The Capstone classroom at East High School is anything but quiet. Laughter bounces around the room when someone makes a silly comment, while other students lean over each other’s screens, showing off their progress. Beneath the humor and energy, though, serious work is taking place.

Capstone is designed as a culminating class for upper-level students, giving them the chance to design their own programming-related projects. From websites to video games, apps to robotics experiments, the projects vary widely but share a common thread: each one is student driven.

What makes the class unique is its pace. Students aren’t rushed through a rigid schedule. Instead, they move forward at a rhythm that works for them, while teachers step in to give direction and make sure no one loses sight of the bigger picture. This balance of independence and guidance allows students to explore creativity while still learning practical coding and problem-solving skills.

At the end of the semester, students will showcase their projects to peers, teachers, and the community. For many, the Capstone experience will serve as both a fun memory of high school and a first step toward careers in computer science, engineering, or technology.