Sofia’s School (the first school for the servant children of Stukmani Manor)

In 1853, the first school for the children of Stukmani Manor’s servants was opened. The founder and benefactor of the school was Countess Sophie von Medem, née von Löwenstern, which is why the school was named “Sophie’s School.” A sign on the school’s door read: “Founded by Sophie Medem, née von Löwenstern.”

Countess Sophie was not only the patroness of the school but also a regular guest at her institution. Before the parish established its own school, children from the parish also attended Sophie’s School. Later, however, the school became a privilege reserved exclusively for manor children. The original school building was modest and simple, but in 1873 it was expanded by adding a second floor with a new classroom and sleeping quarters.

In 1909, the school was relocated to the Valdstein Villa because the old building no longer met hygiene requirements. A few years later, following the countess’s death in 1910, the school was closed. It was briefly replaced by the “ABC School,” which, however, did not last long and was closed in 1912.

Among those who studied at Sophie’s School were: the writer Valdis (Valdemārs Zālītis, who described this time in his book “Staburaga bērni”), the writer Kārlis and painter Aleksandrs Štrālis, Latvian general and topographer Andrejs Auzāns, architect Roberts Kiršbergs and his brothers Arvīds and Pēteris, as well as Stukmani locals Otto Cintiņš, son of Jēkabs, and Jānis Magone.

Sophie’s School was reborn on October 1, 2002, when preschool education for 5- and 6-year-old children began in Klintaine Parish. The preschool group was named the “Sophie’s School” of Pļaviņas Secondary School, and the teacher during this second awakening was Inga Baginska. “Sophie’s School” ceased operation on May 29, 2009.

Today, the building “Kūlīši” still serves as an active community center. It houses the Klintaine Parish Library and the Parish Service Center. Cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts are held in the Tradition Hall. This historic site continues to thrive and bring people together, preserving the spirit and aura of the old Sophie’s School.