Our Mission

To facilitate and maintain a secular and self-directed learning environment by allowing our children to deeply engage with the world through their passions and interests. We embrace choice & freedom along with collaboration between peers, parents, instructors, and the local community.

SPARK is an inclusive, neurodiverse, and LGBTQ+ friendly community of homeschoolers creating a playful and self-directed learning environment for all ages. We are a non-profit and parent-run cooperative in Cincinnati, Ohio. We pride ourselves on being a secular, diverse, and collaborative co-op that provides an affordable, accessible, and non-coercive space for learning experiences and building community.

Our Approach

SPARK has a unique approach to learning that is relaxed and self-directed. Both children and parents take an active role in learning and building our community. We believe children (and all people) learn best through play and engaging in topics that are meaningful to them. We meet this philosophy through our group learning experiences called “Offerings”. 

Offerings are classes, workshops, activities, or projects led and assisted by parents that last about an hour and can cover a wide and diverse range of subjects and interests. Each family is expected to lead one Offering of their choice per Homeschool year to share a hobby, skill, or curiosity their family has. They can reach out to other members to secure an assistant if their Offering requires support. Families may opt to recruit a hired mentor or facilitator, as our budget allows. Seasoned families typically lead offerings at the beginning of our terms and give newer families some time to observe and get the swing of things before leading an Offering themselves. Members will be reimbursed for Offering materials purchases but are asked to provide an estimate for approval beforehand. Some Offerings are targeted at certain ages, while others incorporate a range of ages learning together. SPARK activities are always optional allowing kids the choice to participate or not depending on their interests. We do ask that everyone remain respectful of the mentor or parent running the Offering by taking space away from the activities for loud play if they choose not to participate. 

We are a non-profit and parent-run cooperative with a Board of Directors responsible for directing the overall policy and direction of SPARK and ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly. The Board is made up of elected parent volunteers. In addition, the Board works cooperatively with families to coordinate and delegate specific duties to members. Parents may be asked to jump in and help facilitate activities or Offerings, organize, clean, plan, support, discuss, collaborate and care for our space, our daily tasks and each other. Families pay a membership fee and tuition which covers costs such as renting space, insurance, resources, hired mentors, and supplies.

Code of Conduct

We are committed to making this group a safe, respectful, and welcoming space for all families. By participating, you agree to:

• Treat everyone with kindness and respect.

• Use supportive, appropriate language in all interactions.

• Help create an inclusive environment where every person feels safe, seen, and valued.

• Handle disagreements calmly and respectfully, with a focus on understanding and cooperation.

• Bullying of any kind is not tolerated. This includes verbal, emotional, or physical behavior that intimidates, excludes, or harms others. Any actions that make others feel unsafe or unwelcome—whether intentional or not—are not acceptable.

Conflict Resolution Process

At SPARK, we strive to maintain a positive environment where children and parents enjoy their time together and treat each other with mutual respect and graciousness. We are a diverse group of people working together to provide a safe, respectful, and rich learning environment, but as with any diverse community, conflicts will arise. Our goal is always to preserve relationships and resolve conflicts peacefully. When concerns arise, families are encouraged to first communicate directly and respectfully with each other to attempt a resolution. If a resolution is not reached or further support is needed, another member may be asked to assist with mediation. The Board agrees to maintain a channel of communication available through an online form that can help members confidentially bring awareness to the Board about an issue.

In the case of a dangerous issue, pattern of behavior, or repeated non-adherence to the Code of Conduct, removal from the group during the membership year may be invoked. Behavior outside of SPARK’s meeting times and events, such as online communication, may be considered as part of the decision if it significantly impacts the group’s well-being, safety, or sense of community.