About Us » At a Glance

At a Glance

Spark:  The Basics

Spark was developed in response to the changing needs of students and families. This school is about making education accessible and inspiring to students, embracing that learning can happen anywhere it is welcomed and facilitated. So, what exactly is Spark Learning Center and what does our remote-hybrid learning program actually look like in action? 
 

Who and what we are: 

  • Driven by mission
  • Highly-qualified, human, experienced teachers
  • Motivated by connection and authentic personal interaction
  • Adept at using technology to enhance learning
  • Using the North Carolina Standard Course of Study
  • Willing to craft assignments and accommodate student and family needs while still holding high standards for rigorous and profound learning
  • Committed to holding students to attendance and engagement requirements

 

What we are NOT:

  • Driven by or dependent on AI for planning, teaching, scoring, or learning
  • Looking for-profit
  • Interested in curtailing the human aspect of teaching because remote instruction is “easier” 
  • Providing a way for students to “pretend” to go to school when in fact the student isn’t really doing anything of authentic value
  • Willing to overlook minimum or shrinking engagement with the program
 
 

Spark Learning Center will provide a weekly schedule for your student, set each semester but re-evaluated regularly to accommodate changes in family demands or academic requirements. This schedule will include online coursework and in-person time on campus, based on the needs of the student and cooperation with families. To be clear, some Spark students will spend more time on campus, and some less.  Each child’s schedule will be crafted to include what on-campus activities are desired and needed, such as any or all of the following: 

  • small group projects/ academics
  • facilitated work sessions
  • tutoring
  • recess
  • lunch
  • participation in sports or clubs  
 

Whatever the schedule, know that Spark teachers will be doing “real” teaching (expert instructional planning, methodology, and delivery), and students will be doing “real” learning (deep dives into curriculum, complete with lessons, practice, review, assessments, reteaching as needed, and projects).

For this reason, Spark will most likely differ a great deal from other remote learning experiences offered around the state.  As you consider your options, be careful to find out what Spark and other remote programs require as well as what philosophy drives them.