How Can We Raise Funds,
Boost Admissions,
and Honor the Past?
At Synergy School, community is everything. For 50 years, this progressive co-op has been redefining education in San Francisco, thriving without a traditional administration. Parents and teachers work hand-in-hand to create an environment where kids don’t just learn—they grow, explore, and connect.
But how do you distill half a century of innovation and community spirit into a single video? How do you balance honoring the school’s rich history while ensuring the message feels fresh, relevant, and forward-looking? And most importantly, how do you make a film that inspires action—raising critical funds during a “Fund-a-Need” auction while also drawing in prospective families in a highly competitive private school market?
Goldilocks Studios stepped in to tackle these challenges, crafting a video that didn’t just tell Synergy’s story but became a vital tool for both fundraising and admissions.
The Challenge
Synergy School’s 50th anniversary presented a multifaceted challenge:
Diverse Community Perspectives: The school community was divided on the video’s focus:
Historical Emphasis: Some members wanted to highlight Synergy’s rich history and foundational values.
Contemporary & Future Focus: Others preferred showcasing the current school environment and future aspirations.
Dual Objectives: The video needed to serve two primary purposes:
Fundraising Tool: Inspire generosity during the annual “Fund-a-Need” auction segment.
Admissions Asset: Attract prospective families in San Francisco’s competitive private school landscape.
Authentic Representation: It was crucial to authentically capture Synergy’s unique co-op model, where:
Nearly all staff members are active teachers.
The school is collaboratively managed by parents and teachers.
Balancing these elements required a nuanced approach to ensure the video resonated with all stakeholders and effectively conveyed Synergy’s distinctive identity.
Our Approach
Goldilocks Studios was brought in by Emmy-winning filmmaker Kevin White to edit the film, but the project quickly evolved into something more. Founder Ian Carr, a Synergy alumnus, brought a fresh perspective and stepped into a guiding role, shaping the structure, story, and impact of the video.
“Rather than taking a chronological approach, I designed the video around key foundational pillars that define Synergy’s identity,” Ian explains. “These pillars—such as the co-op model, diversity, the agreement system, and team teaching—were explored through their historical roots, their current influence, and their future relevance. This structure allowed the film to weave Synergy’s history seamlessly into its modern-day story, bridging the gap between those who wanted to honor the past and those focused on the future.”
By showcasing how these values have evolved and endured, the video painted a compelling picture of a school deeply rooted in its mission but always adapting to the changing world. The approach ensured the film resonated with every corner of the Synergy community—parents, alumni, staff, and prospective families alike.
The result was a video that not only captured the heart of Synergy’s 50-year journey but became a powerful tool to drive action and connection.
The Results
The video premiered during Synergy’s 2024 auction fundraiser, shown just before the pivotal “Fund-a-Need” moment. Its impact was immediate. In just five minutes following the video, the school raised $36,000—comprising 70% of the event’s total $50,000 revenue.
Beyond the auction, the video has found a lasting place in Synergy’s admissions process. It is now a central part of school tours, offering prospective families an authentic glimpse into what makes Synergy unique. By focusing on the school’s core values and their relevance today, the film helps prospective parents connect emotionally, ensuring Synergy stands out in San Francisco’s competitive private school market.
Watch the Video
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Watch the Video 〰️
Click above to watch 50 Years of Synergy School
What Made This Work Stand Out
This project stands out because it combined thoughtful storytelling with a strategic approach to solve big challenges:
A Fresh Take on Structure: Instead of a traditional chronological format, the video was built around Synergy’s foundational pillars—showing how their values shape both the school’s history and its vision for the future.
A Dual-Purpose Film: The video wasn’t just a commemorative piece; it became a powerful fundraising tool at the auction and a key part of the school’s admissions process.
Authenticity at Its Core: As an alumnus, Ian Carr brought a personal connection to the project, ensuring the video captured the heart of Synergy’s unique co-op model and community spirit.
By balancing the needs of different audiences and goals, this project delivered a film that resonated deeply and created lasting impact.
Takeaway
For organizations like Synergy School, a “Fund-a-Need” video is more than a chance to inspire—it’s an opportunity to build connection, foster action, and tell a story that lasts. By focusing on what makes an institution truly unique and relevant, you can create a film that drives immediate results while serving as a long-term asset.
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that’s juuuust right?
Let’s work together.
Your story deserves to be unforgettable. Let’s work together to create videos and strategies that make your brand stand out. Click below to schedule your complimentary discovery call.