Academics

Outstanding academics that fulfill individual promise

  • Maximize academic potential through continuous improvement, a growth mind-set, and knowing each student as an individual.
  • Utilize a constructivist, integrative, and project-based approach that deeply engages students and has real-world relevance.
  • Support the development of core academic skills with focused instruction, deliberate practice, and consistent feedback.

The EQ/SEL Model

A framework for understanding and harnessing the power of emotions.
 
To provide a practical and simple way to learn and practice emotional intelligence, Six Seconds developed a three-part model in 1997 as a process – an action plan for using emotional intelligence in our daily life as students, teachers and parents.
 
Know Yourself: Clearly seeing what you feel and do. Emotions are data, and these competencies allow you to accurately collect that information.
 
Choose Yourself: Doing what you mean to do. Instead of reacting “on autopilot,” these competencies allow you to proactively respond.
 
Give Yourself: Doing it for a reason. These competencies help you put your vision and mission into action so you lead on purpose and with full integrity.
 

HEARTS Curriculum Model

Our curriculum framework is the “how” of the mission and vision of Synapse School: HEARTS. Expanding on Six Seconds’ 3-step learning approach, HEARTS distills all of Synapse’s signature constructivist and brain-based education into six phases of learning:

 

 

Synapse Learning Outcomes

Practices and habits of mind that encompass our three frameworks for teaching and learning (social-emotional learning, leading-edge academics and innovation).
 
Synapse educates students to practice these skills:
 

Communication 

converses with various partners; make room for other voices and participate in reflective listening.

Perspective 

recognize multiple perspectives, and independently consider the influence and impact of those perspectives.

Feedback 

accepts feedback, listen, react in appropriate ways and give constructive feedback.create with vision, push outside the box and use outside influences appropriately.

Creativity

creates with vision, pushes outside the box and uses outside influences appropriately.

Follow Through

follows through on initiatives, commitments, and responsibilities to the best of their ability.

Inquiry

actively and appropriately asks questions in the pursuit of learning.

Iteration

commits to deepen, change and/or improve a concept by considering goals and feedback.

Advocacy

advocates for themselves and others.

Risk

risks failure in the pursuit of a goal or vision.