Student Projects

In fifth grade, students work on a semester-long Genius Hour project, which allows them to explore topics of interest, focus in on an area of personal passion, conduct research, engage in hands-on learning to create an end-product, and then present their process and product—be it a musical performance, a video, a comic strip, or an electric car—to the school community. The process involves in-depth research, reflective journaling, goal setting, and creativity as students invest themselves in their subject. The projects then culminate with a three-to-five minute presentation in which each student shares their topic. 

In 8th grade, students complete a Joy Project, exploring and developing a personally chosen new skill that brings joy to their and others' lives. The project emphasizes the importance of following a passion, acquiring skills, connecting with knowledgable experts to learn more, and practicing self-direction and long-term planning. Culminating in a gallery show of new skills and products, the Joy Projects are a celebration of the project-based, experiential Middle School curriculum. 

Throughout the school year, seniors give two presentations: one at graduation, called “Senior Reflection,” and one at Upper School Assembly, called “Senior Speech.”

Senior Speeches are meant to deliver valuable advice to underclassmen and to provide seniors an opportunity to reflect on what they have learned during their time at Community School. The advice is honest, candid, and comes from the hearts of our students.

In the Spring Term of the twelfth grade year, students who are in good academic standing and who successfully apply may be approved to earn the final five credits required for graduation through the senior project program. A Senior Project is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged. It is the primary goal of the Senior Project program to provide every student the opportunity to culminate his or her secondary education with an experience that synthesizes all that has come before. It is our wish that each student combines the intellectual, academic, and experiential pursuits of his or her career at Sun Valley Community School to pursue a serious interest and to explore the world beyond campus. A successful project is of benefit not only to the individual who has undertaken it, but to the wider school community as well.