Spark Their Curiosity

Spark Studio

Ages 4 - 7

Spark your child's love of learning by allowing them to connect with their interests. A spark can light a wildfire of loving to learn! Young Spark heroes at Acton are curious and learn to get along with others in a play-filled environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, communication, and wonder.

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Acton Studios provide a modern approach to education for your childs journey.

Spark a Love of Learning

The Spark Studio is is designed in a way that recognizes children's innate curiosity and desire to learn while supporting whole child development: cognitive, physical, emotional and social. Spark heroes freely explore learning materials in math, language and reading, practical life, sensorial, culture and science through Montessori materials while maintaining a strong emphasis on play and joy. Children have the opportunity to move freely about the studio while deeply exploring their interests and uncovering their passions. Mornings are dedicated to Montessori work, and afternoons are dedicated to Spark Play (inspired by Anji Play), outdoor explorations, or free-making in the Acton makerspace. The Spark studio builds the foundations of goal-setting and independent learning skills that engage and prepare young people to soar into the next Discovery Studio. Children navigate how to get along well with others in a safe, supportive and fun environment where they are able to embrace challenges and celebrate successes.

1

Respect Myself

Self-respect fosters good choices, self-discipline and healthy confidence

2

Respect Others

Recognizing the gifts of others develops empathy, understanding and collaboration

3

Be Curious

Play and exploration generate awe and wonder about our extraordinary ordinary world

4

Be Honest

Honesty with oneself and others is the foundation of developing integrity and character

Acton Academy Madison West, is a community of learning where children from Blackhawk, Fitchburg, Middleton, Shorewood and more get a modern educational developement.
Children from Blackhawk, Fitchburg, Middleton, Sherwood and other areas being taught educational goals by Acton Academy Madison West.
Learning in the Spark Studio

Spark Curiosity

Our Spark Studio (classroom) is prepared with beautiful materials that facilitate growth and independence while keeping up with the active bodies and brains of young children.
  • Age-appropriate balance of freedoms and limits
  • Children pursue their interests, engage in academic pursuits and hands-on learning
  • They practice life skills, and engage in loose-parts play, free-making and outdoor exploration
  • A mix of ages, and regular co-mingling with our Discovery Studio heroes, provides peer-to-peer learning, mentoring and role models
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Watch a Day in the life at Acton Academy
A day in the life of the Spark Studio

Spark Joy

  • The day starts with a guide-led Socratic discussion to inspire, equip or build connection with and among the young Spark heroes
  • Children engage in a two- to three-hour Montessori "work-cycle" focusing on academic pursuits including reading, math, writing, culture, art, science, geography as well as practical life skills
  • After a healthy lunch and outdoor playtime, children spend the afternoon engaged in Spark Play (inspired by Anji Play) that develops creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills
  • Other days may bring large group Socratic discussions, reading buddies and mentoring with Discovery studio heroes, foreign language (Mandarin), social-emotional role-plays, free-making in the makerspace and nature walks
  • The day wraps up with studio maintenance (clean-up), story time and reflection
Nurturing a philosophy of learning in Madison West, Blackhaw, Fitchburg, Middleton & Shorewood.
Why Play?

Children are hard-wired to learn through play. Spark Play fosters the 4C's: creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking

Acton Academy badges to help your childs journey in their education with Madison West Acton Academy.
Embrace Childhood

Spark Play

Heroes engage in Spark Play, inspired by Anji Play, utilizing large and small loose parts to build a world of possibilities

  • Children are hard-wired to learn, and learn through play

  • Free play fosters the 4C's of learning: creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking

  • Spark Play is inspired by Anji Play and incorporates the principles of love, risk, joy, engagement and reflection

  • Reflection develops children's abilities to think about, interpret, understand and verbalize their experiences and thinking

A School for the 21st Century

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Spark Studio, Year 3, Session 2, Week 10

The focus of the week was kind communication. We explored the idea of “invisible bandages,” the things we can do to help friends with hurt feelings like apologies, checking in, or hugs. We talked about icy, hot and warm forms of communications and how we can use the words, “I feel…..” to express ourselves in Read more…
Discovery Studio, Year 3, Session 2, Week 10

This week, Discovery heroes dove into the “Whale-Level Quest Challenge,” an exciting and thought-provoking task as part of their Marine Science Quest. The challenge calls on heroes to identify a significant challenge facing the ocean today and come up with creative solutions. Heroes began by brainstorming a variety of issues threatening our oceans, such as Read more…
Discovery Studio, Year 3, Session 2, Week 9

The Discovery heroes continued with their marine science quest this week! First, they examined a couple of real fish specimens. The heroes were fascinated by their scales and eyes. The next day, they explored marine food webs. Some were surprised to learn that humans are at the top of the marine food web, and explored Read more…