Jim Eagen '88
Jim grew up in nearby Pleasant Valley, New York, and a family friend introduced him to the world of independent schools, recommending that he consider applying to Millbrook. His initial visit to campus was intriguing, and despite being a somewhat reluctant interviewee, Jim enrolled as a day student and began what he remembers as “the greatest thing that ever happened to me.”
As an alumnus and a parent now reflecting on his own Millbrook experience, Jim credits Millbrook with opening his eyes to opportunity and bringing out the very best in himself. “Every kid needs to be seen for who they are,” said Jim. “School should be more than just a list of classes to get through. The pursuit and practice of education should become a way of life.”
CLICK HERE FOR TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE ABOUT JIM PUBLISHED IN THE SUMMER 2021 MAGAZINE
After four years as a day student (managing to spend almost as many overnights as the boarders), Jim was ready for the next step. “Millbrook changed my whole world view of what was out there,” he recalls. He embarked upon several years of study, service, and international travel.
The decision to pursue a life and career in education led to jobs on both coasts, a masters at Columbia and to his current role as the founding head of school at Synapse School, a young, independent K-8 school in Menlo Park, California. Established in the heart of Silicon Valley just twelve years ago, Synapse School was founded on three pillars—leading-edge academics, innovation, and social and emotional learning. Synapse recently built a neuroscience lab on campus and visiting researchers and professors from nearby Stanford University are collaborating with faculty and students, helping to track how young learners’ brains transform as they acquire new skills. The curriculum at Synapse continues to evolve, aligning with the spirit of innovation that pervades the area.
The decision to pursue a life and career in education led to jobs on both coasts, a masters at Columbia and to his current role as the founding head of school at Synapse School, a young, independent K-8 school in Menlo Park, California. Established in the heart of Silicon Valley just twelve years ago, Synapse School was founded on three pillars—leading-edge academics, innovation, and social and emotional learning. Synapse recently built a neuroscience lab on campus and visiting researchers and professors from nearby Stanford University are collaborating with faculty and students, helping to track how young learners’ brains transform as they acquire new skills. The curriculum at Synapse continues to evolve, aligning with the spirit of innovation that pervades the area.
As an alumnus and a parent now reflecting on his own Millbrook experience, Jim credits Millbrook with opening his eyes to opportunity and bringing out the very best in himself. “Every kid needs to be seen for who they are,” said Jim. “School should be more than just a list of classes to get through. The pursuit and practice of education should become a way of life.”
CLICK HERE FOR TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE ABOUT JIM PUBLISHED IN THE SUMMER 2021 MAGAZINE
