Is it really better than free apps like Khan Academy?

Yes, if you value 'thinking' over 'doing.' Khan Academy is great for practice, but Synthesis is designed to build deep mathematical intuition and problem-solving skills that free apps usually ignore.

What happens if the AI can't understand my kid's voice?

This is a known friction point. It requires a quiet room and a decent microphone. If it fails repeatedly, it can be very discouraging for younger kids, so you might need to sit with them for the first few sessions.

Does it work on a tablet or just a computer?

It's best on a computer with a stable internet connection. While some parts might work on a tablet, the collaborative simulations really need the screen real estate and processing power of a laptop or desktop.

How hard is it to cancel the subscription?

Some parents have reported difficulty with the billing interface. It's best to set a calendar reminder before your trial ends to ensure you aren't charged if it's not a fit.

Synthesis – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Synthesis

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Website2020

92%

WISE Score

High-stakes math and collaborative chaos that actually teaches your kid how to think, not just memorize.

Synthesis

Website

2020

92%

WISE Score

High-stakes math and collaborative chaos that actually teaches your kid how to think, not just memorize.

Jump to

Screenwise Verdict

Synthesis is a breath of fresh air in a sea of mediocre 'edutainment' apps. It’s not just about getting the right answer; it’s about understanding the system. If you have a kid who is bored to tears by worksheets or Khan Academy, this is the high-octane alternative.

That said, it’s not a 'set it and forget it' tool. The tech can be finicky, and the collaborative sessions require a kid who is ready to engage. If you can handle the occasional mic glitch and the monthly fee, it’s one of the most enriching things you can put on a screen.

Age Fit

Best for kids 5-14. The Tutor is great for the elementary set, while the School simulations are perfect for middle schoolers who are bored by standard curriculum.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The tone is relentlessly encouraging and focused on constructive collaboration. It avoids the dopamine-loop chaos of typical 'educational' games and focuses on genuine intellectual satisfaction.

Imaginative

The simulations are built on game theory and complex systems, forcing kids to think outside the box rather than just clicking through a linear path.

Safe

It's a closed, supervised environment, but frequent technical glitches (microphone lag, audio processing delays) can lead to significant frustration for younger kids.

Enriching

This is the gold standard for modern supplemental learning. It moves past rote memorization into high-level problem solving, leadership, and mathematical intuition.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Collaborative simulations that actually require kids to talk to each other and solve problems under pressure.
AI Tutor that feels less like a multiple-choice machine and more like a coach focusing on mathematical intuition.
SpaceX DNA gives the curriculum a 'real-world' weight that most school-based math apps lack.
Low-stakes mistakes are encouraged, helping kids who are usually 'math-anxious' find their footing.

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What to Watch For

Technical bugs are a real thing; if your kid's mic isn't working or the audio lags, the 'superhuman' AI feels very humanly broken.
Subscription friction is a common complaint—keep an eye on your billing cycle and trial end dates.
Age scaffolding can be thin; some 5-year-olds will find the Tutor interface intuitive, while others will get stuck on the voice-recognition delays.

Conversation Starters

"What was the hardest decision your team had to make in the simulation today?"
"Did the AI tutor explain that math concept in a way that actually made sense, or did it just give you the answer?"
"How do you handle it when someone in your group isn't listening to your ideas?"
"If you were designing a simulation game for other kids, what would the 'win condition' be?"

Deep Dive

From Rote to Real-World

Synthesis is essentially what happens when you take the 'Ad Astra' philosophy—the school Elon Musk started for his own kids—and scale it via AI. It’s divided into two distinct worlds: the Tutor and the School.

The Tutor is a voice-driven math coach. Unlike apps that just give you a green checkmark for the right answer, Synthesis asks kids to explain their thinking. It’s trying to build 'number sense' rather than just memorization. For parents who grew up on 'new math' or confusing common core standards, this approach is actually a relief—it’s intuitive.

The Simulation Secret Sauce

The real magic, however, is in the Synthesis School. These are weekly, live sessions where kids are dropped into complex simulations—think of it as a high-stakes board game played on a computer. They have to manage resources, negotiate with teammates, and adapt to changing conditions. It’s the kind of soft-skill development that schools talk about but rarely actually implement.

The 'Early Adopter' Tax

It’s not all perfect. The platform has a reputation for being 'buggy.' Trustpilot and Reddit are littered with stories of kids getting frustrated because the AI didn't hear them or the audio lagged for a full minute. If your kid has a low fuse for technical friction, you might end up doing more tech support than they do learning.

Also, let's talk about the price. It’s marketed as 'under $1 a day,' which is a classic subscription-speak way of saying $30 a month. For a supplemental tool, that’s a commitment. But if you’re looking for something that treats your kid’s brain with respect and challenges them to lead, it’s worth the trial.

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