Eighth Grade Capstone Project

In their final year, our eighth-grade student leaders take on The Capstone Project. This signature endeavor is the culmination of our carefully crafted project-based curriculum, uniquely preparing students to leave an indelible mark on Duke School.

At Duke School, we are proud to offer an unparalleled opportunity at this grade level. Our eighth graders are empowered with the autonomy to design, develop, and execute a project entirely of their own choosing. Over three months, they delve deeply into their chosen topic, harnessing the full spectrum of skills and knowledge acquired during their time here.

Our alumni consistently affirm that the skills honed through The Capstone Project—research, investigation, and independent thinking—continue to shape their academic and professional lives. Duke School graduates emerge as composed, confident individuals, ready to tackle the unpredictable future and shape it with purpose.

Empowering 8th graders at Duke School with unprecedented academic freedom, our Capstone Projects cultivate a unique space for students to explore, create, and present a project entirely shaped by their passions. This unique opportunity allows them to delve into self-directed inquiry, fostering independence and intellectual curiosity – a level of agency typically reserved for university settings. It's a transformative experience where young minds blossom into confident, creative thinkers. Watch to discover how our students leave us more than ready for any challenge or opportunity. 

Capstone project reflections...

By carrying out their Capstone Project, students feel the joy and responsibility of tackling a task of great scope and depth. At each juncture, students exercise autonomy: from discerning a topic from among their varied interests, to figuring out how to make an impact with their new knowledge and skills, to presenting their discoveries, their process, and what they would do with more time to explore.

And for many students, projects endure: every year, several students visit with current eighth-graders to demystify the process and to testify to the power inherent in crafting their own project.

Bob robinson, middle school director

Enjoy your last project at Duke School. Think about what knowledge and skills you can take with you: research, confidence with public speaking, perseverance through tedious work, experience talking with experts and adults, writing, and finally, your ability to reflect.

You're doing your Capstone project for a reason, and you're going to be spending a lot of time on it, so think about the best way this project will serve you. In the end, you are getting a handful of skills that will serve you beyond the Duke School classroom.

The Capstone is your final chance to create a toolkit that will set you up for all your future endeavors. You don't quite realize everything you learn from Duke School until after you graduate.

Duke School Alum, Class of 2019