One distinctive element of the curriculum at Avalon is the Senior Project.  Seniors are required to plan, carry out, and present a 300+ hour project during their senior year.  They are encouraged to pick a field of study that they think might play a role in their future.  In the fall seniors go on a three day retreat to launch this project.  While on the retreat, students brainstorm for ideas, work together to craft proposals, and participate in an adventure learning course. 

 

Upon their return we host 'Senior Night'- an evening where we bring in the seniors, their families, and any interested community members.   Each student has a few minutes to introduce their project theme and then we host a networking session where we connect community experts to the students.  Each senior is responsible for pulling together a senior committee which includes two Avalon advisors, parents or guardians, a community expert in the field of study, and an Avalon junior.  This committee helps guide the student through the project as the year progresses.  In the spring the projects culminate with each senior giving a 30 minute presentation. 

 

Here is a list of topics from the Class of 2008:

Building Communities

Canine Parvovirus

Classroom Design

Convergent Evolution

Cosmetology

Fashion Line

Females in Historic Literature

GLBT Youth Activism

History of Intra-cardiac Surgery           

Humor 

Music Appreciation and Creation

Mystery Novel Writing

Mythology:  Chaotic Universe

Nursing Psychopannychy:  a Fool’s Quest

Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine

Public Murals and the Community

The Road to Nursing Stop-Motion Animation

Trauma Medicine

Veterinary Medicine Video Game Design

Woodworking