Synapse School Menlo Park, Director of Enrollment Start Date: July 1, 2019 synapseschool.org The Synapse Mission Fast Facts Educating Change Makers • 255 students • 56 faculty members • 53% students of color The Synapse Vision • 26% faculty of color • 1:8 student/teacher ratio Build an aspirational and • 91% of faculty hold advanced degrees inspirational model of teaching • 2.5-acre campus • $309,000 in financial aid given to 13% innovation and SEL. of students (2018-19) • 71% admissions yield

Overview

An independent, coeducational elementary and middle day school for students in Kindergarten through grade 8 in Menlo Park, California, Synapse School offers a unique, brain and project- based curriculum fully integrated with social-emotional learning. The school is seeking a Director of Enrollment to lead and evolve the School’s process for recruiting, enrolling, and retaining students who are well-suited to its programs and mission.

Synapse School is dynamic, experiential, and nurturing, and prepares curious and capable learners to create lifelong success. Synapse equips its students to become change makers by cultivating a thriving learning community by focusing keenly on social-emotional learning (SEL), innovation, and leading-edge academics. Based on the Six Seconds model of emotional intelligence, students, teachers, and parents alike develop a practice to be more aware, more compassionate, and more intentional in life. SEL is at the heart of Synapse, fueling a learning community where people embrace inquiry, value diversity, seek connection, and pursue their passions.

Now in its tenth year, Synapse has enjoyed exponential growth and has earned a reputation for being a place where students and families thrive. The Director of Enrollment will be responsible for recruiting, selecting, and enrolling a diverse and dynamic population of students eager to engage and add positively to the community while helping to develop and execute plans that will distinguish the school as a top choice for prospective families.

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 1 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com Fast Facts

Students Enrolled: 272 Zip Codes Represented: 26 Students of Color: 36% Student to Faculty Ratio: 7 to 1 Faculty and Staff of Color: 51% Faculty Holding Advanced Degrees: 74% Athletic Teams: 8 competitive varsity and junior varsity teams Endowment: $2.5 million Total Financial Aid Awarded for 17-18: $1.4 million Students Receiving Financial Aid for 17-18: 21%

School History

Like many Silicon Valley start-ups, Synapse School began as a great idea: a lab school that would integrate an emotional intelligence program and a robust curriculum based on the science and study of learning. In 2009, Synapse originally started with handful of entrepreneurial parents looking for a unique school setting to meet the needs of their young children. In those early years, the school grew steadily, staying focused on its mission and vision, developing its educational model while moving through the initial growth stage. With the hiring of the school’s current head of school in 2013, the school iterated on its initial approach and has experienced explosive growth, with enrollment increasing an average 30% each year and the school’s operating budget increasing by 10X. Synapse’s faculty has also grown from 18 full time to 56 over those years. Nine years later, and after much iteration and perspiration, Synapse has 254 students spanning four buildings on its campus in Menlo Park. Synapse is now considered for families a top choice among Bay Area K-8 schools and is seen as beacon for what transformational education can be regionally, nationally, and abroad.

Change Makers

Synapse’s mission is to educate change makers by combining social-emotional learning, leading- edge academics, and the practice of innovation. Synapse believes that emotional intelligence, innovation, creativity, and design-thinking should be practiced and integrated in all that it does. It maximizes student potential through continuous improvement, a growth mindset, and knowing students as individuals. The school uses a constructivist approach to develop meaningful projects that have real-world relevance.

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 2 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com Synapse defines “change makers” as people who impact the world in positive and authentic ways; are robustly prepared for real-world challenges that require the integration of academic, creative, and social-emotional domains; and are not defined by numbers or scale: to make a positive change in the life of one person brings positive change to the world.

Synapse’s schoolwide learner outcomes, also known as the Synapse Learning Outcomes (SLOs), are listed below. SLOs are practices and habits of mind that encompass our three frameworks for teaching and learning: leading-edge academics, social-emotional learning, and innovation.

Synapse educates change makers who:

• converse with various partners; make room for other voices and participate in reflective listening. (Communication) • recognize multiple perspectives, and independently consider the influence and impact of those perspectives. (Perspective) • accept feedback, listen, react in appropriate ways, and give constructive feedback. (Feedback) • create with vision, push outside the box, and use outside influences appropriately. (Creativity) • follow through on initiatives, commitments, and responsibilities to the best of their ability. (Follow Through) • actively and appropriately ask questions in the pursuit of learning. (Inquiry) • commit to deepen, change, and/or improve a concept by considering goals and feedback. (Iteration) • advocate for themselves and others. (Advocacy) • risk failure in the pursuit of a goal or vision. (Risk)

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 3 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com The School

Today, Synapse School has transformed from an idea into an aspirational and inspirational model of a learning community. The dedication and passion of the 56 faculty and staff comes from a love and dedication to the school, its mission, and the students and families they serve. Faculty and students feel openness and supportiveness, which makes it comfortable to take risks, acknowledge areas of improvement, and learn to try again. Ninety-one percent of faculty hold advanced degrees, and with a 1:8 student/teacher ratio, teachers know their students at an individualized level.

Synapse believes that learning is bolstered by a school environment that promotes a sense of belonging and interconnectedness. The community assumes shared responsibility for the well-being of the individual and the group alike. Together with students, teachers and parents partner closely to support the hopes and developmental goals of each student, socially, emotionally, and academically.

A strong parent education program keeps parents and families at the forefront of their child’s education. The goal of parent education at Synapse is to support parents in navigating the challenges (and celebrating the joys) of parenthood. Monthly gatherings around social-emotional learning for parents, parenting discussion forums, renowned guest speakers, a book club, and a library of parenting resources are just some of the ways the program supports parents at the school.

Because Synapse draws from many neighborhoods up and down the Silicon Valley peninsula, Synapse families consider their school community their “neighborhood.” There is a strong sense of intentionality in choosing the school. As a result, this is a community of highly engaged, interested, and interesting group of parents who, while casual in demeanor, have high expectations for themselves and others.

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 4 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com As a transformative school, Synapse is poised to continue its growth through focusing its long- term investments on “people, program, and place.” Launching winter 2019, “Campaign for Synapse” will provide funds for these strategic investments including but not limited to additional financial aid, professional development, recruiting and retention funds, program expansion, and building renovations.

Synapse is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Academics

The Synapse program is designed to integrate the power of emotional intelligence with constructivist learning and innovation. Teachers build classroom communities and relationships based on trust, and cultivate curiosity, creativity, and risk-taking in their students with a project-based approach that deeply engages students and maximizes their academic potential. Each year, the school chooses a theme that is the framework for its curriculum. This program envelopes each student in its creative and world-relevant themes, fully engaging their minds in the learning process. This year’s theme, “Noble Goal,” has already ignited ideas and initiatives throughout the school.

Academics support the development of core skills with focused instruction, deliberate practice, and consistent feedback. Synapse’s Lower School is made up of combined grade classrooms: Level I is Kindergarten, Level II is first and second grades, and Level III is third and fourth grades. Similarly, the Middle School is made up of combined grade classrooms for grades 5/6 and grades 7/8. Students explore topics in Humanities, Math, STEAM, and Computer Science and Technology. The Humanities

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 5 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com After Synapse

Thus far, Synapse has graduated a total of 72 students. Graduates are currently attending a variety of public, independent, and charter schools in the area. The list below shows the independent schools to which Synapse graduates have been admitted. In addition, there are graduates attending seven local public schools along with three charter schools. Synapse currently has alumni enrolled at nine of the 13 schools listed below (marked with an asterisk).

Synapse Admissions at Independent High Schools and Boarding Schools:

Crystal Springs Upland School Drew School* curriculum rotates in a two-year cycle of world history and The Harker School U.S. history, and language arts lessons build foundational Junipero Serra High School* literacy skills while integrating cross-curricular writing. Kehillah Jewish High School* Math at Synapse is a hybrid between a project-based and Lick-Wilmerding High School* problem-based approach, providing students with a rich * and beautiful experience of mathematics that emphasizes Mid-Peninsula High School* cross-curricular connections. The Science and STEAM Notre Dame San Jose program provides students with authentic explorations and The Nueva School* experiences that enrich the development of their scientific The Urban High School of San skills and practices. In Computer Science and Technology, Francisco students learn the joy of creation, exploration, and logic St. Francis High School* through fun games and projects, creating intelligent St. Ignatius College Preparatory* instructions and solutions. Additionally, Social Innovation is Stanford Online High School* a course that prepares students in grades 5-8 to be active Woodside Priory* global citizens and socially aware community members Choate Rosemary Hall* through the identification, research, and suggested solution Dunn School of a social issue. Midland School* Sequoyah School* Stevenson School* Arts and Athletics St. Paul’s School* Tabor Academy The Performing Arts program includes all Synapse students, empowering them to express themselves through age- appropriate performance experiences. In addition to classes and ensembles, students can participate in informal

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 6 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com performance opportunities during all-school assemblies. In Visual Arts and Design, students use the Innovation Model to explore creative connections to academic areas of focus. Students have many opportunities to advance their artistic skills and gain a new appreciation for their own unique style, as well as improve existing art skills, through hands-on studio work or by joining clubs and after school activities.

The Synapse athletics program is committed to engaging in the social, emotional, and physical benefits of team sports. Middle School students get the opportunity to put their EQ skills to practice as they learn navigate issues of cooperation, respect, and sportsmanship. Every student is encouraged to participate, and all have equal opportunity to compete with the team. Offerings include girls and basketball; boys basketball; and co-ed cross country, ultimate frisbee, and track and field.

Menlo Park, California

Menlo Park is home to around 33,000 residents and is located 30 miles south of San Francisco on the northern end of Silicon Valley. It is one of the most educated cities in the state of California and in the U.S.; nearly 70% of residents have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Much of Menlo Park’s economy revolves around companies in venture capital, private equity, financial services, law firms, and other professional service companies and investment vehicles focusing on technology. In fact, the city has been the site of Facebook’s main campus since 2011 and is the city’s biggest employer.

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 7 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com The shoreline includes the city’s largest park, Bedwell Bayfront Park, and the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Downtown Menlo Park is the major retail destination for the city featuring unique and upscale retail shops and restaurants surrounded by tree lined streets. Downtown Menlo Park hosts a number of weekly, monthly, annual, and seasonal events that benefit the local residents and visitors and contributes to the community feel that makes Menlo Park unique.

The residential areas of Menlo Park are unofficially divided into several neighborhoods, including Belle Haven, Willows, Vintage Oaks, and Park Forest. Residents enjoy safe, friendly, and environmentally- conscious communities and the ability to enjoy other areas of the Bay Area, as it is bordered by Palo Alto, Stanford, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City.

Admission and Enrollment at Synapse and Priorities for the Director of Enrollment

The current Director of Admission, Marsha Rideout, is retiring at the end of the 2018-19 school year. She has been with Synapse from the beginning. Her deep affection for students and their parents, commitment to social-emotional learning, and down-to-earth, caring, and authentic manner helped to set the tone for the community.

In 2017-18, Synapse received 212 applications, admitted 34%, and enrolled 55 students (76% yield rate), which highlights the terrific interest in and demand for Synapse. The school’s current Conditional Use Permit (CUP) caps enrollment at 260. Currently, 255 students are enrolled, and the school anticipates meeting the current cap by 2020.

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 8 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com In the 2018-19 school year, Synapse’s financial aid awards totaled $390,915, and the financial aid budget is growing steadily. Socioeconomic diversity is a priority for the community. Currently, 8% of students are on financial aid.

Synapse’s attrition rate has fluctuated between 8% and 14% over the last few years. Given the high cost of living in the Bay Area, particularly on the peninsula, the school saw an increase in attrition due to relocation. Other reasons for leaving Synapse have included a desire to get into a 6-12 grade school to avoid the high school admissions process, a need for more services than what is provided, and a decision that Synapse isn’t a good fit for the family.

As the school moves into its second decade and plans to grow and expand, there are many exciting opportunities for the Director of Enrollment that include:

• Developing a comprehensive and mission-consistent enrollment strategy — one that includes outreach, admission, financial aid, and retention. • Strategizing and partnering with school leadership on growth efforts. • Evaluating admission office processes and programs and ensuring they are efficient and sustainable, as well as warm and supportive of prospective students and their families. • Developing partnerships with all stakeholders and channeling their commitment to and enthusiasm for Synapse in the most effective ways. • Increasing socioeconomic, ethnic, and geographic diversity with special attention on Latinx students from the surrounding neighborhood. • Serving as a clear, warm, and mission-centered ambassador who can clearly articulate Synapse’s mission and points of differentiation in a competitive market.

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 9 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com Desired Qualities and Qualifications

Members of the Synapse community consistently describe themselves and their colleagues as: student-centered, grounded and down-to-earth, scrappy, willing and able to iterate and to pivot thoughtfully and expediently, high energy, progressive, absolutely committed to social-emotional learning, highly relational, hard-working, and all-in. Those descriptors should also deeply resonate for candidates for the Director of Enrollment.

The community also seeks candidates who are/have:

• Dynamic and compelling communicators — with exceptional verbal (whether in a one-to-one, small group, or large group setting) and writing skills and excellent listening skills. • Eager to engage and collaborate with faculty, other administrative departments, and parents. • Diplomatic with high emotional intelligence. • Informed about admissions trends, data, marketing, and best practices and able to use that information to inform their work and communities. • Able to easily build relationships and trust. • Discreet and poised. • Both strategically and operationally oriented. • Fair and objective. • Warm, welcoming, and supportive towards prospective students and their families while being able to balance their expectations. • Interested in and committed to being a highly visible member of the school community on and off campus. • Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred. • Previous experience in admission, financial aid, and enrollment in an educational setting.

To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position. • A current résumé. • A list of five professional references with name, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission). • In lieu of an educational philosophy statement, we ask applicants to write 250-word responses to each of the following questions: * Synapse is known for it’s people more than it’s place. What kind of people do you want to work with and why? * Every organization that thrives has a well defined culture. What qualities do you look for in an organization? * Many staff are attracted to our school’s energy and feel. What gives you energy? What drains your energy?

Submit materials to:

Jennifer Wong Christensen Lisa Parsons Search Consultant Senior Associate [email protected] [email protected] The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 10 [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com