One Spark Academy

After a busy and late night celebrating our grads, some of the OSA staff showed up early this morning to break down an entire classroom and combine it into another room.

This summer, the YMCA is moving back in to run a fabulous summer program! This will be the first time since 2019 that they have run a summer program there. That’s meant some extra work for us as they take over two of the buildings we use, but we also welcome the opportunity to share the space!

Our students next year will benefit from the upgrades the YMCA has made to the property since March, something we didn’t expect when the campus closed down in 2021 and when we moved in. Hopefully, this is the start of a wonderful new and mutually beneficial journey. 😊

Last night was AMAZING! Huge congratulations to our OSA Class of 2026, who launched last night to a theme of “Walk the Red Carpet.” Parents outdid themselves putting together the decor, a photo booth, karaoke, a delicious dessert bar (ice cream sundaes and cupcakes), and beautiful gifts to take home. The kids showed up dressed to impress, and brought their heartfelt gratitude to share in emotional speeches— something we ask all grads to give. Wow, their speeches were incredible. It was hard not to cry.

We also enjoyed a montage of photos of all grads, from babies to now, and dined on a delectable feast from Mr. Ardi’s Catering (braised short ribs, chicken, potatoes…. soooo good). There were countless hugs and joyful moments, then some tears shed as we said goodbye to our beautiful students, including a family who is moving away.

If there’s one thing we love about OSA, it’s the fact that there’s just a lot of love to go around. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Imaginession 2026 was so much fun! Although our academic year officially ended this past Friday, every year we offer a creative short program as a transition into summer. Over three days, students drummed, acted out in musical theatre, mixed secret formulas, practiced comedy improv, built birdhouses, cooked up deee-licious snacks, 3-D printed, learned macramé, discovered the science of bubbles, designed chainmail bracelets, arranged sun-prints, and played together during recess breaks. It was an awesome way to welcome in some new students to OSA for next year, too. Happy summer, everyone! 😎

HUZZAH! Under a dramatic backdrop reminiscent of the stormy seas that would claim a ship, our talented actors performed Twelfth Night, a Shakespearean comedy about mistaken identity, love triangles, and using disguise to trick one’s beloved. While the actual play is centered on twins Viola and Sebastian who are shipwrecked in Illyria, Directors Jenni and Melanie masterfully twisted and gender-swapped the script, to make things work best for their cast of eight girls and one boy.

Their hysterically funny version had twins named Sadie and Vincent, the Duchess Orianna (instead of Duke Orsino), and Lord Oliver (instead of Countess Olivia). Toby Belch, the town drunk in the original, became Lady Aunt Tonya, masterfully portrayed by student Jade, who elicited roars of laughter when she passed out mid-scene.

Vincent as “Viola” befriends his beloved Orianna, who is in love with the Lord Oliver, who is the subject of trickery by his drunken Aunt who tries to embarrass Oliver’s servant Malvolio by convincing her that Oliver loves her yellow socks, and well, things get complicated. Complications further arise as Oliver falls for Viola, leading to a chaotic mix-up that is resolved by multiple marriages and a happy ending! Except for Malvolio, who is deemed a lunatic and locked away. All’s well that ends well, for most everyone!

HUGE thanks to Directors Jenni and Melanie, our guitar teacher Evan Joffred for providing the background music, the parents who helped with the stage decor and costumes, and of course an incredibly funny, talented, and dedicated group of actors.
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Twenty of us spent a glorious day on Santa Cruz Island this past weekend. Wow! Even after more than ten trips out there, the island always feels newly spectacular. No trash cans on the island mean that it’s clean, since everyone packs out their own trash. We saw five super cute island foxes, all completely oblivious to our presence. We hiked up to Cavern Point for lunch with a view, then down through a trail sided by chalky white diatomaceous earth. We also lucked out with smooth seas, and a lot of common dolphin sightings on the way home. Despite the fire burning on Santa Rosa Island, the air quality was good and the weather ideal for adventuring. A GREAT time was had by all.😍

On May 15, OSA hosted our annual Talent Show and it was just wonderful! Congratulations to all the participants for their courage and preparation. It’s not easy to get up in front of a crowd of 60+ people. 😬 We also had some very talented bakers make delicious goodies (we made $133 on the bake sale!). Huge thanks to Evan Joffred, our guitar teacher, for his help with sound and for leading a lovely sing-a-long at the end. 👏👏👏👏

We LOVE it when alumni stop by!

Today our guest was Mason, who spent three awesome years at OSA (class of 2020), went to Westlake High School (where he excelled at water polo), and is now off to complete his junior year of college at UCLA (go Bruins!). Mason talked in Circle about the importance of being open to meeting new people, speaking up, and being kind. He shared how much he remembered learning at OSA and what he was grateful for. Then he joined the kids for a game of Knockout.

Mason, we’re so proud of you! 🥰

Behold the evolution of a biology lab book. 🤩 Jenni’s science students are encouraged to keep their lab books into the next year if they are taking another biology course. This student took three courses with her between 2023 and 2026: Zoology, Marine Biology, and Human Anatomy. We loved seeing the progression of specific details, sketches, and even handwriting. Just wow!

Next year, we are adding more science options, including Oceanography, Climatology, and Ecology. More lab books please! 📚✏️

Today, our 8th graders gathered for their group picture, part of a tradition of closing activities before their June 5 graduation— called the Launch. We are grateful to Thousand Oaks City Councilmember (and former Mayor) David Newman for volunteering his time and photographic expertise. He came to OSA and took some amazing shots. ❤️🥹