Dear Families:
Thank you for taking an interest in our Horner Park Montessori project. It is with great pleasure that I share with you a little bit about who we are and why we’re embarking on this new adventure.
The name Spark Montessori is inspired by the ‘spark’ of joy, curiosity, and pride in the eyes of my young sons when they learn something new. It reminds me of the same joy I feel as an adult when following genuine interests and stretching to grow. We wanted to create an environment and a community that supports and fosters the natural spark that exists within all children so they can work to achieve their own unique potential. And we felt that the best vehicle to support those goals was by leveraging the Montessori philosophy, method, and environment.
The Montessori method has been around for many decades in the United States and even longer abroad. And the research shows clearly that no other method does a better job at building not only a solid foundation for traditional academic work but also the ‘soft skills’ like self-regulation, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking that are sometimes a stronger indicator for success later in life. But for me this is also personal. I can trace many of my best qualities and aptitudes back to my days in the Montessori classroom as a child. That is the experience I wanted for my child, so much so, that it has inspired me to help build an organization whose sole focus is to support the needs of the whole child so that they have the freedom and nourishment to build themselves.
We began by creating a community of passionate parents in our neighborhood who were also interested in these ideas through educational seminars, discussion groups, and informal gatherings. We have now opened a new Montessori school in Horner Park that implements these practices into a classroom setting while continuing to bring value to our community of fellow parents.
We hope that whether you’re simply interested in learning more about the Montessori method or you’re looking for a high-quality Montessori school for your children, you will engage with us. We encourage you to sign up for our email list and follow us on Facebook so that you can be apprised of these events and the progress that we are making in establishing our place in the beautiful Horner Park neighborhood.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sara Hruska
Founder, Spark Montessori
sara@sparkmontessori.org
Management Team
Sara Hruska
FOUNDER
Sara founded Spark Montessori because she was passionate about her children, her community, and the power of the Montessori Method for child development.
Margaret Combs
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Margaret is the Head of School, and has been with Spark Montessori since it was just an idea and an empty space, helping bring the school’s full vision to life.
Minjung Kim
Toddler Program Director & Lead Montessori Guide
Minjung is the Toddler Program Director and Lead Guide for the T1 classroom. She fell in love with Spark Montessori after having her first daughter and joined Spark just as it opened,
Mission & Values
Spark Montessori’s Mission
To provide an authentic, dedicated, and modern Montessori experience for children so that they may discover and nurture the unique Spark within themselves, build self-discipline, awareness, intellectual independence, and competence through important reality-oriented, sensory focused works, and apply their skills and passion towards constructing a happy, fulfilled, self-actualized life.
Spark Montessori’s Organizational Values
Commitment to Montessori Principles/Practices: Spark Montessori will approach every school decision with a commitment to the core principles of a Montessori education.
Respect for the Child and Childhood: Children are capable of far more than they are given credit for. They have their own unique needs, ideas, and passions that must be respected, cherished, and supported. Similarly, childhood is a short, yet critical period of time that needs to be protected from the pressures and politics of the adult world.
Support the Whole Child and the Whole Family: The modern child and the modern family have needs that go beyond academics and childcare. Spark Montessori will strive to provide an environment that supports the whole child at their own, personal stage of development. And provide opportunities for families to build memories, learn, and grow together.
Growth Mindset: There are no fixed human qualities. Everyone is capable of growth with the right mindset. We become what we focus and work on and so we will focus on the things that we can change and influence.
Collaborative Culture with Open Door Policies: Great things happen when people with unique talents and passions collaborate to create something of value. This requires open communication and leadership that is receptive to continuous improvement and engagement. Parents will feel open to engage through open, continuous feedback loops that listen and adapt when appropriate.
Community Outreach & Engagement: There are countless opportunities to engage with the community at large. This includes community organizations, public facilities, and local businesses. Spark Montessori will actively build those connections so that it may have a broader impact and expose children to the ‘real world’ and community in which they live.
Open to Modern Research and Technologies at Appropriate Ages: The world is changing quickly and so we must be willing to evolve with modern research on child development without compromising the underlying philosophy of Montessori.
Approach the World with Joy and Reverence: When we are present in the world, we build a sense of reverence for all of the beauty and joy that is possible.
Join Our Team
