Frequently Asked Questions About How We Learn

How do blended classrooms with two grade levels work?

From 1st grade through 5th grade students generally spend two years in a classroom, experiencing the role of a younger student in a group one year and an older student the next. Children have the same teachers two years in a row, facilitating a longer-term relationship and understanding of learning styles and developmental needs. Students can also work at their own developmental level and engage with a broader range of peers.

What is the student evaluation process at Synergy?

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. Grades are assigned in Middle School.

What is the Young Kindergarten?

The young kindergarten is a two-year kindergarten experience for children who will turn 5 in September, October or November and for students who would be well served by two years in kindergarten regardless of chronological age. There are 6 young kindergarteners in a class of 24 children with two full teachers. Young kindergarteners are fully integrated into the kindergarten and work at their own developmental levels. The second year, they are called kindergarten leaders and fully rise to that role. Big curricular themes are taught in a two-year rotation so that curriculum is not repeated for the two-year students.

Who is eligible?

Students turning 5 in September, October or November of their entering year must apply for the young kindergarten program. Other children sometimes benefit from two years in the kindergarten for a variety of reasons and we are happy to discuss your child’s needs prior to or during the application process.

What if my child has a Fall birthday but is academically advanced?

Your child would still need to be in the two year Kindergarten program. All children, regardless of grade level, work at their own developmental level. This decision is based on our many years of experience with younger children as they pass through the higher grades and on educational research.

Is the second year in Kindergarten a repeat of the first year?

The second year is not a repeat of the first year. Our big curricular themes repeat every two years. The core curriculum in math, reading and writing remains in place throughout the years and children progress at their own developmental level.

What is it like for my child when his/her friends go to First Grade and s/he stays in Kindergarten?

When children enter kindergarten, whether it’s for two years or one year, they see that there are 6 children who have already been in the class for 2 years. They observe those children playing with their first grade friends at recess and lunch. In addition, there are times when the whole downstairs (K-3) have afternoon activities together. Our experience is that some children have no problem at all when the new school year begins and some do miss their friends. They quickly adjust, however, making new friends, seeing their “old friends” at lunch and recess and relishing their role as leaders in the classroom.

How many students are in Middle School?

There are 22 students each in sixth, seventh and eighth grades for a total of 66 students.

Do students move from class to class in Middle School?

Yes, students go to math, humanities, language arts, science, Spanish, music, physical education and elective classes. There is a science/Spanish room, a humanities/language arts room, a math room, a music room, an art room and the yards.

How are students divided into classes in Middle School?

Students are in grade level classes approximately two-thirds of their time. Language Arts, Math, Spanish, Music and Physical Education and Advisory are taught in grade level classes of 22 students. These are denoted on the schedule as 6th, 7th and 8th.

The other third of students’ class time is in combination classes of 6th, 7th and 8th graders. These are called block classes and are represented as I, II and III on the schedule. There are 22 students in each block. They have 6 block classes per week, for 1 hour and 40 minutes each time, giving plenty of time for science labs and hands-on projects in math and humanities. Subjects taught in block classes are humanities, science, and geometry. Most electives are open to sixth, seventh and eighth graders as well.

Do students repeat curriculum through the block class system?

Not at all. Science, humanities, problem solving and geometry are all taught in a 3-year rotation of subject matter. For example, history is divided into a year of Ancient History, a year of World History and a year of American History (19th century). Geometry is divided into three year sub-topics as well. Students cover the three main areas of science each year (Physical Science, Life Science and Chemistry), changing the topic and emphasis each year. We think of this as a spiral, with students entering the spiral at different grade levels.