SPARK (Supplemental Program in the Afternoon for Recreation and Knowledge) is an after-school program designed to meet the needs of Lower School families who want safe, structured place for their children to spend time at the end of the school day. Led by a capable team of SPARK staff, children participate in a variety of appealing, age-appropriate activities including playground games, arts and crafts, quite reading and other creative endeavors. In addition, full-day SPARK occurs on conference days, comment days, in-service days, and during the first week of Winter Break and Spring Break. Hours for these days are posted on the SPARK calendar.
The SPARK schedule is designed to be flexible. Families can sign up for an occasional afternoon as needed, or up to 10 sessions per week. We are committed to making space for your child in the after school SPARK program any time your family needs this service, even at the last minute. Specific activity offerings vary through the school year, according to the season, popularity, and availability of instructors. Monthly fees are based on the number of sessions in which a child is enrolled during that month, with a full-time school year agreement available at a discounted rate. SPARK fees appear on the child’s monthly statement from the GA Business Office.
Our After School Activity Program (ASAP) will be offered in conjunction with SPARK. ASAP courses are small group enrichment sessions taught by Lower School teachers or other experts in a particular field. Students enrolled in ASAP courses receive specialized classroom instruction in an area that is not already offered as part of the regular GA curriculum.
ASAP courses are 9 or 10 weeks in duration, and the entire fee for the course is billed to the student’s account in the month the course begins. Enrollment is limited in these courses and there are no refunds or credits for missed classes in the ASAP program.
There are three registration periods through the school year for SPARK and ASAP: September-December, January-March, and April-June. Online registration for fall SPARK and ASAP will begin in July.
In the fall, parents of children registered in SPARK will receive more detailed information concerning policies and procedures. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Jill Feld at (267) 709-3255 or email SPARK@germantownacademy.org.