OUR VISION
Where Curiosity Leads the Way.
Our Mission
The Joy Lab exists to nurture curious, confident, capable young people through meaningful work, strong relationships, and real-world learning experiences. We honor each child as a unique individual with passions, strengths, and dreams worth supporting.
Our Educational Philosophy
We believe:
Children learn best when they feel safe, joyful, and inspired.
A small, tight-knit environment fosters deep relationships and personal growth.
Nature and community are powerful teachers.
Students thrive when given voice, choice, and responsibility.
Real learning happens through doing, making, exploring, and collaborating.
What Makes Us Different
A true micro-learning experience
Personalized academics tailored to individual skill levels
Project-based learning rooted in real-world problem solving
Self-directed afternoon studios
Outdoor and experiential education using the local nature as an extended classroom
Mixed-age collaboration that feels natural and supportive
At the Joy Lab, we don’t rush childhood. We deepen it.
Our Location
Our program is proudly based at Hope Central Church in the heart of Jamaica Plain—a welcoming, community-oriented setting. Just steps away are destinations including the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library, Murphy Playground (playing fields, small sledding hill, playground, and basketball courts!), and Green Street Playground; in addition, we are walking distance from both the Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park. We are a short walk from the Green Street T station, making it easy to take field trips and learning adventures throughout the city.
Inside, we enjoy large, flexible classroom spaces that allow for hands-on projects and collaborative learning. Outdoors, children have access to large on-site space for play, games, and gardening—supporting movement, creativity, and connection to the natural world. While our program is nondenominational, we are grateful to share space with a church community that values social justice, belonging, and neighborhood connection. Hope Central Church’s commitment to community building aligns beautifully with our mission to nurture thoughtful, engaged young people who feel rooted in place and empowered to make a difference.
Meet the Founder
Ken Sazama — Founder & Director
Ken brings decades of experience in experiential education, outdoor learning, and youth development. His background includes leadership roles with Thompson Island Outward Bound and National Outdoor Leadership School, along with years of creating hands-on, joyful learning environments for children, and running a successful business.
He founded the Joy Lab to build a learning center that reflects what children truly need: relationship-based environments, curiosity-driven exploration, and the freedom to grow into their best selves.
Our Team
The Joy Lab team includes educators who:
Love children
Are skilled in individualized teaching
Embrace outdoor learning
Believe in project-based and self-directed education
Model kindness, curiosity, and creativity
