Affording Synapse

Synapse School makes a lifelong impact in our students' lives. We empower students to think critically, creatively and with compassion. We understand investing in an independent, private school is an investment for an exceptional program. Read the Top Reasons Why A Synapse Education is Valuable.

Financial Aid at Synapse

Financial Aid for the 2027-28 School Year

We are deeply committed to making a Synapse education affordable and accessible. We offer a comprehensive financial aid package that includes after-school care, transportation discounts, community events and more to families with demonstrated financial need. We do not want cost to prevent families from attending Synapse School. We take into consideration the Bay Area’s unique economic conditions and each family's specific financial situation to determine the financial aid awards.

Synapse uses the Clarity Application. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. If you are an international applicant please Email Financial Aid. We would be happy to help you through the application process. If you have any questions, contact the Financial Aid team by email.

Tuition for 2026-27

Tuition for the 2026–27 school year:

TK - Kindergarten: $44,500
1st - 4th Grades: $47,300
5th - 8th Grades: $53,800

Tuition may be paid in full or in installments.

Tuition includes all school programming, supplies, and materials for all students.

For Lower School, tuition also includes the Nature Day program and Garden program.

For Middle School, it also includes all Expedition Trips, overnight trips, sports program expenses, including sports uniforms and transportation to games, clubs and electives including the Brainwave Learning Center Research Assistant program.

School programs include specialists such as Social-Emotional Learning, Engineering and Design, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and the Learning Center. Tuition also includes community events and programs such as Math Circles, Art Workshops, Parent Maker Nights and Parent Education program including Social-Emotional Learning for Parents.

Checklist & Deadline

Applying for financial aid for returning students & prospective students:

January 13, 2027: Deadline for submitting all financial aid application and documents via the Clarity Application

Financial Aid Checklist

Step 1: Apply by January 13, 2027

To get started, please go to the Clarity Application and create an account and submit an application. The application fee is $65. You can share your application with additional schools that accept the Clarity Application for no additional charge.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

2025 federal tax documents
W-2s
Pay stubs

Additional documentation may be required. Check the “Document Requests” panel in your Clarity portal for a complete list of required uploads.

Key Dates for Financial Aid

Financial Aid applications and required documents due by January 13, 2027

Financial Aid Notification for Returning Families by mid-February

Financial Aid Notification for New Families by March 11, 2027

Resources & Webinars

Clarity Webinar Dates: All parents are invited to attend any of the upcoming family virtual information sessions to learn more about the Clarity application.

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7:00pm, Register here
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 3:00pm, Register here
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 7:00pm, Register here
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 3:00pm, Register here
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 5:30pm, Register here

Resources from Clarity:

Clarity Family Support:

In-app support through the “Help” button in the lower left corner
Email support at support@clarityapp.com
Phone support at 206-210-3752

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do families apply for Financial Aid?

Families must complete an online financial aid application through the Clarity – Financial Aid Application portal. To get started, please create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

There is a $65 submission fee, which allows families to share their application with any other school that accepts the Clarity Application at no additional cost. Please note we do not offer on Financial Aid Application waivers.

Please note: The deadline to submit your application is January 13, 2027.
You can review the Clarity Family Application Guides here:

What documentation is needed to apply for financial aid?

Who fills out the financial aid application if two parents are divorced, separated, or were never married?

Do I need to reapply for aid each year?

When would I be notified of my financial aid decision?

Does applying for financial aid affect my child’s admission decision?

Who should I contact if I have questions about the financial aid application?

If you have questions regarding your financial aid application, please contact Jennifer in our Financial Aid Office at fa@synapseschoool.org.

In addition Clarity has a family support team who helps families who may have questions on the application. If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as the Clarity email and phone support or 206-210-3752.

Synapse School admits students of any race, gender, religion, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin. All students are entitled to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, athletic and other school-administered programs.

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