GWUOHS Celebrating the Capstone Achievements

  • 08/07/2024

At George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS), the 2023-2024 academic year culminated in a showcase of student ingenuity and dedication. The Capstone Program, a hallmark of the GWUOHS senior experience, highlighted the remarkable achievements of GWUOHS graduating students.

Sabine Capstone image
Grey Capstone image

What is the Capstone Program?

The Capstone Program is more than just a graduation requirement—it’s a transformative journey that every GWUOHS senior embarks on. Each student is tasked with a significant project that not only demonstrates their learning but also challenges them to stretch beyond their previous boundaries. The program is meticulously structured, with students receiving a comprehensive handbook containing all the templates, timelines, and guidelines needed for successful completion.

Key components of the Capstone Program include:

  • Mentorship: Each student pairs with a mentor who is neither a family member nor GWUOHS/K12 staff. Mentors must be at least 21 years old and knowledgeable in the student’s chosen topic, dedicating a minimum of 12 hours to guide the student.
  • Project Requirements: The project must represent a “learning stretch,” pushing students to explore new areas or achieve new heights. The outcome can be a new skill, a service, a physical item, or a demonstration.
  • Presentation: Students present their Capstone projects live in a virtual classroom, detailing their journey, challenges, successes and future plans. These presentations, lasting 8-10 minutes, are evaluated by a panel of judges.

Highlights of Capstone Day

Capstone Day is the grand finale where select seniors present their projects in front of peers, mentors and judges. This year’s event showcased eight exemplary projects, celebrating student achievements across various categories. Seniors who present on Capstone Day are also eligible to be recognized with four Capstone Day Awards: Overall Outstanding, Innovation, Inspired to Aspire, and Citizenship. This year’s award winners were:

  • Overall Outstanding: Grey H. directed a play titled “Persephone.”
  • Innovation: David E. created a physics lesson through animation, demonstrating creative educational approaches.
  • Inspired to Aspire: Jonathan L. wrote and published an original song, showcasing his musical talents.
  • Citizenship: Sabine H. helped market calendars to raise funds for SATO dogs in Puerto Rico, embodying community spirit and social responsibility.

A Testament to GWUOHS’s Commitment

“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.”

As we celebrate the successes of our students, we also look forward to the future, confident that the skills and experiences gained through the Capstone Program will empower them in their academic and professional journeys.

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.Enrollment is open for the GWUOHS 2024-2025 school year!  For more information about GWUOHS and our unique educational opportunities, visit GWUOHS.