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Senior Capstone

Students in Grade 12 have the option of pursuing a Capstone, which offers the opportunity to explore deeply a topic within an academic field of their choice.


A Capstone Thesis counts as a yearlong, full-credit, graded course, designed by the student under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students are encouraged to enrich their study through participation in conferences and workshops, as well as through consultation with local or regional experts. Students convene regularly as a cohort to discuss progress, share ideas, and help each other overcome obstacles. In addition to learning more about their chosen topic and developing their research, analytic, and writing skills, students also report incredible personal growth and increased self-awareness as a result of their scholarship. More information can be found in the Upper School Curriculum Guide.


 

Alexander A. '26

How has housing cost changed as a consequence of private equity property acquisitions, and how does this impact whether these investments make housing more or less affordable? 

 

Marina A. '26

How has the role of female journalists in promoting social change evolved from print to television journalism?

Alex B. '26

What models of solar desalination are most appropriate to the American West, and what are the barriers to large-scale implementation of solar desalination in the American West?

 

Nori C. '26

What are the psychological effects of silence, and how can intentional quietude be used to enhance cognitive performance and support mental health? 

 

Anni C. '26

How can live 2D democratize an anime style animation?

Kate C. '26

How can studying the humanities make people better equipped to debate the ethical questions of the digital age?

 

Henry D. '26

How has a national call for police reform impacted Virginia police departments and their role in the growth and development of community policing policy? 

 

Keira D. '26

Does musicianship during childhood increase the brain's cortical thickness in areas known to be associated with music, and if so are changes more prevalent when an independent variable is applied as a focus for this research?

Ani F. '26

How do children of various developmental stages respond to the death of an immediate family member, and what impact does bereavement have on academic performance?

 

Lilly F. '26

How have name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals challenged and reshaped equity and access in high school sports? 

 

Daniel G. '26

Who are the winners and losers of NIL, and is it good for the overall landscape of collegiate athletics?

Oscar H. '26

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union to Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, what geopolitical factors led to the deterioration of Russian-Ukrainian relations?

 

Palmer H. '26

How do daily habits influence cognitive processes and psychological well-being?

 

Ari K. '26

How did rightwing populism become the dominant ideology of the Republican Party, and how has its rise impacted future elections?

Carter K. '26

How can we best use metals to mitigate algae growth in Albemarle waterways?

 

Sebastian L. '26

How can different tiers of government legislation help regulate the production and distribution of PFAS chemicals?

 

Vincent L. '26

How have microplastics infiltrated the human body, and why have public health policies struggled to address it?

Clemente N. '26

How does the history of antibiotics and their use relate to the growing threat of pathogens like ESKAPE, and how does the environment in our healthcare industry impact antibiotic resistance before antibiotic treatment?

 

Lovissa P. '26

What are the technological implications of occupying another planet and what would be the most optimal trajectory for realizing this prospect?

 

Caroline R. '26

How have the roles and opportunities for women behind the camera in cinema evolved from the 20th century to the present day, and what change has this brought about within on-screen narratives of women, and what limitations still exist for female filmmakers?

Ellie R. '26

How does outdoor learning affect early childhood development, and why is it especially important in our digital world?

 

Sarah S. '26

To what extent do music festivals serve as effective platforms for social change, versus merely capitalizing on cultural movements? 

 

Leah S. '26

To what extent can nuclear power, as a primary energy source, reduce environmental harm as compared to fossil fuels?

Olivia T. '26

What are the medical and ethical implications of using experimental/unapproved treatments on children with life-threatening illnesses?

 

June W. '26

Are innovative tech startups aiding in the economic development of Zimbabwe, and what strategies might optimize their impact? 

 

Hasler Y. '26

How does the creative process evolve in the production of an EP?


The Senior Capstone is a unique opportunity to explore whatever subject you choose with the freedom of shaping your own learning experience. It allows you to combine your interests into one class. Although you work with mentors, you are the main guide in your research. I can guarantee that not only will you gain valuable time management lessons, but also acquire the skills to fit the level of professionalism the committee expects from you. In the end, the work you do will hopefully have a meaningful impact on the School and broader community!"
- Liza Khutsishvili '19, Recipient of the 2019 Senior Capstone Thesis Award