Synapse School

Synapse School is an innovative, independent Transitional Kindergarten through 8th Grade school in Menlo Park, CA, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Dedicated to rethinking and reimagining education, Synapse offers a comprehensive, project-based curriculum that integrates leading-edge academics, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and the practice of innovation. We believe deeply in the capacity of children, and our teachers work alongside students, empowering them to make a positive and authentic impact in the world.

Our Mission:  Educating a Community of Change Makers

We achieve our mission by integrating Leading-Edge Academics, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and Innovation across every aspect of the curriculum. Through this integrated approach, Synapse students develop and embody our Change Maker Outcomes: Communication, Perspective, Feedback, Creativity, Follow Through, Inquiry, Iteration, Advocacy, and Risk.

• Leading-Edge Academics: Students are engaged through a blend of direct instruction and project-based learning with focused study, deliberate practice, and thoughtful feedback.

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Students build self-awareness, intentionality, and compassion through dedicated instruction and integrated SEL curriculum.

• Innovation: Students use a design thinking approach to practice creative problem-solving, prototyping, human-centered design, collaboration, and real-world application of learning.

Synapse At a Glance:

• Low student-to-teacher ratio

• Combination of single and mixed-grade classes

• An inclusive school and a safe, nurturing learning environment for all students that honors, respects and celebrates all differences, both visible and invisible

• Engineering & Design Center with an 11,000 sq. ft. collaborative Makerspace integrated into the classroom curriculum for all students to experience hands-on learning, explore design thinking, and innovate using a variety of high-tech and no-tech tools

• Brainwave Learning Center - a research-practice partnership with Stanford University featuring a state-of-the-art onsite research lab with 3 full-time scientists providing unique neuroscience learning opportunities for TK-8th grade students

• Learning Center for students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) in written expression, reading, or mathematics

• Comprehensive, needs-based Financial Aid program that makes a Synapse education affordable and accessible 

• Wide range of After School Programs as well as After Care until 6:00pm

• Shuttle transportation is available

• Synapse Athletics program that values cooperation, respect and sportsmanship, and embodies social-emotional learning

• 6-building campus, including an athletics facility with an indoor field, basketball court, 9 volleyball/multi-sport courts

• Dedicated High School placement program for 8th grade students

• Strong community with robust calendar of events and Parent Education opportunities 

• CAIS and WASC accredited and a member of NAIS, ISSFBA and Ashoka Changemaker Schools

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