SPARK is a child-led, all-inclusive, secular homeschool community and does not discriminate against anyone regarding religion, race, gender, sexuality, age, educational methods, or other differentiating factors. We are a non-profit and parent-run cooperative in Cincinnati, Ohio. The group is open to families seeking a respectful, co-operative learning environment and community.
What is a secular co-op?
SPARK is a secular group that welcomes all families, regardless of religious affiliations, beliefs, or the lack thereof. We ask that all families keep this in mind in order to maintain a respectful environment for everyone. As a secular group, we ask that families refrain from religious instruction at all SPARK gatherings.
Support
SPARK is dedicated to supporting marginalized voices in our community. We are decidedly anti-racist. Racism in any form will not be tolerated. We welcome our BIPOC members and want them to know that their lives matter to us. We also want our LGBTQ+ members to feel welcome. Whenever possible, families try to accommodate any special needs of our members.
““Children are born naturalists. They explore the world with all of their senses, experiment in the environment, and communicate their discoveries.” ”
2026/2027 CALENDAR OVERVIEW
Fall Semester: 16 Weeks
Mon, Sept. 7 & Thurs, Sept. 10 – First Days of Fall Semester
Mon, Nov. 23 & Thurs, Nov. 26 – CLOSED for Fall Break
Mon, Dec. 14 & Thurs, Dec. 17 – Last Days of Fall Semester
Winter/Spring Semester: 16 Weeks
Mon, Jan. 11 & Thurs, Jan. 14 – First Days of Winter/Spring Semester
Mon, Mar. 15 & Thurs, Mar. 18 - CLOSED for Spring Break
Mon, May 3 & Thurs, May 6 – Last Days of Winter/Spring Semester
We meet outside in nature at Cincinnati Friends Meeting
We gather on Mondays & Thursdays from 11am to 3pm at Cincinnati Friends Meeting, a semi-programmed Quaker meeting that values simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality. The space offers both indoor and outdoor opportunities for us to explore, connect, create, and play while immersed in nature during all four seasons. We practice a self-directed learning approach with an emphasis on the natural world, developing life skills, and unstructured play.
We typically have one facilitated group offering per day leaving plenty of time to connect with nature and build community. SPARK offerings and activities are always optional allowing kids the choice to participate or not depending on their interests. Children are also encouraged to bring in activities, toys, passions to share. Caregivers enjoy time in nature supporting each other in their homeschooling journeys while also participating in offerings and/or shared activities.
Our indoor area is available for use during our meeting time with a full warming kitchen, bathrooms, various seating and table options. Our members come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing, shoes, water bottle, and sometimes extra clothes as we plan to be outside as often as possible year round in all safe weather conditions.
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