Blue Ridge School is set to launch a new Capstone Thesis Program for its senior students. This initiative is designed to provide academically motivated seniors with an opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice, extending beyond the traditional curriculum. The program aims for Blue Ridge School to remain as an academic leader in independent education for boys.
Seniors can participate by enrolling in the elective course, Advanced Research Topics, offered during the fall semester. This course will guide students through the process of developing, researching, and writing their thesis. The program’s goal is to provide a challenging and rewarding academic experience that effectively prepares students for the rigorous coursework they will encounter in college.
By the end of the fall semester, students will have completed a full research project. They will present their findings early in the second semester in a manner that best highlights their topic, skills, and creativity. Presentation formats can vary, including a traditional research paper, a documentary, a digital product, an experiment, or a creative writing piece.
The new program is led by Dr. Chrisantha Hermanson. After stepping away for a year, Chrisantha has returned to Blue Ridge as the school’s new Director of Library and Digital Literacy. With over 13 years of experience at Blue Ridge School, Dr. Hermanson is an expert in equipping students with the tools for lifelong learning, such as the ability to ask complex questions and seek well-reasoned answers.
“I’m excited to see what these young men come up with when given the space and time to dive deeply into their interests and create something on their own,” said Dr. Hermanson. “It’s wonderful to see them take the driver’s seat!”
This inaugural year, ten students are currently working on their capstone theses and plan to present their work this winter. The program promises to be a valuable addition to Blue Ridge School’s academic offerings, fostering a deeper level of inquiry and preparing students for the demands of college and beyond.
