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Wonder and Joy create

the magical spark

that opens up a child's

heart to learn.

school

 

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Our Mission is to embrace the unique qualities of each child,
encourage their natural curiosity and spirit of discovery,
inspiring them to reach their full potential.
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Studios
Spark

Our Spark Studio is for learners from 3-6 years old. It offers a safe, caring, and warm environment where young children thrive.

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The studio consists of an ideal balance of indoor and outdoor opportunities for enriched learning through play and hands-on exploration, where they build skills and knowledge at their own pace.

 

We draw our inspiration from the schools in the highly successful municipal schools of Reggio-Emilia, Italy, and Maria Montessori's educational philosophy.

 

Our approach is specifically designed to foster a culture of respect, develop individual character,  and promote student achievement.

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Kindness and developing good character is a cornerstone in all we do. The social, emotional, as well as the academic life of each child, is valued and honored.

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4-7 year olds

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Studios

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Elementary

Our Elementary Studio consists of bright, open, and flexible spaces for work, learning, and play.  

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It is a place where learners come together to learn core skills, develop character, and life skills while having ample opportunities for collaboration, exploration, and free play in our outdoor classroom and maker's space.

 

Learners use hands-on materials as well as adaptive technology to build a strong foundation of core skills.

 

Each Studio is a tight-knit community where they learn how to set goals, work collaboratively, hold one another accountable, and love learning.

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This environment fosters a culture of respect and character development.

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7-12 year olds

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Middle School

The Middle School Studio is for learners ages 12-14 who have already proven that they are able to work independently.  

 

These learners will work on difficult real-world problems and learn to write and think more deeply.

 

Learners continue collaborating, building their character, and building friendships with their studio-mates who will challenge and support them through peer review of their work.

 

This Studio ultimately brings students to a deeper understanding of their character, while they explore their natural talents, their calling through apprenticeships, and realize their gifts; helping them discover who they are, what they are good at, and what they are meant to do. To find a calling to change the world.

DIY utensils for tinkering

12-14 year olds

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Virtual School

The purpose of this Studio is to fill the need of families in need of other options whether they have already been homeschooling and are searching for more or families who have chosen to keep their children at home in light of the recent global situation who may need support as they journey onto a new educational path. 

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We carefully consider each learner's needs, develop an individualized plan, and provide a rich experience with carefully thought out materials that are mailed to their homes or picked up at the school and scheduled video launches with a guide and other learners.

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Our Virtual Studio was built based on the following principles: creativity, exploration, and collaboration. Parent involvement is crucial for the success of this method because we realize that within the parameters of online learning, human interaction with their parent and even with their peers is essential.

Image by Avel Chuklanov

4-14 year olds

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Why Us
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Outdoor Classroom

          We are deeply committed to connecting children with nature.  We do not have a typical school playground. Instead, we have nature-rich outdoor spaces using research-based, field-tested design principles. We are now one of the 128 outdoor classrooms in the country and the only one located in Northeast Florida that has been officially recognized by Nature Explore, a nonprofit design organization whose goal is to help nature become an integral, joyful part of children's daily learning.

Our Outdoor Classroom is dynamic, nature-based play, and learning spaces. 

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Benefits of An Outdoor Classroom

Benefits of the Outdoor Classroom

Children experience nature in as

many wonderful ways as possible

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Time in nature-based outdoor classrooms often sparks interest in learning that stimulate further inquiry indoors.


Children spend substantial periods of time outside, and it is easy and safe for them to get there; they are free to move easily between the indoors and outdoors.

 

Social distancing guidelines are easier to abide by with fresh air providing better ventilation.


Our outdoor space offers a balance of areas for physically active and less active play.


While outside, children frequently have the opportunity to initiate their own learning experiences and activities, with guides available to support them.

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Physical:

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An increase in physical development, capability, and activity


Setting up patterns for an active, healthy lifestyle


Fewer children suffering from diseases such as obesity, Diabetes, and ADD/ADHD


Cognitive:

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Stronger language, problem-solving, and communication skills through projects and group activity


Developing an interest in science and math through connection with nature


Fostering learning through self-initiation, control, and personal responsibility


Psychological:

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Happier


Higher, more positive self-esteem


Effective relationship building in a cooperative, non-competitive environment


Building a healthy and balanced internal psychology from time spent alone


Manifesting classroom harmony


Social-emotional mastery


Understanding:

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Familiarity with and appreciation of nature


Wide, expansive view of how the world works


Building stewardship skills for the environment



 

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