The capstone experience provides each student with the opportunity to explore an area of his or her choice. The activity must be in depth, challenging, and reflective of the collective learning of the student relative to the selected academy stradn and career focus. With the assistance of the Academy Lead Teacher, teacher mentor, school counselor, and parents, the student will determine which of the following capstone experiencesis best for him or her.

* Internship - Students will have an opportunity to participate in a paid or unpaid internship. In most cases, students will have to secure their own internship experience.

* Research or Performance - Students will have the opportunity to develop and implemnent a research project or performance.

* College Course - This course allows students to take a course at the college level while concurrently attending high school. Students must apply to this program at Montgomery College and be accepted before they are registered for this course.

* Cooperative Work Experience/On-The-Job Training - Students will participate in a paid job and take a class as a part of the program. Students work directly with industry professionals in a field of interest, while refining career goals and post-secondary plans.

* Thomas Edison School of Technology - Thomas Edison provides opportunities for students in a variety of career development programs where students gain hands-on experience and explore traditional and non-traditional career options. Students take a half day of classes and travel to Thomas Edison for a half day to participate in this program. Students must apply and be accepted before they are registered for these courses.

The capstone experience must be approved by the Academy Lead Teacher. Students will submit a capstone proposal during the second semester of their junior year for approval.

A capstone will be evaluated by a committee including the Academy Lead Teacher, mentor, peers, and community members. The capstone portfolio must include the following:

* Journal

*Oral presentation or performance with visual aids

* Reflective essay

These pieces are required regardless of the type of capstone experience selected. Capstone experiences will be evaluated by rubrics, which will be available to students once their capstone is approved, and will receive a rating of unsatisfactory, satsifactory, or outstanding.