SparkPOD — Student Application

At SparkPOD, families are recognized as the primary guides in their children's education, well-being, and personal development. Our role is to support parents through a teacher-led, home education model that emphasizes collaboration, respect, and thoughtful learning.

We are committed to honest and open communication, shared decision-making with families, and creating a safe, nurturing, and academically supportive environment.

Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child's education by supporting learning at home and volunteering in the classroom when appropriate and mutually agreed upon.

All families are required to participate in a parent–teacher meeting either before or shortly after submitting an application. This meeting is a mandatory part of the admissions process and allows us to learn about your child's learning style, strengths, and needs; provide a detailed overview of our Home Education Program; and ensure the program is an appropriate and supportive fit.

Our goal is to create an environment where each child receives appropriate attention and care within a small-group, teacher-led setting.

Please note: applicants should not require intensive social, emotional, intellectual, or behavioral supports beyond what can reasonably be provided within this program. This ensures equitable attention for all students enrolled.

We offer two flexible learning pathways for students in Kindergarten through Grade 6.

Full-Time — $850/month. 5 days/week, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Includes Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Music/Art/Drama, Health and Physical Education, and Social-Emotional Learning.

Part-Time — $550/month. 3 days/week, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Students in Grades 1–6 are expected to continue learning at home during out-of-school days with parent support.

Full-day placements are prioritized where space is limited.

All application forms must be fully completed and submitted by the application deadline. Applications are reviewed individually by the admissions team, and student placement follows trial days.

Placement decisions are based on student needs, group balance, and program suitability. Families will be contacted to discuss next steps if the program is deemed a good fit.

Placement is offered when SparkPOD believes that a child's educational and developmental needs can be met within the group setting, and that the overall classroom environment supports the success of all students.

Once accepted, families are required to register their child through Alberta's parent-directed home education system, selecting their assigned Home Education Manager, Lesley Anton.

Students in Grades 1–6 are eligible for $901 per year in provincial home education reimbursement funding. Kindergarten students receive $450.50.

Once received, families forward this funding to SparkPOD so it can cover learning materials, field trips, and music and drama programming — with nothing further out-of-pocket.

Tuition is paid monthly from September 2026 through June 2027. Payment options (generally by e-transfer) include one full payment or ten monthly payments.

• Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• No refunds are issued for absences, withdrawals, suspensions, or expulsions.
• Outstanding balances are subject to 2% interest per month.
• All outstanding balances must be paid before re-enrollment in future years.

Classes are held at Shepard Community Hall. Outdoor learning, physical education, and recess take place at nearby community parks.

• Students who are ill should remain at home.
• SparkPOD reserves the right to refuse attendance if a child's illness may pose a risk to others.
• Students must be well enough to participate in all indoor and outdoor activities, including walking to nearby parks.

All personal information is collected and managed in compliance with Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Information is used solely for educational planning, student safety and well-being, and program administration and communication.

By enrolling in the SparkPOD Home Education Program, families acknowledge and agree to the policies, expectations, and responsibilities outlined above.