Question 1

Where is Spark Academy located?

Accepted Answer

Spark Academy is located on the Manchester Community College campus in Manchester, NH and directly benefits from MCC’s Running Start, Early College, and other programs. Our students have the opportunity to participate in community service projects and a variety of other enrichments made available to us through the cooperative relationship we enjoy with MCC.

Question 2

Who may attend this high school?

Accepted Answer

Spark Academy is an open enrollment high school for grades 9-12. Any high school student who officially resides in the state of New Hampshire is eligible for admission.

However, our program is unlike that of a typical high school and it's important that prospective students understand it thoroughly by attending Information Nights, shadow days, and individual pre-enrollment meetings. Our program is not for everyone and we want our students to be successful!

Question 3

How much does it cost to attend Spark Academy?

Accepted Answer

Spark Academy is a tuition-free public high school. Students taking Early College electives with MCC may be charged at a reduced rate.

Question 4

What is the mission of Spark Academy?

Accepted Answer

Spark Academy seeks to empower students with opportunities to master technical skills, both practical and theoretical, in the context of a high school and early college program that emphasizes the dignity and value of work. Students will discover an appreciation for the power of the sciences combined with an understanding of humanities. They will develop into innovative problem-solvers, ready to enter technical careers in the workforce upon graduation or through further study.

Question 5

What is the average class size?

Accepted Answer

Class size never exceeds 15, as this is the maximum number of students per cohort. Cohorts go through the school day as a group, which encourages cohesiveness and bonding. The cohort model has always been a key feature of Spark Academy.

Question 6

What is the schedule like?

Accepted Answer

Our school day for first and second year students consists of four 90-minute blocks: Technology, Math, Science, and Humanities. In the third year, we expect many of our students' schedules to shift in order to accommodate college level classes.

Wednesdays are Exploration Days and consist of a variety of student-enrichment and career exploration opportunities.

Question 7

Do you have clubs and sports?

Accepted Answer

We currently have a robotics team and a drone team, which meet after school; and Student Council, Creative Club, Yearbook, and D&D which meet on Exploration Wednesdays. Clubs are student-created and student-led, and must be approved by Student Council and school administration.

Students may participate in sports teams that are run by their sending high school. Students are responsible for getting their own transportation to after-school practices and games, and for arranging early departure from Spark (if necessary) with school administration.

Question 8

Is there a school bus?

Accepted Answer

Students who reside in Manchester may take the school bus. There is also a MTA bus route to the MCC campus, which high school students are entitled to ride for free. Parents are responsible for ensuring their student is comfortable with transfers and city bus schedules.

Question 9

What can a student accomplish through the Running Start and Early College programs?

Accepted Answer

Both of these can be taken for dual credit. Students may earn tangible skills and graduate high school with a certificate or a good start towards an associate degree.

Question 10

Which MCC programs will be available to my student?

Accepted Answer

After year two, all Early College courses offered by Manchester Community College will be available for the Spark students. However, Spark Academy will focus on the technologies such as Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, Mechatronics, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Welding, HVAC, etc.

Question 11

If my student is an active learner, how will he or she fit in this school?

Accepted Answer

Spark Academy’s curriculum and schedule plan elements were specifically designed with the active learner in mind. Students will cultivate knowledge in workshops and projects involving robotics, machining, laser-cutting, 3D printing, CAD, and other tools.

Our rigorous program also involves theoretical learning and requires persistence, hard work, and motivation!

Question 12

What is a charter school?

Accepted Answer

Charter schools are public schools of choice that operate with freedom from many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools. Charter schools are independent, tuition-free to in-state students and are highly accountable. Charter schools are operated in accordance to a specific mission or "charter". The "charter" establishing each school is a performance contract detailing the school's mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure success.

As of March 2019, there are 28 public charter schools operating in New Hampshire. Together these public schools serve over 3,800 families. New Hampshire charter schools offer New Hampshire students a diverse range of mission and program options to choose from. Charter schools allow children and their families an opportunity to find the public education option that best serves their needs and interests. According to U.S. News and World Report (2015), there are now more than 6,500 chartered public schools operating in the United States.