March 10, 2025
By Liesl Schnuck, Director of Teaching and Learning
At City Academy, we take pride in “Raising the Bar” to ensure our students are not only academically successful but also prepared to engage meaningfully with the world. This year, one of the most impactful ways we are elevating learning is through Capstone Projects. These projects are authentic, relevant, and transferable — helping students connect classroom experiences to real-world problems, ideas, or situations.
Capstone Projects allow teachers to collaborate across subject areas and grade levels, fostering a learning environment where students thrive. By bridging disciplines, we encourage students to see how knowledge connects and how different subjects complement each other. These efforts enhance student outcomes and teacher development, creating a culture of continuous growth and innovation.
One example of our Capstone Projects is the 5th Grade Mask Project, which integrates curriculum to create meaningful learning experiences. The Mask Project bridged 5th graders’ social studies and art classes, where students explored the concept of figurative masks — the different personas people adopt in various situations. They also studied the historical significance of masks and their cultural and artistic uses.
Building on this foundation, students brainstormed the metaphorical masks they wear in their own lives. Through guided discussions with Linnet Early, Social Studies Specialist, they considered how environments, relationships, and roles influence self-presentation. Zac Warr, Art Teacher (and 2011 alumnus), then helped students translate these reflections into creative expressions.
Informed by lessons on symbolism in colors, students designed two-sided masks to represent their personalities. One side showcased traits they commonly display, while the other revealed aspects of their inner selves. Combining artistic techniques with personal introspection, the project became a powerful exercise in self-discovery.
The project culminated in a presentation where students shared their masks with peers and teachers. This required them to practice vulnerability and confidence as they explained their creative decisions. For many, it was a transformative experience — helping them appreciate their identities while fostering empathy and understanding.
Through this project, students gained a deeper understanding of historical and artistic contexts while developing essential life skills such as self-expression, critical thinking, and emotional resilience. Teachers also benefited from the collaboration, exchanging ideas and strategies across disciplines to enrich learning.
The 5th Grade Mask Project exemplifies our commitment to raising the bar at City Academy. It shows how we redefine excellence by connecting curriculum to real-world concepts and providing students with skills that serve them beyond the classroom. This year, we are expanding Capstone Projects to all grade levels and subject areas to ensure all students benefit from similar transformative experiences.
By fostering collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, we are enhancing academic achievement while nurturing personal growth. At City Academy, raising the bar is not just a goal — it’s how we prepare students to meet today’s challenges and lead with confidence into the future.