Capstone Experience

A Culminating, Independent Project for CSS Seniors

Beginning with the Class of 2018, seniors will embark on an individualized, student-generated project at the end of the senior year. The Capstone Experience will be developed in consultation with Project Director, Academic Advisor, and a Committee of faculty and outside mentors. It will culminate in a report and presentation to the committee, peers, and parents.

The Capstone Experience gives and added direction, intention, and purpose to the senior year. It reinforces the school’s focus on project-based, individualized learning. It require students to “own” their learning as they transition to a new phase of their education and prepares them to thrive in college. Additionally, it deepens students’ resumes, enhances their college applications, and differentiates them from the general pool of college applicants. The planning process and experience is intended to also help students explore possible professional goals.

Project Topics Include:

• Writing a research paper on a topic of interest

• Creating a work of art, a play or film, a musical score, or a collection of songs or poems

• Conducting scientific research

• Designing a solution to an engineering problem

• Learning a trade or skill

• Working as an intern in a local business or nonprofit

• Taking on a community service project

How Does This Fit Into the Senior Year?

• Release from non- AP senior classes on May 1st

• Students continue to take AP classes and exams

• No non-AP finals; no senior digital portfolio submissions

• Project requirements calibrated to accommodate students’ AP commitments

• To ensure success, students will meet preparatory deadlines over the course of the senior year aided by the Project Director and assigned faculty mentors.