Synapse School Expert Admissions Support for Families
Guidance for Families Applying to This Menlo Park K–8 School Built Around Neuroscience and Social-Emotional Learning
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any private or public school, including Synapse School.
As Seen On
About the School
About Synapse School: Menlo Park’s Premier TK–8 Private School
Founded in 2008 by Karen McCown (founder of The Nueva School) and Dr. Anabel Jensen (president of Six Seconds), Synapse School is an independent TK–8 school in Menlo Park built around three pillars: Leading-Edge Academics, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and Innovation. Synapse enrolls roughly 250–320 students at a student-teacher ratio of about 4:1 to 5:1. The school is home to the Brainwave Learning Center, a first-of-its-kind, on-site research partnership with Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education, giving Synapse students direct access to real neuroscience research most K–8 students never encounter.
Fast Facts
Location
3375 Edison Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Type
Private, co-ed, day school, nonsectarian, TK–8
Enrollment
250–320 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
Approximately 4:1 to 5:1
Testing Policy
Applicants may optionally submit any academic assessment (WISC, WPPSI, ISEE, or SSAT); not required
Academic & Admissions Snapshot
Signature Programs
Brainwave Learning Center (Stanford partnership), Engineering & Design Center
Makerspace
11,000 square feet, on campus
Curriculum Framework
HEARTS, integrating academics, SEL, and innovation
SEL Model
8 EQ competencies: Know Yourself, Choose Yourself, Give Yourself
Middle School Structure
Subject-specific teachers plus a dedicated advisor per student
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Want a Full Picture?
For a deeper look at Synapse’s admissions process and student life, see our full How to Get Into Synapse School: What Families Need to Know.
What Sets Synapse’s Admissions Process Apart?
Synapse requires a virtual information session as the mandatory first step for every family, before any application is submitted, designed to help families genuinely assess fit with the school’s philosophy before investing further in the process. Testing is notably flexible: applicants may optionally submit any of several assessments (WISC, WPPSI, ISEE, or SSAT), but none is required, putting real weight on the parent/student questionnaires and the required Student Experience Day instead.
Key Admissions Dates & Events
Applications Open
September 1
Synapse Information Session
Oct. 6 and Nov. 5 (6:30 pm); additional dates to be announced
Sibling Application Due
November 6
New Family Application Due
January 8
Supplemental Forms Due
January 22
Synapse Experience Day
January 23
Admissions Decision Release
March 11
Enrollment Agreement Due
March 18
What the Synapse Application Requires
To apply to Synapse School, you will need to complete the following:
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01Student Questionnaire
The student questionnaire provides the admissions committee with a direct sense of your child’s voice, offering insight into how they will contribute to the Synapse community.
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02Parent Questionnaire
The parent questionnaire allows you to advocate for your child by highlighting their character and personal growth, providing the admissions committee with essential context on how your family’s values align with Synapse’s mission of cultivating a project-based, innovation-focused, and emotionally intelligent learning environment.
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03Recommendations
Request and submit confidential recommendations through Ravenna by entering contact details for your child’s current math and English teachers (a principal, counselor, or advisor is optional). The portal emails evaluation forms directly to educators and updates your dashboard upon completion.
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04Transcripts
Applicants must request and upload official academic transcripts covering the prior two academic years and the current fall term directly through the Ravenna portal.
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05Admissions Interview
The interview is a vital opportunity for the admissions committee to understand the student’s unique personality and interests, ensuring your family’s values align with the Synapse community.
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06Student Experience Day
Applicants to Grades 1–8 experience Synapse’s program directly with current teachers, including a tour and, for Grades 5–8, an introduction to athletics, clubs, electives, and the Brainwave Learning Center’s research assistant program.
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07Testing Policy
Synapse does not require standardized testing. Applicants may optionally submit any academic assessment, including WISC, WPPSI, ISEE, or SSAT scores, as supplemental material.
Maximize Your Synapse Admissions Success with Cardinal Education
Because Synapse doesn’t require a specific test and instead builds its process around a required Information Session, detailed questionnaires, and a Student Experience Day, families benefit from an application that speaks directly to Synapse’s three pillars of academics, SEL, and innovation. Cardinal Education’s consultants help families prepare thoughtfully for each of these components and track every deadline.
Families interested in support tailored to Asian American applicants can also see our Expert Synapse School Admissions Consulting for Asian American Applicants.
“Synapse gave our daughter a genuine love of learning and the emotional vocabulary to navigate real challenges. Cardinal Education helped us understand exactly what the Information Session and Student Experience Day were looking for.”— Synapse Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Synapse require the ISEE or SSAT?
What is the Brainwave Learning Center?
Is the Information Session really required?
What does the HEARTS curriculum framework mean?
Considering Synapse School?
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