Academics at Synergy
At Synergy School we provide the skills and encouragement for students to become competent, independent, and enthusiastic learners throughout their lives. Academic skills are achieved within a non-competitive and cooperative atmosphere. Children work at their individual ability levels and pace, participating in whole class activities, small groups, and individual learning centers. Teacher/student ratio averages between 1 to 12 and 1 to 22, depending on subject matter and grade level.
Evaluation of student progress occurs regularly through discussion, observation, portfolios and testing. Children and parents are made aware of personal achievements through formal and informal conferences throughout the year. Standard grading becomes part of evaluation in the middle school program.
Language Arts
Language arts classes utilize a comprehensive approach to developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The Bay Area Writer's Project, interdisciplinary projects, specific skill development such as awareness, vocabulary development, grammar and punctuation skills, and whole language/literature based programs are the foundations of our language arts curriculum.
Mathematics
The work of Mary Baratta-Lorton, Mathematics Their Way and Mary Laycock, The Fabric of Mathematics provides the framework for the math curriculum. Math concepts and skills are taught by utilizing manipulatives such as pattern blocks, unifix cubes, Cuisenaire rods, and Dienes blocks. There is an emphasis on problem solving and the written statement of mathematical processes and procedures.
Humanities
Interdisciplinary units are taught at each grade level. Whether it's a kindergarten class learning about the diversity of our families, fourth graders exploring California history, or a middle school class examining world religions, the emphasis is on asking questions, gathering information, and doing in-depth research from a variety of sources and perspectives.
Science
Science at Synergy is experiential and hands-on, focusing on students' discoveries and understanding of the scientific process. Units of study in life, earth, and physical sciences take place throughout the grades. Field trips in northern California are an important component of science education. An annual science fair gives students an opportunity to share their investigations with the wider community.
Drama
Drama is taught throughout the school year on a special project basis, and through the After School program. Drama provides opportunities for improvisation, writing plays, and scene study and analysis. Students produce and perform plays by many different playwrights, from Synergy students to William Shakespeare.
Community Service Learning
Middle School students participate in one community service learning elective course each year. Whether working with senior citizens or with animal rights supporters, the emphasis is placed equally upon providing a service and on exploring related issues.
Music
The music program is taught by a specialist using the Orff approach to music education. The music program is designed to familiarize the children with some of the main organizational factors of music: rhythm, melody, musical form, and musical notation. The children sing, play instruments, listen to classical and ethnic music, create music of their own, and perform regularly.
Spanish
A specialist teaches Spanish several times weekly to all grade levels. Games, music, conversation, movement, and writing are all components of this program. The numerous resources of the Mission District provide a variety of community connections to this program.
Art
The development of self-expression and each child's creative process is furthered through Synergy's art program. Children of all ages work with varied mediums and concepts in the visual arts. Art is integrated throughout the curriculum and taught by a variety of art teachers. Children explore the art of many cultures and make use of the abundant art resources found throughout the Bay Area.
Physical Education
A specialist teaches physical education to all grade levels. The program integrates movement, health education, exercise and teamwork. The classes develop perceptual motor skills, fitness, coordination, and foster cooperation and rapport. The program includes track and field, swimming, team sports, games, and overall fitness.
Computers
Hands-on experience with computers are provided beginning in kindergarten. Our goal is for children to gain basic computer literacy by using the computers for problem solving, word processing, database and spreadsheet manipulation, creative statement, research, and multimedia projects. All of our computers are networked, and have DSL connection to the Internet.
Specialists
Specialists work with all grade levels weekly. Music is once a week until middle school, when it is twice a week. Spanish and P.E. are twice a week. Drama is taught on a special project basis, and through the After School program. Art is taught by classroom teachers as well as by specialists brought in for special units and projects.
