Synapse School

We have found this school to be the right fit for our gifted child. Synapse uses a helical model of instruction, which allows the children to explore and idea before formally learning about it. As a result, they have a greater ability to understand and retain both concepts and details. The community, like most communities in this area, has a wide range of people. Thankfully, everyone seems to share the commitment to this out-of-the-box approach to curriculum. Therefore, despite huge personality differences amongst the parents, it is still a cohesive, collaborative community in which we enjoy mom's nights out and school-wide outings.
--Submitted by a parent

Beware of the glowing reviews. I found these administrators and parents to be entitled elitists. It was a lot of money that equalled no bang for the buck. Don't waste your money.
--Submitted by a parent

What works: Amazing eclectic, talented, friendly, highly involved parent/student community---the best! Interesting curriculum, effective differentiation, teachers know individual students and work with their respective needs/learning styles, safe/accepting social environment across genders and ages, teachers and administration inspire intellectual learning and personal growth, highly experienced administrative staff (unfortunately only there part-time) What needs improvement: For financial efficiency and effective execution of complex curriculum, NEEDS a single, full time head of school with solid leadership skills and experience working with/managing innovative learning environments for gifted children, would do well to increase job search range to beyond Six Seconds and Notre Dame for the sake of leadership strength, effectiveness and accountability, one or two teachers are highly talented with gifted children, others are above average and will be better with a few more years under their belts and some classroom management training
--Submitted by a parent

My child started attending Synapse this year, after attending a very highly regarded public school. His previous school was very "one size fits all," and he was bored. He never shared classroom experiences at home. We knew we had to get him in an environment that was a better fit for his personality and talents, or he would slowly lose his enthusiasm for learning. We found it at Synapse! The teachers are incredibly involved, and knowledgeable about gifted learners. The other students are bright, well behaved kids. The parent community is very welcoming. We love the fact that there are TWO teachers for 15 kids! Best of all - my son doesn't want to come home at the end of the day! He has a learning "buzz" every day after attending Synapse. Highly recommend!
--Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough good things about this gem of a school. From the founders (the founding team from The Nueva School) to the teachers (bright, creative,hard working, passionate) to the community (wonderful, committed and involved families) the school is amazing. My children love it! I have never seen them so engaged and so inspired to learn. Synapse represents the best of Silicon Valley-- innovative, creative, passionate and entrepreneurial. I feel very fortunate that we found such a wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

My gifted kids LOVE this school. The hands-on learning, individual attention and integration of emotional intelligence make this an atmosphere where they thrive. I am SO impressed by the depth of learning and the creative approaches to subject areas. My children have never before been so engaged and excited about the learning process. The Synapse community has been a gift for our entire family.
--Submitted by a parent

My son just transferred to Synapse this Fall for 7th grade after attending our local public middle school for 6th grade last year. Our public middle school was not a good fit for him and he shut down to school at the end of 6th grade. He is a very intellectually curious kid who likes to dive deep into subjects. He also likes personal connections with others. He often has a different way of approaching seemingly straightforward topics and assignments. These qualities made school hard for him at his old school but are encouraged at Synapse. He still struggles with disorganization but in a smaller school like Synapse with one core teacher it's easier to manage. He now LOVES school at Synapse and is very happy. Here are some descriptions from my son - it as a friendly environment where kids aren't rude, not stressful (the school work is fun and encouraging and anti-stressful and there are no grades), you feel like you are doing less work when you are really getting twice as much learning as other schools, conversations about the school lessons start up easily (he said the students weren't as engaged in learning and there wasn't as much time at his former school).
--Submitted by a parent

My son started at Synapse in Level 1 (kindergarten) this year. Before school started this fall, my son was convinced that school was going to be boring. Now he says that weekends and school days are both his favorites. He is excited to teach me what he has learned at the end of the day, he is proud of his accomplishments, and he always looks forward to it. I worried endlessly last year over where to send him and I feel overjoyed at having found a place for my son to thrive.
--Submitted by a parent

My son will be starting his third year at Synapse next month and we are pleased to report that he is counting the days to his first day back! The constructivist, accelerated curriculum taught in block scheduling is the perfect match for our son who engages in project-based learning, focuses well and love to go deep. I've been particularly impressed with the administration's adherence to the highest standards with respect to admissions. We are so pleased with the program that younger son will be starting his Kindergarten year there in the fall too!
--Submitted by a parent

My Level 1 boy has come home all smiles from Synapse. He is completely engaged and intrigued by the curriculum and not only maintains his passion for knowledge, but because of the hands-on approach, he has a real sense of confidence in his ability to learn. I would also say that another notable fact about Synapse is the virtual lack of cliquishness or exclusion. The focus on EQ and the nature of the curriculum both teach and require teamwork and collaboration - real lessons for life.
--Submitted by a parent