Barefoot Hearts
A living, free, and democratic educational project where childhood sets the pace.
Barefoot Hearts is an educational project and animal sanctuary in the forest of Turís, Valencia. Summerhill-inspired: democratic education, sustainable living, plant-based cantina, and emotional health first. Coworking for parents; children 3–12 shape their own path in nature, with compassion and care for the environment.
Education, but Make It Magical
At Barefoot Hearts we focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, entrepreneurship, and child-led project-based learning. Inspired by Summerhill, we put emotional health before academics and trust that children learn best when they run, explore, and create. Kids here aren't just students—they're explorers, inventors, caretakers, and even occasional goat whisperers.
Our spaces
For families like yours
Alternative-education seeker
What if the setting didn't feel like the usual?
Child-led learning, free play, democratic meetings. One app to schedule attendance, meet teachers, and align with our educational project.
Remote-working parent
Work where they learn. Pick up where you left off.
On-site coworking for up to 20 parents: Starlink-speed internet in the forest, proper and standing desks, self-service coffee and herbal teas. Schedule your child's days and your desk in one place.
Health- and planet-conscious family
Eat your veggies (and actually like it).
Vegan, organic, gluten-free cafeteria; an animal sanctuary at the heart of the project where kids can care for and feed the animals; permaculture and produce through the app.
Community- and transparency-oriented parent
We're in this together.
The children decide: in our assemblies they vote on the lawbook and how the educational project is run. Book meetings with teachers, read the lawbook in the app, raise issues, and join the community.
Try before you enroll
Try us first. No long-term commitment.
Enroll for a day, a few days a week, or a month — for the educational project or for events. Roll to the full year when you're ready. Sign up from the app in one place.
Worried about the cost?
Government aids can cover part of the fee
Families already receiving government cash aids pay significantly less. Use our estimator to find out how much you could receive.
Calculate my net costOur approach
- •Child-led learning and democracy: children choose what, how, and with whom to learn; they discuss and vote together on how things run.
- •Free play as the main tool: the most natural way children build knowledge and skills.
- •Non-directive accompaniment and trust: we observe and offer a secure presence; we trust children's capacities when the environment is respectful.
- •Emotional well-being as the foundation for all learning.
- •Nature and hands-on sustainability: the forest is our classroom; kids learn permaculture, animal care, and more.
- •Community & coworking: parents can work on-site (coffee included!) while their children learn nearby.
- •Parent buddy community: enrolled families who love the project can volunteer to connect with new families considering joining — sharing their real experience as fellow parents.
Eat Your Veggies (and Actually Like It)
Our fully vegan, organic, and gluten-free cafeteria will make your child rethink everything they know about healthy eating. Yes, even kale.
Don't Worry, We'll Pick Them Up
We provide an optional bus service for convenient daily adventures from Valencia, Mislata, Paterna, La Canyada, L'Eliana, La Pobla de Vallbona, Llíria, Aldaia, and Calicanto.
Valencia, Mislata, Paterna, La Canyada, L'Eliana, La Pobla de Vallbona, Llíria, Aldaia, Calicanto.
Estimate and EnrollA day at Barefoot Hearts
- Welcome circle (9:30) — we say good morning and listen to what children want to share.
- Democratic meeting (10:00) — children discuss, resolve conflicts, and vote on decisions.
- Snack and tidying (10:30–11:00) — caring for the space together.
- Free play all day — the heart of learning, with bonds and discoveries emerging naturally.
- Lunch (13:00) and rest or play (14:00–14:30).
- Farewell circle (15:30) and close (16:00) — gratitude for the day.
Meet Our Magic Makers
Our incredible staff aren't just teachers—they're magicians, culinary artists, and occasionally carpenters!
Geraldine
Advocate for Childhood Freedom
Co-founder of Barefoot Hearts, a mother of two (soon to be three), and a passionate believer in democratic education. Inspired by Summerhill, she trusts in children’s curiosity and capacity to guide their own learning, and is dedicated to creating nurturing, supportive environments where they can grow, explore, and connect with others. With a background in sustainable farming through her company Refarm’d, Geraldine brings a deep commitment to caring for the environment, animals, and health: values she weaves into the heart of Barefoot Hearts.
Blanca
Emotional Expert
A companion with a strong teaching background and training in Emotional Education. Blanca brings warmth, deep empathetic sensitivity to the world of emotions, offering understanding and a touch of creativity in every learning experience.
Ilia
Educator & Guide for Curious Minds
An educator passionate about cross-cultural learning and outdoor experiences, Ilia has worked with children and youth in diverse settings. Native in English, fluent in Spanish, she creates a nurturing environment and hands-on experiences that inspire exploration, personal growth, and connection with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for Adventure?
Come visit us (shoes optional, smiles mandatory) and see why Barefoot Hearts is more than just an educational project—it's a community shaping the next generation of happy, compassionate humans (and maybe goat whisperers).
Pricing & Enrollment
School attendance can be by day, week, month, or full year. We also offer coworking for families. Spots are limited.
- • Day, week, month, or full year
- • Full-time (school year)
- • Part-time (by day, week, or month)
- • Coworking (parents)
Get an exact price for your children and schedule on the enrollment page or in the app.
