The Spark Studio (Kindergarten+) equips young learners with independence and mindfulness, laying the foundation for empowerment and freedom. Through Montessori learning, Reggio Emilia-inspired projects, Waldorf-inspired play, and the Hero's Journey, children thrive in a safe, joyful, and magical environment.

See what a typical day might look like here →

“Children learn as they play. More importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.” — O. Fred Donaldson

Child-Led Education

Montessori + Reggio Emilia + Waldorf + Hero's Journey

Montessori Foundation

Self-directed learning in a mixed-age classroom. With proper guidance, each learner directs his own learning and moves at his own pace, fostering a growth mindset.

Reggio Emilia

A studio filled with loose parts, clay, and woodworking areas. It offers endless opportunities for creative, hands-on learning in Arts and Engineering.

Waldorf Inspired

Daily, unstructured outdoor play encourages creativity. Children explore nature and make scientific observations, laying a strong foundation for the future.

Hero's Journey

Woven through the fiber of the Spark Studio. Through daily vocabulary and stories, learners build resilience and begin exploring their identity as heroes.

“All this is part of an education for independence.” - Maria Montessori

TECH-FREE EXPLORATION

In Spark Studio, we intentionally create a screen-free environment that encourages children to engage fully with the world around them. Without the distraction of technology, learners dive deep into hands-on experiences, imaginative play, and meaningful face-to-face interactions. This tech-free space nurtures focus, curiosity, and real-world problem-solving—skills that serve as strong building blocks for their journey into the Growth Studio.

UNSTRUCTURED OUTDOOR PLAY

Play is a natural learning platform for young children to explore and make scientific observations and conclusions. Unstructured play gives children the freedom to be creative with their own rules and designs. It also equip learners with conflict-resolution skills and practice developing clear communication, both of which are strong foundational skills to the processes in the Elementary Studio.

Foreign Language Exposure

Exposure to foreign languages at an early age has a wide range of cognitive benefits for our youngest learners. At Acton, our Spanish Guide creates an immersive environment for learners to learn through play, music, and songs.

STEM / PROJECT BASED LEARNING

At the Acton Spark Studio, our young learners work on quests and hands-on projects using loose parts. The Acton Reggio Studio is filled with a massive amount of loose parts for our learners which help our learners develop their fine motor skills. An Acton spark studio is filled with endless opportunities for creative, hands-on learning in Science, Arts, and Engineering.

STUDIO MAINTENANCE

In the Spark Studio, learners take ownership of their space, fostering a sense of community and responsibility. Through daily studio maintenance, they practice teamwork, care for shared environments, and develop respect for their surroundings. These habits build a foundation of accountability and pride that prepares them for collaboration and stewardship in the Growth Studio and beyond.