Frequently Asked Questions
One of our founding core values is the combination classroom where children are viewed as unique individuals and curriculum is student-centered and developmentally appropriate. They spend two years in most classrooms, allowing teachers to deepen their understanding of each child’s learning styles and developmental needs, while students learn to negotiate, compromise, and collaborate with peers both younger and older than themselves.
Transitional Kindergarten - 5th Grade
Children generally spend two years in a classroom, experiencing the role of a younger student one year and an older student the next. Curriculum is based on a two-to-three-year rotation.
| STAR ROOM | RAINBOW ROOM |
SUN ROOM |
EASTENDERS | SKYLIGHTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK & K | Grades 1 & 2 | Grades 2 & 3 | Grades 4 & 5 |
Grades 4 & 5 |
Humanities and science are taught in cross-aged classes of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The expectation for student work and grading in these classes are different according to grade level and ability. The curriculum is based on a three-year rotation.
| HISTORY | SCIENCE | LANGUAGE ARTS |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient History | Earth Science | Creative Writing |
| Early Modern World History | Physical Science | |
| American History | Life Science |
Assessments are authentic, varied, and comprehensive to reflect each child’s learning experiences, including their social and emotional growth. These assessments include teacher observations and notes, discussions, portfolios, teacher-developed tests, and student self-reflections.
TK-5 students receive a skills checklist that is shared with parents during parent-teacher conferences twice a year. Middle school students receive both grades and a written evaluation each trimester.
Synergy School follows state and federal standards. The approach of the Common Core State Standards emphasizes process over product, helping students develop critical thinking and analytical skills and the ability to then apply knowledge. This is an approach we have had since our school was founded in 1973.
Students in TK and kindergarten do not receive homework. In 1st through 3rd grades, homework is generally 20 minutes a night, primarily reading. Fourth and 5th graders can expect about a half hour to 45 minutes per night. By the time students are in middle school, homework is generally one to two hours a night.
Children who turn 5 in September, October, or November are eligible for our unique, two-year kindergarten experience. They are fully integrated with the kindergarten class, but work at their own developmental level. Read more
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 educational research and our many years of experience with younger children as they pass through the higher grades.
Yes, the after school program is open to all students. Children have time for free play, relaxation, homework support, and exploration both inside and on the play yards. A healthy snack is included each day. Students may attend full-time or as few days as needed, even on a drop-in basis. The cost of the program is pro-rated. The program begins at dismissal and ends at 6:00 PM.
Enrichment classes such as yoga, art, Capoeira, tinkering, and coding are available for a separate fee.
Morning care is offered from 7:15 to 8:00 AM. Teachers are in the classrooms beginning at 8:00 AM.
Extended care is offered on some non-federal holidays and in service days.