Senior Signature Projects

The Senior Signature Project Program is designed to be the culminating experience of the 12th grade year for Bay School students and is required for graduation. The program offers a meaningful opportunity for every senior to pursue his or her academic and personal interests inside and outside of the classroom with the close guidance of an experienced mentor. Field work outside of the classroom may take many different forms such as internships, career experiences, or close work with mentors, who provide expertise and resources to facilitate an outcome that the student would like to accomplish or create. A senior project must involve a minimum of 65 hours of field work. Students earn academic credit for a two-trimester elective course.

In addition to the field-based experience, students learn how to research an area of personal interest and write a project proposal. They learn how to make contacts with individuals and organizations that can help them pursue the study of their interest, produce a deliverable from their work, and make a formal presentation. Each project concludes with the writing of a paper that describes and reflects the student's thoughts, experiences, and accomplishments.

The Senior Signature Project is a unique personal journey for each student. The program offers the long-term benefit of helping students to focus on possible areas of study in college, future careers, and community involvement. Examples of senior projects during recent years have included: biotechnology research, operatic performance, psychology, marketing and advertising, computer programming, video and music production, marine mammal research, the law, personal submarine design and construction, worldwide nutrition and health issues, diversity in education, ecology, and the design and construction of an electric car.