experience with my son.

If you need guidance, reassurance, or simply someone to help you make sense of it all, I'm here.

🌿 Feeling Unsure What This Actually Means for Your Family?

Reading about schools is one thing — figuring out whether they're the right fit for your child is something else entirely.

Every family I speak to is navigating slightly different questions:

And this is often where things start to feel overwhelming.

I work with families to bring clarity to that process — to help you understand not just what a school offers, but whether it genuinely aligns with your child, your values, and your plans.

If you are exploring alternative education and need guidance, reassurance, or simply someone who understands the journey — I'm here to support you.

Kasia,
Founder of Roots & Pebbles
Alternative Education Guidance.