The soil we grow from is trust: in children, in each other, in you.
The four assumptions—roots—which ground us are as follows:

  • Learning: Learning is natural. It’s happening all the time.

  • Self-Direction: People learn best by making their own decisions. Children are people.

  • Experience: People learn more from their culture and environment than from the content they are taught. The medium is the message.

  • Growth: Self-awareness and collective intelligence is catalyzed through cycles of intention, creation, reflection and sharing.

Spark Co-op is an agile learning co-op where young people are free to grow, explore, and thrive on their own terms and in deep connection with others.

We believe that learning doesn’t have to happen in traditional classrooms, through worksheets, or under pressure. At Spark, learners of all ages are trusted to follow their curiosity, build meaningful relationships, and engage with the world around them in ways that feel relevant, joyful, and empowering.

Our community is rooted in trust, respect, and the idea that everyone learns best when they feel safe, seen, and supported. 

Our Mission

To cultivate an inclusive learning community where everyone develops their whole self through directing their learning in relationship with others.

Our Vision

A world where curiosity is honored, play is protected, and all people are free to grow through interest-driven, relationship-rich learning experiences.

What We Offer

  • A space where young people chart their own learning path

  • Caring adult mentors who guide, support, and listen

  • A community of mixed-age learners supporting one another

  • Freedom to explore passions without constant evaluation

  • Opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and real-world learning

Spark is more than an alternative to school, it’s a place where people are celebrated for who they are, and where learning is a lifelong, joyful adventure.

Spark is an Agile Learning Community. Some things are central to what ALC’s are about, while other elements are flexible and may vary between communities. We use a metaphor of a tree to illustrate this aspect of the ALC model more clearly.