What is SPARC?

SPARC is a summer program for gifted youth, grades 6 - 11. It combines elements of summer camp - particularly the value and allure of their recreation and camraderie--with the multilevel benefits of rigorous academic achievement.

In addition to providing a balance between academic and recreation activities, SPARC offers a unique opportunity for participants to take collegiate classes alongside current college students at the College of St. Joseph in Rutland, Vermont.

SPARC strives to be the undisputed best choice for parents & students looking for a program which emphasizes individualism and personal growth as well as academic accomplishment. Please join us as we begin our inaugural year in the summer of 2010. Are you a prospective student, faculty member, or interested parent? Add your name to our mailing list for up-to-date information about the program.

Why SPARC

SPARC's small size and highly targeted approach offers many one-of-a-kind gains which make it especially geared to accelerated students and those who thrive in a more intimate learning environment.

SPARC is Special

Unlike other summer gifted programs, SPARC is centered around the individuality of our students and teachers. By choosing from an array of courses, workshops, social and recreational activities, and directing their own free time, each student in a sense creates his or her own one-week program. Our teachers and staff design their own courses, bringing their own expertise and passion to their interactions with our students. All of this happens in an environment of community, not bureaucracy. We are committed to transparent administrative practices and to treating our students and staff with honesty and loyalty. We believe problems can be solved by open and honest discussion, not through blind reaction or ex cathedra pronouncement. We believe that our gifted students know best about their own educational needs, and a summer of educationally-appropriate classes, like-minded peers, and dedicated teachers,

Our Mission

To provide an educational environment that fosters creativity and curiosity among academically and creatively talented youth.

Program goals:

• To provide a range of classes and educational experiences tailored to the interests and abilities of our students.
• To allow friendships to form among youth of diverse ages, genders, backgrounds, and interests.
• To expose gifted and talented youth to older children and adults who have experienced the educational and interpersonal challenges that they face.
• To teach effective strategies for dealing with bullying, perfectionism, educational conflicts, and other problems often faced by gifted and talented youth.
• To provide an environment that is safe for the exploration of academic interests, artistic pursuits, and emotional growth.
• To provide practical leadership training that focuses on deeds, not words.

We seek to do these things through the creation of an educational community that will value the individuality of each person, and balance the educational, emotional, and social needs of the individual with the needs and safety of the community. We believe that such a community can have a positive and long-lasting effect on the lives of its members, even if the community itself is of short duration, and the friendships formed among like-minded peers in such a setting can be the basis of networks of social support that have a positive influence throughout the life-span.