Graduation Project

The City High Graduation Project weaves together a deep exploration of an area of student interest with the research and technological skills that they have developed during their high school years.

Graduation Project Brochure

Successful completion of all Graduation Project course requirements at a proficient or advanced level is necessary for gaining a City High diploma. Projects have encompassed themes related to:

  • Careers
  • The Arts
  • Social Action
  • Scientific Inquiry
  • Creative Expression

Purpose And Components

Each school district, including charter schools, shall specify requirements for graduation in their strategic plan. Requirements shall include course completion and grades, completion of a Culminating Project, and results of local assessments aligned with the academic standards.

Beginning in the 2002-2003 school year, students shall demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics on either the State assessments administered in grade 11 or 12 or local assessment aligned with academic standards and State assessments at the proficient level or better in order to graduate. The purpose of the culminating project is to assure that students are able to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and understanding. – from Chapter 4 of the Pennsylvania Code, State Board of Education

In keeping with the above state mandate, all students of City Charter High School, along with other students in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, will complete a “culminating project to demonstrate their ability to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and understanding”.

City Charter High School students are required to take the Research Seminar – Graduation Project class during their 11th and 12th grades to design a project that will provide students opportunities to exhibit their initiative as well as the numerous developed skills of problem solving and decision-making, technology, and independent research as they investigate a self-selected specific area of interest. This project allows students to propose and design an independent, personalized hands-on learning experience, presented through a culminating exhibition of a quality product.

Five major components are required for project completion:

  • Research Component
  • Written Component
  • Technological Component
  • Tangible (End-Product) Component
  • Oral Component