Montessori education expands to Sta. Barbara Heights, Iloilo, with the inauguration of its new campus.
Joining Forces: The Abba's Orchard Montessori Arrives in Sta. Barbara Heights, Iloilo
Get ready, Iloilo! One of the Philippines' top Montessori institutions, The Abba's Orchard, is set to open its first campus at Sta. Barbara Heights, a bustling township by Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (Geri), a subsidiary of Megaworld. The grand opening is slated for the school year 2026-2027.
Monica T. Salomon, president of Geri, expressed excitement, stating, "Welcoming The Abba's Orchard to Sta. Barbara Heights signifies our dedication to creating vibrant communities that go beyond mere living."
By integrating a top-notch Montessori institution, Sta. Barbara Heights becomes more attractive for families, and the bar for education in Iloilo and its neighboring areas gets raised, according to Salomon.
Set amidst one hectare of lush, treetop land at the township's core, the new campus will debut with Casa (for children aged 3 to 6) and Elementary Level 1 (Grades 1 to 3) programs. It's also planned to introduce the Erdkinder level in the near future, a unique Montessori curriculum designed for adolescents that offers academic instruction and hands-on farm experiences.
Founded in 1999 by Chris and Ann Barrameda, The Abba's Orchard has grown into one of the country's most respected Montessori networks. Known for its staunch adherence to Dr. Maria Montessori's techniques, the school encourages self-reliance, curiosity, and accountability. Currently, it operates 14 campuses nationwide, including the groundbreaking La Granja Montessori farm school in Bukidnon, the first of its kind in Asia.
According to Joseph Christopher Barrameda, founding director of The Abba's Orchard, "Our aim is to bring a genuine Montessori school experience to Iloilo—one that truly engages the child."
"In many traditional classrooms, the joy of learning tends to fade. However, within Montessori environments, we often witness students eagerly attending classes, leading to happy parents. We aim to bring this enriching experience to Sta. Barbara Heights and the surrounding Iloilo communities," Barrameda shared.
Sta. Barbara Heights is a master-planned township destined for vitality, featuring a lively town center, a proposed business park, and numerous residential villages. The township promises direct road access to Iloilo International Airport through Iloilo International Avenue.
Additionally, the township boasts proximity to historic landmarks like the Sta. Barbara Church and the Iloilo Golf Course and Country Club, blending heritage with modern living.
[1] Leo Solinap, our website Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.manilatimes.net/[2] Montessori Asia Workshop. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.montessoriasia.com/[3] Montessori Global. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://montessoriglobal.org/progoras/montessori-school-directory/
- The influx of The Abba's Orchard Montessori, a renowned Montessori institution, to Sta. Barbara Heights in Iloilo is a testament to the township's commitment to education-and-self-development, aiming at fostering personal-growth and learning opportunities for children.
- The opening of The Abba's Orchard Montessori in Sta. Barbara Heights will contribute to the environmental sustainability of the township, as the school's unique Erdkinder level curriculum incorporates hands-on farm experiences for adolescents.
- In the Philippines, The Abba's Orchard Montessori continues to make a significant impact in the business sector by expanding its network of top-notch Montessori institutions, such as the groundbreaking La Granja Montessori farm school in Bukidnon.
- By integrating The Abba's Orchard Montessori, the Sta. Barbara Heights township in Iloilo is poised to become an attractive destination for families seeking quality education, contributing to the overall development and growth of the region.
