Spark Studio
A Beautiful Beginning for Curious
3–6 Year-Olds
The Spark Studio is a special space just for young learners—a joyful, can-do environment where children build confidence, independence, and foundational skills through purposeful play and hands-on learning.
Each day combines structure and freedom, helping children grow through consistent routines, high expectations, and daily encouragement. With access to beautiful Montessori materials and open-ended invitations to explore, Spark learners develop strong academic habits and a deep sense of capability.
Participation in Spark is an excellent way to lay a strong Pre-K/Kindergarten foundation—and the perfect introduction to the learner-driven systems and culture that make Acton so unique. It's also a wonderful way for the whole family to begin growing together.
What Spark Learners Do Each Day
In Spark, children:
- ✅ Listen to and discuss excellent stories
- ✅ Learn kindness and community through high-quality play—indoors and out
- ✅ Notice and celebrate the good they see in each other
- ✅ Participate in science and social studies activities tied to seasonal themes
- ✅ Begin simple goal-setting, reflection, and contract-making
- ✅ Grow reading, writing, and math skills with Montessori materials
- ✅ Play games that engage their minds, bodies, and spirits
- ✅ Join beginner Socratic discussions—learning to agree and disagree with care
- ✅ Practice daily movement and exercise routines to build balance, coordination, and strength
It's a bright, positive, and empowering place—full of "I can do it!" energy.
Across the hall, Elementary learners are on their own journey—but in true Acton fashion, everyone knows each other. Little ones look up to the big kids, and the older learners take pride in setting an example. It's a connected, whole-school community.
Is My Child Ready for Spark?
Spark is designed for children who are:
- At least 3 years old
- No longer napping during the day
- Fully independent in the bathroom
- Ready for a full school day (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)*
*Half days are available upon request as a transition option.
For children who are already 5, we also look for pre-reading readiness:
- Knows most alphabet sounds
- Can rhyme and identify beginning sounds
- Can blend and segment simple spoken words
Need extended care?
After-school care is available for Spark learners too, with relaxed, supervised play available until 5:45 p.m.
Ready to Learn More?
Come meet us, explore learner work and systems, and get a real feel for our joyful, can-do early learning environment. To protect the focus of the studio, we don't tour during the school day—but after your visit, you'll have the option to sign up for a strong "fly on the wall" observation and see Spark in action.
"Acton's curriculum is truly unique—it's centered around real-world learning and problem-solving at its core. They don't just teach; they empower kids to think critically, take ownership of their learning, and embrace challenges with resilience. It's beyond impressive to see how they cultivate these skills at such a young age."
— Falen Milton, Current Acton Lakewood Pre-K Parent
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review