5th - 8th Grades

A Synapse Information Session is a required first step in the admissions process. These virtual sessions are designed to guide you in deciding whether the Synapse School philosophy and program are a fit for your child and family. During this presentation, you will hear from Synapse leadership, faculty and current parents on:

• Synapse’s mission of Educating a Community of Change Makers
• Synapse’s three pillars of Leading-Edge Academics, Social-Emotional Learning and Innovation
• Curriculum examples of project-based learning
• Synapse Learning Outcomes
• Signature programs: Engineering & Design Center and the Brainwave Learning Center (Synapse & Stanford partnership)
• Student experience, including leadership opportunities, clubs and athletics 

This event is intended only for adults as applicants will have a student-centered opportunity to learn more about Synapse. See all scheduled Admissions events here.

Register now

Gain a deeper understanding of who we are and what makes us unique with our in-person tours as well as our program highlight events.

In-Person School Tours 

We welcome you and your student to see our vibrant Synapse campus and community in action! After attending a Synapse Information Session and submitting your application, you are invited to an optional in-person school tour for middle school applicants and parents/guardians.

Our tours take place across our five-building campus, giving you a chance to see our classrooms and hear about our student projects and integrated curriculum from our wonderful teachers. We'll also have an informal Q&A with members of our Leadership team.

Program Highlights Events 

Learn what sets Synapse School apart! The Program Highlight events feature aspirational and inspirational programs that enrich the education of Synapse students.

• Brainwave Learning Center (BLC) The BLC, led by full-time educational neuroscience researchers, is a research-practice partnership between Stanford University and Synapse School that offers unique neuroscience learning opportunities for students of all ages and provides active promotion of the learning sciences and the science of reading. 
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) at Synapse School Since its inception, Synapse has been a school synonymous with SEL, the foundational pillar. SEL is fully integrated into the TK-8 curriculum and is directly taught to students to develop self-awareness, empathy and resilience, and become more intentional in their decision-making, purposeful in their interactions with others and the world and empowered to be their authentic selves. 
• Engineering & Design Center (EDC) The EDC elevates the TK-8 Synapse School experience through hands-on, project-based learning, thinking big, and practicing maker mindsets. We go big, think differently, and are creating the most inclusive, integrated, and innovative Makerspace in any TK-8 school! Come experience what is possible in our 11,000 sqft makerspace.  

Complete the application steps online using Ravenna.

• Synapse School application
• Family photo
• $100 application fee

• Teacher recommendation form: In Ravenna, delegate the form to your child's current teacher(s) and allow appropriate time for your teacher to complete and return it to Synapse School. 
• Educational and any other assessments (optional):  If you have any educational or other academic assessments (WISC, WPPSI, Qualitative Assessment, ISEE, SSAT, etc) you feel will help us understand your child, please submit them.

All applications submitted after our January 9, 2026 will be considered as 2nd Pool applications. Depending on the availability of spaces in the applicant grade after our March 2025 decisions, we will activate the application process for 2nd Pool applicants.

A member of our admissions team will meet with all parents/guardians to get to know your family and clarify any questions you may have. We are excited for you to share about your child. As Synapse believes in strong partnerships with families, we want to ensure we are in alignment with our program and values. 

On January 24, 2026, 5th - 8th grade applicants are invited to experience our dynamic program. Your student will tour the campus with Synapse teachers and learn more about the Middle School program and student life opportunities such as athletics, clubs and electives, Brainwave Learning Center research assistant program, and week-long expedition trips. Students will have the opportunity to engage in Synapse’s Engineering and Design Center and participate in interactive and collaborative activities.

Save the date!

We understand Middle School is an important developmental and formative stage in a child’s life. Synapse recognizes and fosters their need to be heard and to become independent, critical thinkers. Every part of the program from classroom curriculum to athletics is intentional in providing a caring environment for students to be their authentic selves.

The One-on-One Student-Teacher Visit is an opportunity for a Synapse Middle School teacher to listen to your student and get to know them better. Your student will also have the chance to ask any questions they may have.