Synapse School

Synapse School The Synapse program consists of two foundational pillars: social emotional learning (SEL) and neuroscience.

An independent elementary and middle school in Menlo Park, CA, Synapse offers innovative brain-based, project-based curriculum fully integrated with social emotional learning (SEL). The program is carefully designed as a model school to demonstrate the power of blending Six Seconds’ emotional intelligence programs with leading-edge instruction (brain-based, project driven, constructivist learning in school-wide themes).

08/28/2026

🍉 Nothing says “welcome back to Synapse” quite like sending a watermelon off a ladder!

Last week, our Middle Schoolers kicked off the school year with one of our favorite Synapse traditions: the Melon Drop! Teams designed and built their own contraptions, put their engineering skills to the test, then took the plunge (with some tasty watermelon as a reward).

And, of course, the whole school showed up to cheer them on! 

A little physics, a lot of creativity & teamwork. 🙌

What a FUN way to end our first week of school! 🎈Fun Fest was exactly what it sounds like! Last Friday, our lower and mi...
08/26/2026

What a FUN way to end our first week of school! 🎈

Fun Fest was exactly what it sounds like! Last Friday, our lower and middle school students spent the afternoon playing games, bouncing in bouncy houses, face painting, and eating snow cones.

It was the perfect way for the community to celebrate the start of a new school year!

A huge thank you to SYNC, our amazing parent volunteer community, for organizing, hosting, and volunteering their time to make the booths and activities so much fun. 🎊🛝

08/20/2026

Scenes from the first few days back at Synapse. 🎞️�

Students have been meeting teachers, getting to know their new classrooms, learning school norms, and of course playing! �

And we’re already getting into hands-on exploring: Middle Schoolers jumped right into one of our favorite first-day traditions in the EDC: the cardboard chair engineering challenge. Can they build a chair out of cardboard strong enough to hold a teacher? 🪑🤔�

Can’t wait for the school year ahead! ��

08/16/2026

The countdown is almost over… who is ready for the first day of school tomorrow?! 🎉📚

It feels like just yesterday we were wrapping up the last week of school with water slides, yearbook signing, and the annual Synapse tradition of duct-taping teachers to the wall!

Get excited! We have a lot in store to welcome everyone back this week! 


What were Synapse teachers up to this summer? ☀️📚🌎
While campus was quiet, some of our teachers were traveling, explorin...
08/16/2026

What were Synapse teachers up to this summer? ☀️📚🌎

While campus was quiet, some of our teachers were traveling, exploring, learning new things, spending time with family, getting outdoors, reading or enjoying some well-deserved rest. Now they’re getting ready to welcome our students back! 🎉

We hope you all had a great summer and can’t wait for next week!


We’re throwing it back to when our 5th graders wrapped up last school year with an Expedition to Channel Islands Nationa...
08/12/2026

We’re throwing it back to when our 5th graders wrapped up last school year with an Expedition to Channel Islands National Park!

Students learned to set up tents, experienced a ferry ride with a humpback whale sighting and countless dolphins, and hiked and sea cave kayaked. Students also connected with the island’s Chumash Ancestry, performed skits, and closed the week with a final ceremony at Refugio State Beach.

Who is excited for a new year of exploration and expeditions?! 🗺️

📸 Shoutout to Blair and students for capturing great photos!

Ever wonder how Synapse chooses its Change Maker each year? 🤔The process begins long before the school year ends!Each sp...
08/07/2026

Ever wonder how Synapse chooses its Change Maker each year? 🤔

The process begins long before the school year ends!

Each spring, we form a Change Maker Selection Committee that meets weekly throughout the trimester to gather suggestions from our community, research potential candidates, and thoughtfully narrow the list.

We ask the big questions:
🔹 How does this person embody our annual theme?
🔹 Will their story resonate with TK-8 learners?
🔹 Are there meaningful curriculum connections?
🔹 Can their impact inspire students for years to come?
🔹 We also consider diversity as well as the lasting influence they could have on our community

The process doesn’t stop there. Families, students, alumni, and teachers then help shape the conversation and narrow down the list. Finally, our staff spends four days of staff inservice discussing, debating, and carefully selecting the individual who will inspire an entire year of learning. Even Synapse founder, Karen McCown, joined this year’s final discussion: a reflection of just how much care and intention goes into this decision!

At Synapse, we believe choosing a Change Maker deserves the same thoughtfulness we hope to cultivate in our students. 💙

As part of Synapse’s Nature Day program, our Lower School students in Level 1 (kindergarten) through 4th Grade, spend on...
08/05/2026

As part of Synapse’s Nature Day program, our Lower School students in Level 1 (kindergarten) through 4th Grade, spend one trimester exploring local natural spaces! Throughout the year, every Lower School student gets the opportunity to slow down, climb, build, wonder, and connect with the world around them.

For our youngest Nature Day explorers, like Level 1 here this last trimester, Nature Day is also a chance to practice SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) skills while developing a lifelong appreciation for nature. 🌳💚

Throwback to one of our favorite spring traditions! 🍿⭐Before summer began, we welcomed new & incoming middle school stud...
07/31/2026

Throwback to one of our favorite spring traditions! 🍿⭐

Before summer began, we welcomed new & incoming middle school students (as well as rising 4th graders!) to the Synapse Middle School community with a night of Star Wars, pizza, movie theater concessions, and icebreaker games where students got to know their future teachers and classmates.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone to campus in August! 💙🍂

The adventure of a lifetime! 🏔️🛶🐋We’re throwing it back to the most memorable capstone Middle School Expedition that bui...
07/23/2026

The adventure of a lifetime! 🏔️🛶🐋

We’re throwing it back to the most memorable capstone Middle School Expedition that builds confidence, resilience, and connection in all our students: ALASKA.

Surrounded by glaciers, wildlife, and the breathtaking beauty of nature, students learn to backcountry camp and sea kayak in the wild. This is a momentous week where students step outside their comfort zones, strengthen friendships, and discover what they’re capable of.

It’s challenging and far from glamorous, and the memories they make last forever. This culminating Expedition that all 8th graders take is one of the unforgettable experiences that defines a Synapse education! 💙🌎

Address

3375 Edison Way
Menlo Park, CA
94025

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16502944570

Website

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