Inspired by Maria Montessori’s method and Acton Academy principles, our young (ages 5 to 7) heroes get to experience self-paced hands-on learning, age-appropriate discussion, and ample outdoor time with a mix of adventures and play.
Inspired by Maria Montessori’s method and Acton Academy principles, our young (ages 5 to 7) heroes get to experience self-paced hands-on learning, age-appropriate discussion, and ample outdoor time with a mix of adventures and play.
The Spark Studio follows a simple schedule, alternating between Montessori Work and Spark Play throughout the day, with morning, afternoon, and closing groups offering engaging activities to inspire, equip, and connect learners, and a lunch break in between.
Maintaining a structured schedule, with dedicated time blocks for learners to choose their challenges, is crucial for cultivating habits that will benefit them in the Elementary Studios. These set time blocks also aid in organizing their days and fostering essential self-management skills.
Montessori work is like a magical blend of curiosity, independence, and purpose. Imagine a bustling studio where kids don’t just learn—they dive into their tasks. These little explorers wield tiny brooms, pour beans with precision, care for the barn animals, and sew buttons like seasoned tailors. No plastic toys here—just captivating materials that whisper secrets of math, language, and life. It’s a symphony of self-directed learning, where each child dances to their own rhythm, fueled by wonder and guided by caring guides. So, when you peek into a Montessori room, you’ll find not just students but architects of their own knowledge, building bridges to a brighter future—one button, one bead, and one banana-sized step at a time!
Imagine a space where your child rules the roost! In Spark Play, kids are the architects of their own adventures. They get to decide what to play, how to play, and with whom – it’s the ultimate free-for-all! Teachers become keen observers instead of directors, stepping back to let your child’s creativity take the lead. Think of it like a giant playground built with everyday materials—ropes, tires, barrels, even bamboo ladders! Kids collaborate, problem-solve, and discover all while having a blast. Spark Play is all about letting your child’s imagination run wild while they build essential skills!
It’s at Camp Tilikum, in the art building.
For 2024-2025 tuition is a $600 registration + $4400/yr per learner paid monthly with a 10% reduction for the second learner and 20% for the third.
K through 2nd is the target age for Spark studio. Advanced learners may move to the explorer’s studio when ready. (When reading and communicating both verbal and written to a 3rd grade level)
You may do a half day option (come for morning or afternoon) but there is no discount for tuition.
While we expose children to the importance of mindful spirituality and stress the historical importance of Christianity to the development of Western Civilization, we do not promote any one religion.
The 2023-2024 year started September 6th, 2023 and end June 14th. Breaks throughout the year are determined by our quest/project schedule which last about 4 to 6 weeks of hard work followed by 1 week off. 2024-2025 calendar is not yet published.
We can accommodate up to 15 learners.
It’s not set in stone yet for the 2024-25 school year yet. We are potentially looking for someone but Brittani Johnson (owner) is currently undergoing Montessori training and may serve as the guide.
We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy but, we are not a Montessori school. We also use the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.
We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose, in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.
We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups. We have 2 age groups, K-2nd and 3rd-6th.
We are not trained to serve children with serious learning disabilities but have been able to serve young heroes with dyslexia if they receive special training and believe that many minor learning disabilities are commonly misdiagnosed.
We believe each of our students will find a passion — something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world. This may be by becoming a shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people’s day just by doing his job with love and vigor; it may be by becoming a coach who sees the light in a child’s eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a father or mother who leads a family on a Hero’s Journey; it may be becoming an entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity; or it may be by becoming an artist or writer who brings beauty to people’s lives.
Yes, Forge is IALDS accredited. More information is available here. https://ialds.org/
Your journey starts here. Tell us a little bit about where you’re at and where you’re headed to get the application process started or learn more.
© Forge: An Acton Academy 2024
