Frequently Asked Questions About Our School

What is Synergy School?

Founded in 1973, Synergy School is a private, independent K-8th grade school with a vibrant community of 190 students, their families, and over 30 teachers and staff.

What is the school’s philosophy?

The mission of Synergy School is to provide a quality education by empowering children to flourish academically, to blossom as individuals, and to become self-confident, creative learners. The Synergy educational journey takes place in an environment based on encouragement, cooperation, mutual respect and responsibility. We tailor our teaching to individual learning styles, developmental needs, and intellectual interests. As part of our commitment to progressive education, we emphasize learning through direct experience and primary material. Students are engaged in interdisciplinary, project based learning using developmentally appropriate curriculum in all grade levels. We focus on multi-cultural and global perspectives, striving for a socially just environment.

How is Synergy structured administratively?

Synergy’s founders were committed to creating a school that thoroughly empowered teachers in every way. Since its inception, Synergy has been structured as a teachers’ cooperative. All full-time Synergy teachers are co-directors of the school, and sit on the Board of Directors. All administrators teach part-time. All staff are responsible for the implementation and development of curriculum, and for long-range planning and direction. The combining and sharing of staff energies, skills, and resources enhance the strengths and cooperative nature of Synergy.

Who attends the school?

Diversity of all types is honored and celebrated at Synergy. We have a diverse student population, which reflects the diversity of the Bay Area. Our students and their families represent a variety of ethnic groups, family structures and economic backgrounds. The mix of families is central to Synergy’s commitment to teach our children to appreciate the differences in one another.

Where do Synergy students come from?

Our students come from neighborhoods throughout the City. Many of our students live in the neighborhoods close to the school: Mission, Noe Valley, Bernal Heights, Glen Park and Potrero Hill.

What are the school hours?

The Synergy School day begins at 8:30 am and ends at 3:00 pm. On Wednesdays, dismissal is at 2:10 pm. Our doors open at 8:00 am and children may come at that time at no extra charge. Early Morning childcare is available from 7:15 to 8 am. Our Afterschool program runs until 6 pm each day. There is childcare on most school holidays.

How many students are in a class at Synergy, and what is the student teacher ratio?

We have 24 students in the Kindergarten with two full time teachers. There are 27 students in the Rainbow Room (1st & 2nd grade) and 27 students in the Sun Room (2nd & 3rd grade). Each class has two full–time teachers, making the average student/teacher ratio in the K–3rd grade classrooms 13:1.

There are 20 students in each of our 4th/5th grade classrooms with a full time teacher and an aide who is shared between them.

There are 23 students in each of the middle school grades: 6th, 7th and 8th. The student/ teacher ratio in middle school is 23:1, except in math when it is usually 11:1. This low student/teacher ratio helps create a learning environment that is nurturing for all types of learners.

How can parents participate in the school?

Synergy values and depends upon its parent body. Parents are encouraged to participate at Synergy. They do so in a myriad of ways, some of which include assisting in the classroom, accompanying classes on field trips, supervising lunches, teaching special classes, making equipment, and serving on school committees or on the Board of Directors.

How is Afterschool organized?

Synergy’s aftercare program is a K-8 grade program taught by four afterschool teachers. The program provides abundant time for outside play as well as a variety of indoor activities. This range includes multiple opportunities for building and creating, games, art, reading, dramatic play and other teacher or child-generated activities. Special classes such as Spanish, yoga, chess and strategy games, ceramics, are offered by the teachers and outside specialists. There is a quiet time for homework and other low-key activities.

What extra-curricular activities are offered at Synergy?

Students have a variety of opportunities to participate in clubs, projects, and student government. For example, yearbook, POCIS (People of Color in Independent Schools), and the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) are on-going activities. Students and teachers can also start clubs based on their interests, such as dance committees, an Ecoteam, a newspaper, and a group that plays Go regularly.

What organized sports are offered at Synergy?

We have boys and girls Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball teams that have consistently gone to the play-offs or championship level of their league. We also have a strong cross-country team for Middle School girls and boys.

What high schools do Synergy students attend?

Synergy graduates attend a wide range of high schools: public, private and parochial. Our alumni are currently attending or have graduated from all the San Francisco private schools, including: Bay, Lick-Wilmerding, Urban, International, Waldorf, Crystal Springs Uplands, University, and Drew to name a few. Others are attending or have graduated from Lowell, School of the Arts, Gateway, Leadership, Metro, Lincoln, Washington, and Wallenberg, as well as Convent of the Sacred Heart, Stuart Hall, Mercy, Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. Ignatius, Riordan and the Jewish Community High School.