Mission
Synapse Institute develops
dynamic, experiential, and
nurturing learning environments
where children learn to
construct knowledge, formulate
insight, connect reality with
theory, and enjoy learning. The
curriculum also develops
children’s abilities to use
emotions effectively and
productively.
Synapse Institute offers:
- Primary School for
Gifted and Talented and
Twice-Exceptional Children
- After-School Program for
Twice-Exceptional Children
including gifted children
with Asperger's, HFA,
dyslexia
Our Pedagogy
Our pedagogy integrates
Constructivist and Humanist
education philosophies, which
are both based on new brain
research. The former underscores
the individual within a social
context and the scientific
method and the latter looks at
each child as a unique
individual from a holistic
framework (physical, emotional,
academic, skills and talents).
From these schools of thought,
we developed our proprietary
curricular structure called
Helical Learning. This framework
enables every child to connect
learning to their everyday lives
and achieve subject matter
mastery in the context of the
21st century professional
environment. The framework
includes scaffoldings of your
child's immersive learning
activities: play, explore,
integrate, and imagine.
We are well aware that gifted
children may also have
socio-emotional and sensitivity
issues. This is why we have
Self-Science (which was
developed by the founders of
Synapse Institute) as a separate
course and as an imbedded theme
in our everyday learning
experiences.
Research tells us that we all
learn differently. It also tells
us that every individual brings
his/her own prior knowledge and
experience to the learning
environment. As such, upon
assessing your child's academic,
skills/talents, and EQ, and we
formulate his/her unique
education plan.
The institute is led by renowned
experts in the field of K-12
education, including Karen Stone
McCown, M.A. (co-founder of Six
Seconds and founder of Nueva
School), Anabel Jensen, Ph.D.
(co-founder of Six Seconds and
former Director of Nueva
School), and Gigi Carlson, M.A.
(co-founder Multipleminds
Educational Foundation and Adobe
Education Leader).
The best way to know if Synapse
Institute is the best option for
your child is for you to visit
the school. You can bring your
child with you and we will
encourage him/her to participate
in the activities. We are open
to visitors Monday-Thursday,
from 9AM to 12 NN.Let me know if
you would like to schedule a
visit. Email at
gigi@6seconds.org or call 650
520 7124.
Gigi Carlson
School Director
Synapse
Institute admits students of any
race, color, national and ethnic
origin, gender, sexual
orientation, or religious
affiliation to all rights,
privileges, programs, and
activities generally accorded or
made available to students at
the school. Synapse
Institute does not discriminate
on the basis of these factors in
the administration of its
educational policies, admissions
policies, financial award
programs, or athletic and other
school-administered programs.
