The Joy Lab
Where Curiosity Leads the Way.
Opening September 2026, Joy Lab is an independent homeschool learning center founded by Ken Sazama. Inspired by his desire to create a joyful education for his own children, and drawing on his experience in education, entrepreneurship, and coaching youth sports, Ken is building a new learning community in Jamaica Plain for youth ages 8 - 13, with plans to serve older students in future years as well.
Joy Lab is grounded in the belief that young people thrive when they are free to pursue their interests within a supportive, mixed-age community. Children are well known by caring adults who serve as mentors, facilitators, and guides, fostering both intellectual curiosity and social-emotional growth.
Our program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning rooted in Jamaica Plain and the surrounding neighborhoods. Learners engage in play, collaborative projects, and place-based exploration that connects to the real world.
Each day includes substantial time outdoors for nature-play, sports and physical education; project-based learning driven by students’ interests; and frequent field trips within and beyond Jamaica Plain.
We believe school learning feel joyful, purposeful, and connected to the real world.
Programs
Lower Years
A warm, play-rich environment focused on:
Early literacy and numeracy foundations
Hands-on exploration
Social-emotional development
Creative expression
Middle Years
Students begin to explore deeper:
Independent reading & writing
Multistep project cycles
Teamwork and creative problem-solving
Introduction to research skills
Upper Years
Leadership and independence flourish:
Advanced inquiry projects
Entrepreneurship and financial literacy
Science labs & field studies
Community engagement
Preparation for high school
Our Mission
The Joy Lab empowers students to learn with purpose, curiosity, and independence. Through a balanced blend of focused academics, real-world projects, and self-directed exploration, we cultivate capable learners who think critically, collaborate effectively, and engage meaningfully with their community and the natural world. The type of playful outdoor discovery typically associated with summer camp happens here. Year-round.