In the 2017-18 academic year, the Synergy School embarked on a transformative journey by adopting Success for All. Initially implemented for grades K-5, the program expanded to include 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, inspired by the leadership team's positive experiences with SFA in the Alhambra district.
Synergy faced significant challenges from the outset: a high percentage of students performing below grade level, nearly all on free and reduced lunch programs, and 38% being English Language Learners (ELLs). Despite these obstacles, the staff relied on SFA’s research-proven components to support their diverse student population. Teachers formed grade-level teams to provide tutoring and implemented strategies for student grouping and instruction.
The school fully embraced the SFA Solutions component for community and parental involvement and hosted events like reading nights and "Coffee and Conversation" sessions to engage parents. Outreach programs, including English classes and eyeglass referrals, further strengthened these connections. The school also introduced SFA’s coaching systems, tutoring programs, and a cooperative learning initiative to foster peer support among students.
Synergy's commitment to data-driven instruction was central to its success. Data boards tracked student progress and set quarterly targets, while internal district benchmarks and assessments provided additional tools for monitoring goals. This led to a 10% increase in students reading at or above grade level in the previous year. The school now aims to achieve a 65% proficiency rate and improve its state letter grade.
Focusing on significant growth for each student, Synergy addresses learning gaps through a distributed leadership model. Team leads take on roles within Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Despite operating in a neighborhood with socioeconomic and safety challenges, Synergy remains committed to providing quality education. The staff's positive attitude and "can-do" mindset are driven by the growth they witness in their students.
Synergy's dedication to data-driven instruction has garnered external recognition, with the Arizona charter board interested in using the school's formative assessment model. The school's expansion underscores its progress. Looking ahead, Synergy aims to increase proficiency rates, enhance its state letter grade, and maintain its focus on student growth.
By fully embracing all of the components of SFA Synergy School continues to pave the way for educational excellence in the face of adversity.