CEL: 10-12

The Capstone

All SCH sophomores engage in the CEL Capstone - a unique, self-directed project-design experience. With the support of dedicated faculty mentors and access to specialized studios, students bring ideas inspired by their personal passions to life using the business, design, and technology skills learned in previous CEL classes. There are four distinct stages to the Capstone process: Discover, Define, Design, and Deliver. Students may elect to continue their work in their junior and senior years through the Venture Accelerator.

Uncover Your Passion Project

Discover

Capstone students begin by identifying a unique opportunity that connects with their interests and skills. In this stage, they explore target markets, find inspiration, and research competitors. Each project is housed in one of five cutting-edge studios (App, Invention, New Media, Social Impact, Startup) for the duration of the semester. The studios are led by an interdisiciplinary team of CEL mentors who provide personalized support to each project.

Define

The second stage of the Capstone process is to begin planning for creation by establishing team roles, sketching minimum viable prototypes, contacting experts, and creating a project timeline.

Design

After discovering their opportunity and defining an approach - it's time to make. Students go through an iterative design cycle, where their basic prototypes are tested with users, refined, and improved.

Deliver

Students deliver their prototype and pitch at Showcase Night. The entire SCH community comes out to support the students and provide them with feedback and guidance. During this final phase of the class, students learn the importance of being clear, concise, and authentic in their final presentation. Students who show great promise are awarded prizes and invited to launch their venture in the CEL Venture Accelerator program.

Venture Accelerator

The CEL Venture Accelerator is an elective open to students in their junior and senior years who are motivated to fully launch the ideas that they have investigated, tested, and prototyped through Venture Incubator and Capstone. Venture Accelerator students connect with various mentors and investors, hire staff, file for trademarks and legal business entities, sell in the marketplace, and raise initial startup capital.

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Mailing Address: 500 West Willow Grove Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Main Reception: 215-247-4700 | Campus Security: 267-246-8427
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Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH) is an independent school offering a rigorous college preparatory program that delivers an unparalleled academic experience.
The school’s unique model is distinguished by single-sex education for the lower grades (Pre-K through 8) followed by a coed Upper School.