““If you make it fun, and make working hard and being part of a community an essential part of the process, they will all work hard. Just saying, ‘Hey, we’re all going to go out and learn’ is not the same as being part of an incredible community and doing great things. You can think of what we’re doing as a kind of super-charged home schooling. The group dynamics make things better, and the kids get more productive.””
Spark Studio Overview
The Spark Studio is tailored to ages 5-7 years old. To begin their time at this studio, the hero accepts their journey and crosses the threshold from the ordinary world into the special world. Here, they will stretch their abilities and challenge themselves to grow and lead the charge on their own journey. This studio is characterized by challenging hands-on quests, introductory Socratic discussions, and the mastery of foundational core skills. Our Spark heroes learn to learn, learn to do, and learn to be through the key components of our educational model. Young heroes will identify the essential character traits needed to reach their goals and be guided in developing the habits required of a “hero”.
Core skills are the basic toolkit that young heroes need to master in order to become lifelong learners. Self-paced mastery is at the center of our learner-driven model. The Spark Studio is filled with carefully curated Montessori materials that will guide young heroes on their journey. They have freedom to choose their work and follow a badge plan to guide them as they learn, fail, grow, and master important skills. Failure is not discouraged, but is seen as a growth opportunity. We believe our learners are more than capable; even through failures.
Character Focus
Our young heroes focus on building character in areas such as focus and flow, curiosity, creativity, resilience and grit, team building, and respect for others.
Academic Focus
Project-based exploration in all disciplines, with a focus on foundational reading, writing, and mathematical skills. Heroes develop a working knowledge in foundational skills that will allow them to advance to higher, more resourceful levels in the Discovery Studio.
Spark Studio LEarning Design
Introductory Socratic discussions about heroes, history, character, and self-governance to hone critical thinking skills and the ability to powerfully think, write, and speak.
Growth mindset is at the center of this studio’s approach; training young minds to understand and embrace failures and the power of “yet”.
Learner-driven approach puts the young hero in the driver’s seat of their educational journey. Heroes are encouraged to seek their own answers and become resourceful and self-motivated.
Montessori materials and principles combined with blended learning for our older Voyagers ensure this studio takes a 21st century approach to foundational core skill mastery.
Hands-on project based quests to master the tools and skills needed to solve problems in the real world.
Written promises and covenants help young heroes understand the importance of honesty, accountability, integrity, and friendship.
No grades.No Tests.
No Homework.
Measuring Mastery: How do you measure progress and success if there are no tests?
What Our Parents are saying
