Capstone Project & Certification

What is a Senior Capstone Project and how does it help me certify? Santa Susana High School is proud to present important updates and clarification with respect to the Certification and Capstone Project process. Critically, students who are interested in Certification in any area of emphasis (commonly referred to as an SSHS "academy") must review the pathway/certification requirements for that academy before proposing a Capstone Project.

The Capstone Project is effectively the last step in a four-year process for special honors and recognition in one or more areas of Emphasis.

1. A Capstone Project consists of 

(a) a project of your choice that showcases an area of interest in which you will research and develop a plan to showcase the knowledge and skills and extends your learning beyond the SSHS classroom. Every SSHS senior is invited to complete a senior project that demonstrates the core values of Santa Susana High School: scholarship, skill, honor, and service.

(b) a digital portfolio, which includes information about you personally, the project you completed, why you chose that project, how you gained the knowledge and skills required for the project, and what you learned by completing the project. 

(c) a multimedia presentation to present to panelists which summarizes the key points of your portfolio. 

2. If you want to certify, then you MUST complete a Capstone Project. However, there are different levels of certification. If you are certifying with "Recognition," your project may be based on any area of interest. If you intend to certify with "Honors" or "High Honors," your project must be directly associated with your area of certification. Please discuss possible topics with the head of your school. 

3. Students may earn 5 credits on their transcript for the completion of their Capstone Project. Please contact or see Mrs. Estrada for more information.

I'm ready to certify, now what? You must apply! Students who have completed Capstone Project presentations may be candidates for academy certification. At the completion of their Capstone Project presentations, students will submit the following:

• a copy of their transcript (provided at the conclusion of the Capstone Presentation)

• a copy of the certification requirements (available here)

• a certificate of Capstone Project Completion (provided at the conclusion of the Capstone Presentation)

How will my Capstone Project be scored? The Capstone Project has three main components, all of which are assessed by the SSHS faculty and/or community members (adjudicators). In the column to the left, you will find a rubric of how your Capstone Project will be adjudicated.

How do I know what my certification requirements are? It depends on your academy. Click on the links below to find your requirements:

School of Letters and Sciences (Chairperson/ Dean: Mrs. Hazlewood)

School of Visual and Performing Arts (Chairperson/ Dean: Mrs. Abbe)

School of Digital Arts and Technology (Chairperson/ Dean: Mr. Abbe)

Deadline to submit application: April 22nd

• September 22, 2022: Senior Capstone Project Overview Presentation in ACE
• October 15, 2022: Proposal Application due via Google Classroom
• October 15, 2022: Student/Mentor/Parent Contract via Google Classroom
• December 6, 2022: Mentor/Student Check-In #1 via Google Classroom
• January 25, 2023: Mentor/Student Check-In #2 via Google Classroom
• February 17, 2023: Portfolio Due
• March 1, 2023: Senior Capstone Project Final FAQ Presentation in ACE
• March 21, 2023: Senior Capstone Project Presentation Day
• April 21, 2023:Certification Application Deadline

School - There are three schools at SSHS (School of Letters & Sciences; School of Digital Arts & Technology; School of Visual & Performing Arts) used to organize all of our academics. Each school has a Dean/Head of School who oversees student certification.

Academy - an emphasis within a school

Pathway - a sequence of classes for each academy that lead to certification (certification requirements)

Certification - the result of completing the required classes in a pathway and completing a Capstone Project 

Advisor - a SSHS faculty member who guides a student through the technical process of certification such as completing paperwork, meeting deadlines, and helps in Capstone Project ideas. This person is likely to be the teacher who is in charge of your academy. If not, it would be the Dean/Head of your school.

Mentor - an adult, either on campus or off, who is an expert in the area of your project. This person provides expertise and guidance. Mentor and Advisor could be the same person.