To secure your child's seat, please complete enrollment through SchoolMint by April 28.
What to Expect as a Founding Family
As part of Spark's first class, your child will help shape a brand-new middle school experience. From contributing to campus traditions to collaborating on creative projects like a school mural or student-led media, our founding students will play an important role in building a culture that is dynamic, connected, and community centered.
What Happens Next
- Spring Arts Festival (ArtSpace Campus) - May 16, 10am-2pm - You are invited as a VIP to this community-wide celebration! Visit the Spark booth, pick up your inaugural t-shirt, view early renderings of our new facility, meet staff and future classmates, and join us for a special welcome reception. This is a great first step in building your Spark community.
- Summer Connections - Throughout the summer, we will stay connected through optional information sessions, community events, and regular updates. Families will also receive by mail an additional welcome packet with more detailed information to help you feel prepared and confident heading into the school year.
- Orientation Week - August 10-13 - Students will begin building relationships, participate in engaging activities, receive their Chromebook, and learn how to navigate Spark's digital platforms. Families will partner with staff to develop a personalized Success Plan for each student, including their schedules and elective selections. A detailed orientation week schedule will be distributed in May.
First Day of School - August 17, 2026
Full School Calendar here!
Schedules
Our schedule is designed to balance flexibility with strong structure and consistent staff support. While learning is primarily virtual, students engage in a clearly defined weekly schedule that includes live instruction, independent work/project time, and opportunities for in-person connection.
- Live virtual instruction is built into the daily schedule, with dedicated blocks for core academic, teacher-led instruction.
- Flexible learning blocks allow families to choose whether students work from home or attend on-campus sessions for additional support, enrichment, or collaboration.
- On campus opportunities are available for small groups, tutoring, projects, and community building. These occur during "flex blocks" - available Monday through Friday between 1-3pm. Students are not required to be on campus during those full times, but those are the times set aside for scheduling, based on student needs and in collaboration with families.
- Wednesdays are dedicated asynchronous days, with optional campus access for study hall, meetings, or social time.
- Tuesday & Thursday afternoons (3-5pm) - offer optional, no-cost sports and clubs in partnership with ArtSpace.
Final schedules will be personalized in collaboration with families. Students are never navigating their learning in isolation or solely through a screen. Our model is designed to ensure consistent connections, exploration, and support.
Looking Ahead
- Staff - Spark is supported by the experienced leadership team of ArtSpace Charter, under the direction of Dr. Sarena Fuller. Our Program Director will be announced in early May. Several current ArtSpace staff (including art specialists and core operational team members) will support Spark. Our lead teaching team will be announced this spring.
- Location - Spark will open in a dedicated East Asheville facility (1298 Tunnel Road) that is currently being renovated to align with our program needs. This location offers convenient access and a focused learning environment. In addition, we are excited to break ground this summer on our permanent campus on the ArtSpace grounds. You can see design renderings at the Spring Festival!
To secure your child's seat, please complete enrollment through SchoolMint by April 28. If you have any questions, reach out to us at [email protected]. We are honored to partner with you and your family and look forward to an incredible first year at Spark.