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Synnovation Lab

What is the Synnovation Lab?

The Synnovation Lab is a learning environment within Sycamore High School, made up of teachers, support staff, students, and parents grounded by the pillars of:
  • Community
  • Personalization
  • Meaningful Learning Opportunities

We foster relationships built on empathy and trust with students and families while developing lifelong skills through a variety of innovative educational practices. 

  • Motivation and engagement are key to personalized learning. Both staff and students are excited about the learning process.
  • Real-world learning helps students understand better by encouraging them to create useful solutions to real problems.
  • Design thinking is a creative approach to learning and problem-solving that encourages action and progress for both staff and students.

Apply for 26-27 School Year

Ready to apply for the Synnovation Lab? Click here to complete the application. 

Interested in learning more about the Synn Lab ahead of the 2026-2027 school year?

Attend the virtual information session: 

Wednesday, February 4
6 to 7 p.m.
Click here to join the virtual February 4 session 

You can also learn more in-person by stopping by the Synnovation Lab during the Academic Fair:

  • Thursday, January 15
    5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be due on Wednesday, February 11 with students being notifed of acceptance on Friday, February 20. 

Synn Lab Information

An Inside Look at the Lab

In the Synnovation Lab, students are required to master each skill or concept completely before moving forward, which ensures a deeper, more resilient understanding of the subject matter.

This approach actively encourages students to manage their own time and take greater ownership of their progress, effectively building essential skills in independence and responsibility along the way.

Future Focus Workshop Days

Students in the Synnovation Lab participate in Future Focus Workshop Days, an initiative designed to expand the horizons of traditional education. This program empowers students to step into leadership roles by facilitating workshops on topics that extend well beyond the standard academic curriculum.

Through this student-led model, learners curate and design sessions based on their unique expertise and personal passions. Whether they are leading hands-on demonstrations in culinary arts and craftsmanship or sharing essential life skills, like vehicle maintenance and time management, students have the autonomy to choose their own path. By transforming the classroom into a hub of peer-to-peer mentorship, Future Focus Days ensure our students are not only academically driven, but also life-ready.

Contact Information

Department Chairperson
Tim Arnold 
 
Supervisor of Teaching and Learning
Trisha Underwood 
Students in the Synn Lab

Site Visits

Fellow educators can request to visit the Synn Lab to learn more about how it works.
If you are interested in scheduling a visit, please complete the form below. We will get in touch with you to schedule a memorable day for you and your team. 
 

Historical site visits have included, but are not limited to:

  • Student Panel
  • Observation and interaction within the Synnovation Lab
  • Administrative Q & A
  • Shadowing a student for the day
Schedule a visit to the Synnovation Lab
Students in the Synn Lab

SYCAMORE + INNOVATION = SYNNOVATION