Senior Keystone Project
A Year of Discovery.
A Lifetime of Learning.
The Senior Keystone Project is the culmination of the JCHS experience. Throughout their senior year, students become the architects of their own learning, pursuing a topic of personal passion through research, creative exploration, and real-world experiences.
Over the course of 80–100 hours, students investigate a subject from multiple perspectives, working both independently and with guidance from faculty mentors. The experience culminates in a public presentation where students share their work with peers, families, faculty, and the broader JCHS community.
How Keystone Works
Every senior joins a Keystone Design Team—a small cohort led by a faculty mentor who provides guidance, accountability, and regular feedback throughout the year. Dedicated class time supports project development, while much of the work takes place independently beyond the classroom, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning.
The Four Cornerstones of Keystone
Communication
Students build professional communication skills through interviews, networking, collaboration, and presentations while sharing their ideas with a variety of audiences.
Project Management
Students learn to manage a long-term project by setting goals, creating timelines, solving challenges, and meeting regularly with their Keystone Design Team Leader.
Community Engagement
Students connect with experts, mentors, and community partners whose knowledge and perspectives enrich their projects and expand learning beyond the classroom.
Iterative Process
Students embrace feedback, testing, and revision as essential parts of the creative process, refining their work through prototyping, reflection, and real-world input.