CHALLENGE | Students engage in authentic opportunities to connect with and contribute to the world at large in a senior Capstone class, a one-semester graduation requirement. The senior Capstone experiences foster compassionate leadership and a growth mindset.
COMMUNITY | All senior Capstones emphasize collaboration through partnerships beyond the Collegiate community, several of which connect with partner schools around the globe. Students can choose from a variety of Capstone experiences, each with a curricular focus on one or more of the pillars of Responsible Citizenship: Global Engagement, Inclusion, Economic Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Service Learning, Civic Engagement, Ethics and Service Learning.
DESIGN THINKING JOURNEY | Each Capstone has at its core an essential question or challenge that empowers 12th Graders to use their cumulative learning to engage with the challenge. Examples of past Capstone essential questions include:
Createathon On Campus | How can creativity and strategic thinking help Richmond area nonprofits succeed?
International Emerging Leaders: Global Conference | How can a truly global collaboration challenge me to grow as a leader?
Sustainable Solutions to the Future of Food | How can we ensure that people have access to safe, healthy, affordable food in a way that can be both environmentally and economically sustainable?
PUBLIC SHARING | Team solutions are shared with audiences of individuals whose daily lives are part of, or impacted by, the Capstone essential question.
CONTINUING THE JOURNEY | As just one example, in the spring of 2018, Sustainable Solutions to the Future of Food Capstone students recommended that Collegiate leverage land adjacent to the existing outdoor classroom on Pagebrook Road for sustainable farming. They suggested that lessons related to farming at that location could be integrated into the JK-12 curriculum and allow for after-school and summer student opportunities in partnership with a local farmer. The possibilities are being explored with local partners with the intent to implement the student plan in the near future.