In the enchanting state of New Hampshire, nestled between the magnificent White Mountains and the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean, exists a secret society of culinary artists. These aren't ordinary chefs, oh no, these are the children of the 'Granite State'. And they're not alone; they're guided by the coolest, most admired culinary wizard of all time - Chef Zest-a-Lot. Chef Zest-a-Lot, a jolly fellow with a hat made of pancake batter and a cape stitched with candy floss, is always ready for a cooking expedition. His eyes, twinkling like chocolate chips, hold a mischievous glint that matches perfectly with his giggly, gurgling laughter. His secret weapon? A magical spatula, that flips not just pancakes, but the dullest moods into jolly good times! The children, or as Chef Zest-a-Lot calls them, his 'little sous chefs', team up from all corners of the state. From the quaint town of Littleton to the bustling city of Manchester, these kids have the freshest maple syrup from the Sugarbushes and the juiciest apples from the orchards at their disposal. Their imaginations run wild, creating everything from blueberry pie mountains to clam chowder rivers. Despite the cold New Hampshire winters, the kitchens are always warm with laughter, camaraderie, and the sweet aromas of creativity. The children might be tiny, but they stir up a storm in the kitchen. As they whisk, chop, bake, and roast, they also learn, grow, and bond, under the watchful marshmallow eyes of the jovial Chef Zest-a-Lot. In their world, every recipe is an adventure, and every dish is a delicious triumph.
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
When you visit our facility, you will observe our staff teaching the children numbers, letters, and word knowledge, as well as engaging in interactive activities. They make sure to provide a good balance between academic activities and play time. Through dance, exercise, and other indoor games, the children are able to develop physically and mentally. As they transition from learning to playing, they have the opportunity to explore, express themselves, and learn that knowledge can be fun. Our staff is also committed to promoting multiculturalism in the environment.
At our school, we strive to provide the highest quality Montessori-based learning experience possible. We believe in the philosophy of Maria Montessori, which has been successful in schools around the world for over a century. Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated volunteers to provide oversight for the school, and our teachers are highly-trained and passionate about fostering a love of learning and instilling values such as respect, independence, and creativity. We take pride in being recognized by the Association Montessori International, a body created by Dr. Montessori herself in 1929. This organization is the original and most authentic form of Montessori education, and requires the most rigorous training for teachers and the highest standards for schools. We strive to uphold these standards and provide the best Montessori-based learning experience we can.