In the final stretch of their elementary journey, Mid-Pacific’s fifth graders stand on the threshold of deeper self-discovery through a culminating academic milestone: the Fifth Grade Capstone Project. On the evening of April 24, the elementary campus transformed into a vibrant gallery of identity, creativity, and growth with each student’s display a reflection of their journey as a learner, and a testament to Mid-Pacific’s inquiry-based approach that begins as early as preschool with the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, which emphasizes child-centered learning and is the foundation for inquiry practices that are implemented in grades K-5.
Now in its 20th year, the Capstone Project has evolved along with Mid-Pacific’s educational pedagogy of Deeper Learning. What once focused on broad, external topics has transformed into deeply personal inquiries centered around the essential question: “Who am I?” Students spend the year exploring this question through memoir writing, identity webs, and creative projects ranging from family cookbooks to crocheted symbols of their passions. Each artifact captures what students have learned and who they are becoming.
“The Capstone is a mosaic of identity,” said Dawn Brown, fifth-grade teacher and longtime steward of the project. “It’s more than gathering information—it’s making meaning of who they are, how they learn, and where they come from.”
This inward focus encourages reflection, authenticity, and the development of a strong sense of self—critical traits that students carry with them into middle school and beyond.
Mid-Pacific’s Capstone Project exemplifies the school’s commitment to Deeper Learning, a framework that goes beyond surface-level facts to foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and self-awareness. The process begins years before fifth grade, as students develop the habits of inquiry, reflection, and perseverance embedded in the school’s Learner Profile. By the time they reach the Capstone, students are equipped to ask meaningful questions and express their learning in rich, interdisciplinary ways.
Some compose original music. Others engineer marble runs or write poetry. One student even created a family recipe book, connecting generations through culinary tradition and cultural storytelling. These projects are not just impressive—they’re deeply personalized, showcasing how Mid-Pacific tailors education to the strengths and intelligences of each child.
“We’re not teaching to the middle,” Brown explained. “We’re empowering every student to find their voice and take ownership of their learning.”
On Capstone Night, parents and grandparents are invited into the learning process through gallery walks and one-on-one presentations. Students guide their loved ones through their work, share their reflections, and articulate their growth as thinkers and community members.
The final 30 minutes of the event are reserved for parent-child conversations, where each student presents their learning memoir and discusses their challenges, breakthroughs, and goals. This powerful exchange fosters academic pride, deeper family connections, and a profound sense of belonging.
“It’s not just a presentation,” said one parent. “It’s a window into who my child is becoming.”
Preparing for Middle School—and the World
What makes the Fifth Grade Capstone unique is not just its celebration of learning, but the intentional bridge it forms between elementary and secondary school. By guiding students through a process of inquiry, interdisciplinary exploration, and public presentation, Mid-Pacific is preparing learners to thrive in middle school and high school, where academic rigor meets real-world relevance.
Even more, the Capstone aligns with Mid-Pacific’s mission to develop world-ready learners—students who lead with empathy, curiosity, and purpose.
For current Mid-Pacific families, the Fifth Grade Capstone is a powerful affirmation that their children are part of a learning community that values who they are, not just what they know. For prospective families, it is compelling evidence that Mid-Pacific offers more than a top-tier education—it offers a path to becoming confident, adaptable, and compassionate individuals.