8th-Grade Capstone Project

Named for our visionary founder, philanthropist, and entrepreneur G.B. Henderson, the Capstone Project honors his belief that meaningful education inspires students to lead purposeful lives. In 1957, Mr. Henderson established the Alexander Dawson Foundation to ensure that children would not only learn but also feel empowered to make a difference. His legacy continues today as our students take on real-world challenges with creativity, curiosity, and courage.

The Capstone journey begins years before eighth grade. Through Middle School Insight classes, students practice 21st-century competencies—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, empathy, and innovation—that form the foundation for their capstone work. Each quarter, students engage in a new Insight course that challenges them to think differently, solve problems creatively, and reflect deeply. By eighth grade, these skills converge into the Capstone Project: a self-driven, yearlong exploration of a local or global issue tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Students research their chosen topics, collaborate with local nonprofits, and consult experts in the field to understand the complexities of real-world problems. From food insecurity to book banning, homelessness to environmental sustainability, their projects address issues that matter—to them and to their communities.

Capstone pushes students to bridge learning and action. Guided by mentors, they analyze root causes, propose informed solutions, and design an Action Project to create meaningful change. The process fosters essential skills in communication, project management, organization, and social responsibility—skills that will serve them far beyond their time at Dawson. The year culminates in a public presentation before peers, educators, and community members. Here, students share their research findings, defend their conclusions, and demonstrate how young people can lead with empathy and insight. For many, it’s the most challenging—and rewarding—experience of their middle school years.

At Dawson, we hold a powerful belief: students don’t need to wait until adulthood to change the world. When given agency, mentorship, and purpose, they rise to the challenge. The Capstone Project transforms eighth graders into active participants in their communities, modeling what it means to live Dawson’s mission every day.

As we envision Dawson in 2030, we see a community that continues to honor Mr. Henderson’s legacy while embracing the future of education—where technology amplifies human connection, where students are known and challenged, and where purpose-driven learning defines excellence. The Capstone Project isn’t just an academic requirement; it’s a celebration of everything Dawson stands for—courage, care, innovation, knowledge, and impact.