Thomas Edison had created the first industrial laboratory concerned with creating knowledge and then controlling its application. Edison's name is registered on 1,093 patents. Edison began his career as an inventor in Newark, New Jersey, with the automatic repeater and his other improved telegraphic devices, but the invention that first gained him wider notice was the phonograph in 1877. This accomplishment was so unexpected by the public at large as to appear almost magical. Edison became known as "The Wizard of Menlo Park," New Jersey. His first phonograph recorded on tinfoil around a grooved cylinder. Despite its limited sound quality and that
Menlo School advocacy programs give freshmen the opportunity to make connections with upperclassmen and faculty members as they begin their time at the school. Menlo has implemented programs designed to encourage lifelong learning. Menlo had a special academic week known as "Knight School" once a year where students substitute traditional classes for alternative intellectual explorations. Past Knight School activities have spanned from volunteer trips to work with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans to cooking classes and video game design seminars. As of the 2017-2018 school year, Menlo replaced Knight School with M-Term, which focuses on educating freshmen and sophomores about the