Educating the Future Leaders of Tomorrow
Learning Circle is a private school offering preschool, elementary and special education duly recognized by the Department of Education. It is located in Olongapo City, Philippines, with government recognitions for its pre-elementary, elementary and special education programs. Learning Circle follows a constructivist philosophy in teaching. Our teachers
provide a caring and nurturing environment where learners flourish. All teachers undergo intensive training on educating children The Learning Circle Way developed by school directress and founding president, Dr. Minerva Young, who envisions Learning Circle to be a joyful place of learning for children, teachers, and parents. It is a nurturing place where children are challenged to think, encouraged to achieve, inspired to care, and trained to lead.
*The Story of Learning Circle*
Learning Circle's story began in the aftermath of the Mount Pinatubo eruption that devastated Olongapo City in 1991. The Ladores family home at 31 Brill Street was destroyed, its roof collapsing under the weight of lahar. Their duplex apartment building miraculously survived due to its steeper roof. The family home remained in ruins for years while family members were scattered, some studying in Quezon City and others in Japan. In 2000, after returning from doctoral studies in the United States, Teacher Minnie Ladores began tutoring young children at the apartment building. It started with four studentsโNicolo, Amiel, Jica, and Jurenceโand quickly grew. Encouraged by the Department of Education's supervisor of private schools, Mrs. Gonjoran, she transitioned from home tutoring to formally founding a school. The whole Ladores family was in full support. At 71 years old, Mommy Naty Ladores, who owned the land where Learning Circle now stands, found a way to give back to the city she loved. She was happy to contribute to the city's recovery by establishing a school with the dream of rebuilding not just structures, but lives. "My dream is to educate the future leaders of tomorrow," she would often say, a vision that continues to guide the school's mission today. Annie Biteng helped with funding. As a daycare proprietor herself, she provided invaluable advice on running the business. Dave Ladores, then a high school student, devoted time and effort to physical labor to make the facilities viable for learning. Initially, Teacher Minnie designed the curriculum and taught all classes herself. She continues to oversee the curriculum and train teachers. Teacher Wenine Pagalilauan joined as one of the first hires in 2001 and is now proudly serving as the School Principal. From those humble beginnings, Learning Circle was born, grounded in a deep love of children, learning, and service to the community.
