Sparks Studio

Like Maria Montessori, we believe that even the youngest children have meaningful work to do—whether it’s imaginative play or collaborating with friends to build castles from wood scraps, ladders, and old tires.

The Spark Studio (ages 5-7) is a nurturing environment where children engage in Montessori-inspired activities and Spark Play, fostering independence, focus, and kindness. This foundation prepares them to enter the Elementary Studio with a deep love for learning and the confidence to discover their calling.

We take Montessori principles further by empowering learners to take ownership of their studio. Spark Guides provide clear models, rubrics, and step-by-step guidance so that students progressively take on leadership roles, reflecting the Montessori approach of "show, then do."

The goal of Spark is to introduce young learners to Acton’s Hero’s Journey, where they develop essential life skills, face challenges as part of a close-knit tribe, and grow into confident, self-directed heroes who find joy in learning and contributing to their community.

LEARNING IN SPARKS

  • A young girl signing the studio contract that she helped put together. Other children watch, and a person holding a baby stands in the background. Bookshelves and a whiteboard with writing are visible in the classroom.

    Goals and Accountabilty

    Learners build essential executive functioning skills, including time management, coping strategies, conflict resolution, and goal-setting. They also learn to support and hold each other accountable in achieving their goals.

  • four young boys sit on a colorful geometric-patterned rug, counting money and coins placed on a beige mat, with some playing with yellow beads and a board game piece. place value and math the montessori way.

    Learning to Read, Write and Do Math

    Heroes build essential skills to become lifelong, independent learners, developing curiosity and resilience along the way. They learn to take ownership of their education, embrace challenges, and grow into self-motivate

  • Two boys arm wrestling at a table with a white plastic tablecloth, surrounded by craft supplies, with a cardboard sculpture in front of them. the boys love school and challenges.

    Hands-on Projects

    Learners dive into STEM, art, and global exploration through hands-on, multi-sensory experiences, sparking creativity and critical thinking with exciting challenges.

  • A young girl playing a game with colored tiles on a rug in a classroom, with a chalkboard and a window in the background. this is Sparks studio - an Acton Montessori studio with learner-led activities.

    Practical Life

    Learners take on real-world challenges and hands-on experiences, gaining practical skills along the way. They work with a variety of materials, from ceramics and glue to glass and cleaning supplies, building confidence and independence.

Three young boys look at a globe on a table in a room with bookshelves and a colorful carpet.

Joy and curiosity spark a lifelong love of learning!

Our Mission in Sparks Studio

Our mission in the Spark Studio is to nurture young learners into passionate, self-driven explorers. By making learning fun and engaging, we help children develop a deep love for discovery. This is the first step in their Hero’s Journey toward independence and growth.

Start Your Journey