Ignite your Creativity. Ignite your Imagination. Ignite Brilliance Within!
The ECSD Spark Academy at Louis St. Laurent School is a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) enriched program for both junior and high school. There is:
- a focus on problem-solving, designing, innovating, and creating
- a variety of fundamental and transferable skills in applications and technologies
- coding and robotics, 3D design and manufacturing, audio/video production
- integration of content from various core subjects
- areas of student choice leading to a customizable, student-centered curriculum
- opportunity for each student to follow their passions and areas of interest
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can SPARK be used to apply to university?
Yes, it can be used as a science to apply to many universities instead of Physics, Chemistry or Biology.
2. Can you join the Spark Academy in any year?
Yes, you can enter at any grade level in both junior high and high school, however, in high School, course prerequisites may be required before moving on to higher level choices within the Spark Academy.
3. Is there a special fee to join the Spark Academy?
Yes, the fee for the JH Spark Academy is $160 and for the SH Academy is $250. Fees include field trips and apparel.
4. How many students get in to the Spark Academy?
Spark Academy enrollment is on a first come basis and may be limited to specific class sizes due to classroom space and equipment.
5. Is there any exam to get into the Spark Academy?
No, there are no exams to enter the Spark academy.
6. Do you need specific marks from math and science the previous year?
No, marks are not used as an entrance requirement when joining the Spark academy.
7. Can you participate in Enhanced Academic Program (EAP) or Advanced Placement (AP) and the Spark Academy?
Students who register in the EAP or AP program can register in the Spark Academy.
8. Can a student register for more than one academy in a year?
No, due to scheduling students can only pick one academy.
9. Can students take other option classes, like Band or French, as well as the Spark Academy?
Yes, students are able to take other options and SPARK Academy.
10. I'm interested in robotics, but I'm not the best at Math. Do you think the Spark Academy would still be right for me?
The Spark Academy will help to enhance the fundamentals of core subjects relating to science, math and technology, but you do not need to have math as your strongest subject area to join.
11. Do Spark Academy high school students receive CALM and RELIGION as part of the course?
Yes, students in the High School Spark Academy program will receive instruction to complete their RELIGION requirements. This course will be integrated into the academy schedule. CALM will be is part of their regular class schedule.