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 to unlock their curiosity, creativity, and love of discovery. Our program provides a rich blend of academic, social, and creative experiences, empowering students to make a positive and authentic impact in the world.

Our Mission:  Educating a Community of Change Makers

• Leading-edge Academics: Synapse’s academic program includes a mix of explicit instruction and project-based curriculum that deeply engages students with focused instruction, deliberate practice, and thoughtful feedback.

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Through dedicated SEL instruction and integrated curriculum, students are engaged to become more self-aware, intentional and compassionate.

• Innovation: Students practice innovation, creativity, and design-thinking throughout core academics as well as our Arts, Language, and Engineering & Design programs (e.g. computational thinking and makerspace). 

Synapse Change Maker Outcomes

Throughout a Synapse student’s educational journey, they will develop and grow in these skills: Communication, Perspective, Feedback, Creativity, Follow Through, Inquiry, Iteration, Advocacy, Risk.

Synapse Annual Change Maker Themes

Each year, Synapse selects an annual theme: Intersection, Turning Point, The Power of One, Crisis and Opportunity, Iteration, Counterpoint, Risk and Initiative, Transformation, Noble Goal. A Change Maker is selected who embodies the annual theme which inspires the curriculum across the school.

Synapse At a Glance:

• Located in Menlo Park, Calif. in the heart of Silicon Valley 

• Low student-to-teacher ratio

• Mixed-age classes

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

• Comprehensive Financial Aid program that makes a Synapse education affordable and accessible 

• Engineering & Design Center with an 11,000 sq. ft. collaborative Makerspace for all students to experience hands-on learning, explore design thinking, and innovate by using a variety of high-tech and no-tech tools and resources. Students learn a variety of skills and mindsets and Engineering and Design principles are integrated into the classroom curriculum in big, meaningful ways

• Brainwave Learning Center - a research-practice partnership with Stanford University featuring a state-of-the-art onsite neuroscience research lab and 3 neuroscientists on staff providing unique neuroscience learning opportunities for students in all grades 

• 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 that includes 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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