ASHBURN, Va.— Aug. 02, 2024 — George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS) proudly announces the successful completion of the Capstone Program for the 2023-2024 academic year. This rigorous and transformative program is a cornerstone of the GWUOHS senior experience, requiring each student to undertake an extensive project that demonstrates significant learning and personal growth.
About the Capstone Program
The Capstone Program is a graduation requirement for all GWUOHS seniors, entailing completion and presentation during the spring semester. Each student is provided with a detailed handbook that includes templates, timelines, directions and information required for successful submission. The program’s strict deadlines ensure timely progress and the integrity of the academic rigor, with no rolling deadlines permitted.
Students must collaborate with a mentor who:
- Is not a family member or GWUOHS/K12 staff
- Is at least 21 years old
- Is skilled in the chosen Capstone topic
Mentorship involves a minimum of 12 hours of interaction throughout the semester, providing guidance and expertise. The chosen Capstone topic must demonstrate a “learning stretch,” requiring students to go beyond their previous accomplishments or explore new areas of interest. The project must result in a tangible product, which could be a skill, service, physical item or demonstration.
Each senior presents their Capstone live in a virtual classroom, covering background information, the chosen topic, the learning stretch, successes and challenges, mentor support, the resulting product and future plans. Presentations last 8-10 minutes and are evaluated by a panel of judges.
Capstone Day and Awards
Select seniors are invited to showcase their projects on Capstone Day, a celebratory event featuring 8-10 exemplary presentations. While these students have already passed their initial evaluations, they vie for Capstone Day Awards, judged by a panel of K12 and GWU staff. This year’s Capstone Day celebrated remarkable achievements in four categories:
- Overall Outstanding: Grey H. for the direction of “Persephone”
- Innovation: David E. for creating a physics lesson via animation
- Inspired to Aspire: Jonathan L. for writing and publishing an original song
- Citizenship: Sabine H. for helping market calendars to raise funds for SATO dogs in Puerto Rico
Celebrating Success
“The Capstone Program encapsulates the essence of GWUOHS’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and community engagement,” said Alison Mistretta, M.Ed., head of school at GWUOHS. “We are immensely proud of our students’ hard work, dedication, and the diverse range of projects that reflect their unique talents and passions.”
The Capstone Program at GWUOHS continues to be a transformative experience, preparing students for future academic and professional endeavors while making a meaningful impact on their communities.
About George Washington University Online High School
GWUOHS is a partnership between The George Washington University—a prestigious national university located in Washington, D.C.—and K12, the foremost provider of online education for grades K–12 in the U.S. and around the world. Both organizations are committed to delivering world-class, individualized education with the singular goal of helping each student reach their true personal potential.
The outcome of this partnership is a college preparatory, independent online middle and high school that delivers a rigorous, engaging education emphasizing theory and practice, and integrity.
For more information about GWUOHS, visit www.gwuohs.com.
Media Contact:
Jordan Ferrell
3PS | Three Point Strategies
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 304.692.5982
