Academics

The Gunnery Senior Spring Capstone

This is an independent study project for eligible seniors in the spring term.  The Capstone Project can be completed in place of an academic class or an afternoon commitment.  Interested students work with a faculty advisor and their parents to propose and structure the project during the winter term (proposals are due in February).  Once approved, students are expected to provide regular updates to their advisor, especially if the project takes them off campus (Capstone Projects allow for up to a month off campus if deemed appropriate.).
The Capstone Program has been in place for over fifty years and is one of The Gunnery’s most valued programs.

Past Projects Include:

  • Composing and presenting a concert of 15 original songs
  • Conservation study with the National Park Service
  • Being an intern on the Capital Development Board for the State of Illinois
  • Study of the management and the economics of a dairy farm
  • Internship at the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper
  • An apprenticeship at the Dutch Mission to the United Nations
  • Internship in the Connecticut State legislature
  • Working as an aide to a veterinarian
  • Anthropological study of a Blue Ridge Mountain community
  • Work as an aide at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Hospital
  • Performance in the pit orchestra for a professional musical production
  • Teaching computer graphics at the Washington Montessori School
  • Teaching English as a Second Language through Literacy Volunteers
  • Developing a historical based computer game based on Visual Basic and Direct X

The Gunnery

gps address: 22 Kirby Road, Washington, CT 06793
mail address: 99 Green Hill Road, Washington, CT 06793
tel: 860-868-7334
Contact Us
Founded in 1850 by abolitionist, educator, and outdoorsman Frederick Gunn, The Gunnery is a coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12/post-graduate. Dedicated teacher-mentor-coaches challenge students to reach their full potential in a home-like setting where character and citizenship are valued as much as intellect and achievement. Individualized attention and high expectations help young learners develop not only the skills and confidence they will need in college, but also the moral compass and love of learning that will serve them well in life. The school attracts ambitious, academically curious students who will both shine as unique individuals and thrive as contributing members of a deeply connected community. By the time they graduate, Gunnery students have become well rounded, grounded young adults with a sharpened sense of who they are and who they want to become.