Helios New School: Challenging and imaginative education to engage gifted learners.

Helios New School offers a progressive academic and social-emotional program designed specifically to serve the needs of gifted children.  We combine small, multi-age classrooms with a project- and theme-based curriculum, taking students through an extended process of inquiry in response to complex questions, problems and challenges--always aligned to, and often going far beyond, the standards and expectations of peer schools.

Authentic fieldwork and service learning are central to how we make education relevant to gifted students.  For example, our fall 2013 expedition was entitled “Systems of Change”.  Students began the semester by examining how changes occur in natural systems, such as forests and watersheds, then progressed to studying changes in American government and society.  As a capstone project, each child chose a young changemaker who they personally admired, and showcased that changemaker and their achievements with a complex, display-quality visual art and writing piece.

STEM isn't just a buzzword at Helios--it's a core part of our school culture.  Helios utilizes Singapore Math in our math program, where students can learn at their ability level, not their grade level.  And in addition to weekly math circles, students have regular education in the use and ethics of technology.  Our new Sunnyvale campus will feature a Maker Lab for both in-school and extracurricular projects.

Helios' rich learning community is characterized by creative and caring teachers and supportive relationships between families and children.  Now enrolling grades K-6.  admissions@heliosns.org