Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing
1 Elective credit each semester 

Want to learn more about living organisms through regular interactions with academic and business experts and trips to local institutions?  Try out Spark! Bioscience.  This program provides students with a passion for the biological sciences the opportunity to work with experts in the field.  If your interests lie with the micro or macro, with plants, animals, or humans, this experience will provide opportunities for research, inquiry, and project based learning.

Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing
1 Elective credit each semester

Spark! Engineering is modeled after cutting-edge engineering schools like MIT School of Engineering, Olin College of Engineering, Stanford School of Engineering, Purdue University, inspired by Project Lead the Way, and endorsed by local universities. The course is designed for students who are interested in engineering and manufacturing fundamentals, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Immerse yourself with engineers and manufacturers using state-of-the-art tools and software to create and test 3D prototypes solving complex problems. Apply lean manufacturing processes that create value for customers and drive out the waste in production. Students experience hands-on, active learning with full immersion in real-world projects sponsored by business partners.  Students work in multi-disciplinary teams to provide innovative solutions to a company's real-world problems. Engineering projects are tailored to student interest in the fields of chemical, electrical, mechanical, civil, environmental, software/ computer, architectural, advanced manufacturing, robotics, biological, and environmental.

Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing
1 Elective credit each semester

The Incubator is a business incubator where students will learn the skill sets necessary to move an idea from light bulb to launch.  They will live and learn stages of ideation, business development, perfected pitch proposals and business implementation.  They will be part of a team and use critical thinking to grow ideas to the next level.  The Incubator will support students in the development of a start-up company, social enterprise or nonprofit organization. Dual credit is available through Maryville University and Lindenwood University.

Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Senior standing
1 Elective credits each semester

Spark! Health Sciences is an engaging experience that examines the dynamic and diverse field of medicine and healthcare. During this experience, students will be exposed to the variety of opportunities and benefits of careers related to health sciences.  Spark! Health Sciences participants will expand upon principles of human physiology, develop fluency in basic medical terminology, formulate treatment plans for patients and engage in First Aid and CPR training.  Students will receive essential foundational knowledge based on industry demand, while also participating in clinical experiences across the continuum of care that may consist of job shadows, group projects, service learning and individualized mentorship.  Diverse healthcare professionals will serve as guest lecturers and outside learning experiences will involve site visits to a variety of medical and healthcare facilities. Articulated credit is available through St. Louis Community College.

Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing
1 Elective credit each semester

Spark! Sports Medicine is designed for students interested in professions in sports medicine such as athletic training, physical therapy, orthopedics, and sports performance.  In this program, students will gain a fundamental understanding of the human body, human performance, and human movement.  Students will acquire skills to prevent, evaluate, and treat sports injuries.  In addition, students will understand current trends in the  healthcare industry and the importance of interprofessional collaboration to improve patient care. 

Relevant industry topics such as sports medicine principles, anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and therapeutic modalities will also be discussed.  Throughout the Spark! Sports Medicine experience, students will connect with expert healthcare professionals and engage in fieldwork, simulations, case studies, and internship experiences for authentic observation and skill application.

Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing
1 Elective or CTE credit each semester

Spark! Teaching and Learning immerses students in teaching and learning.  Students will understand learning styles, teaching methodologies, technology integration, cultural responsiveness and a focus on data-driven decision making in the schooling system.  Students will engage in a collaborative relationship between teachers, administrators, students and families.  This experience will focus on the general theory and practice of learning and teaching; the basic principles of educational psychology; the art of teaching; the planning and administration of educational activities; school safety and health issues; and the social foundations of education. Students will experience the true essence of the teaching and learning process through observation, interaction and teaching. Dual credit is available for this course.

Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing
1 Elective or CTE credits each semester

For independent juniors and seniors who want to solve problems with digital technologies, Spark! Technology Solutions is a course that provides time, resources, and mentors. Unlike a typical class, students determine what skills they focus on and deeply learn. Students may pursue passions in video production, app development, graphic design, cybersecurity, web development, game design and more. During first semester, students apply their learning to team projects from industry partners, and, in second semester, to internships with technical and creative firms. At least one year of technical coursework or equivalent experience is highly recommended.