“A World of Why and Wow”
At St. James Episcopal Day School’s Graves Family Early Education Center, we are thrilled to introduce The SPARK Studio—a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where ideas are ignited and young minds are encouraged to Sense, Pretend, Ask, Reflect, and Know. This unique, brand-new space is dedicated to creativity, tinkering, making, innovation, exploration, and STEAM education. In The SPARK Studio, PreK children are encouraged to wonder, investigate, design, and build—all while developing essential 21st-century skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking.
More Than a Classroom
The SPARK Studio is more than just a room—it’s a launchpad for imagination, a studio for big ideas, and a workshop for playful innovation. It’s a place where little hands make big discoveries and where creativity truly takes flight. “The SPARK Studio gives our youngest learners a place to explore their natural curiosity and make sense of the world around them at their own pace. They are gaining the competence, readiness, and confidence to succeed throughout their years at St. James and beyond,” shares Julie Mendes, Director of Early Childhood.
A Place for Makers, Explorers, and Dreamers
Equipped with child-friendly tools, open-ended materials, and flexible workspaces, The SPARK Studio invites learners to follow their curiosity and bring ideas to life through project work and playful experimentation.
Here, children might:
🌉 Engineer a bridge from blocks
🎨 Paint with magnets
⚙️ Build scribble machines
🎭 Create puppets for light and shadow play
🛝 Construct ramps and rollers
🧶 Weave with palms on a loom
🥕 Cook with ingredients from the garden
🔬 Explore nature with a digital microscope
Every child who enters this space is empowered to be a thinker, maker, explorer, and designer.
Meet the Leader Behind the Spark
We are delighted to share that Rachel Daigre will lead our SPARK Studio in the exciting new role of Innovation and Creativity Curator.
With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and a Master’s degree in child development, Rachel brings a deep understanding of how young children learn best—through exploration, creativity, and meaningful hands-on experiences. Her prior work directing learning innovation at Baton Rouge’s Knock Knock Children’s Museum further showcases her talent for inspiring curiosity and wonder in young minds.
Known for her ability to ignite that first spark of learning and seize every teachable moment, Rachel is perfectly suited to guide this innovative space. In this new role, she will reach and inspire even more children as they begin their learning journeys.
“It is such a joy to watch our youngest Pelicans light up as they walk into a space created just for them. I love the challenge of providing playful experiences that stretch and scaffold children’s natural curiosities, and I hope to spark lifelong learning,” Rachel reflects on the inspiration behind our SPARK Studio.
Our Mission
“This is a place where children are empowered to ask questions, make discoveries, and find joy in the process of learning. We believe every moment is a chance to explore the world with wonder and purpose.”
✨ The SPARK Studio is ready to welcome children into a world where learning is active, joyful, and fueled by curiosity. At St. James, we believe that every question is the beginning of discovery—and in this special space, the possibilities are endless.
