Connect
Impact

Spark Online Academy: Designing a Learner-Centered Online Public School

Guest Author
Authentic Learning

By Julie Johnson, Principal, Spark Online Academy, in collaboration with Learner-Centered Collaborative

Spark Online Academy Case Study

Spark Online Academy is a public, multi-district online and blended learning school serving Colorado Springs School District 11. Building upon community input and bright spots that some families and learners experienced with online learning, Spark Online Academy set out to create a school where all children would be safe, happy, and in love with learning. Learn how the team approached designing and launching a learner-centered, online and blended school steeped in personal connection and engaging learning experiences with real-world application.

View the full story

Related Posts
Podcasts
Episode 41: Reimagining Learning Through Co-Design and Agency with Allie Wong
By loading this video, you agree to the privacy policy of Youtube.Always load Youtube videos on this site.Load VideoListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsWatch on YouTubeEpisode Summary: Allie Wong, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Learner-Centered Collaborative, shares her journey from being a student in a project-based learning environment to becoming a teacher, school leader,…
Blog
From Kickflips to Critical Thinking: Designing Learning That Sticks
Learning is hard. As a middle school English teacher, I would often tell students that learning is the space between knowing and not knowing. At any age, but especially in middle school, that liminal space is a challenging place to be. Inevitably, there would come a point where we were all stuck, and no…
Podcasts
Episode 40: The Power of Joy in Learning with Dr. George Philhower
By loading this video, you agree to the privacy policy of Youtube.Always load Youtube videos on this site.Load VideoListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsWatch on YouTubeEpisode Summary: Dr. George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana, shares his journey as an educator and leader dedicated to creating school environments where students wake up…

It’s Your Journey

Explore More Topics

Blog
4 Lessons From a Competency-Based Community of Practice
No one has completely figured it out, but everyone has something to offer. This sentiment captures the spirit of this year’s Competency-Based Community of Practice. This virtual group is made up of 45 teachers and leaders from nine schools and districts across the country who are currently implementing competency-based assessment and reporting practices. They…
Blog
Celebrating Bright Spots in Learner-Centered Education: Looking Ahead to What’s Possible
As the school year winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible progress made in the journey toward learner-centered education. Across classrooms, schools, and districts, we witnessed bold steps, powerful moments of growth, and inspiring examples of what’s possible when we center learners by design. Learner Agency in Action This school…
Blog
It’s Time for a Change Management Model Built for Learner-Centered Education
How often have we heard learners (adults included) ask, “Why do I need to know this?” It’s a question as old as formal education itself, and one we should never stop thoughtfully addressing. The likelihood of achieving our desired outcome diminishes when the “why” is unclear in any context. This is just as true…
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue to use this site, you agree with it. Privacy Policy