College Readiness

Our senior students take the College Readiness class, during which they research college options, finalize a list of colleges, write personal statements and supplemental essays, and complete their college applications. Completing college research and applications at school rather than at home often relieves a great deal of stress for both the students and their parents. College Readiness is also a time for students to build their resumes, practice interview skills, apply for scholarships, research and apply for gap year programs, and work on their senior projects. This year's long course supports each student through the application process and prepares them with the skills and tools they will need to succeed in college.

It is common for our high school students to be "dual-enrolled" in courses at Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) or other community colleges. In recent years, Chartwell students at MPC have studied various foreign languages, advanced math, history, psychology, sociology, art, technology, and fitness classes. Experience taking college courses boosts our students’ confidence. This bridging experience prepares them for college level work, looks good on college applications, and gives them college credit. These credits can be very important as it allows students to avoid overloading  as college freshmen.

Twelfth-grade students at Chartwell complete a senior project or internship as a graduation requirement. Students who choose to complete internships are responsible for planning and securing their internships with teacher guidance. Students typically complete their internships on a series of Fridays in the spring semester. They report to their internship location and spend the school day working as an intern. Examples of internship locations from years past have included: 

• Veterinary office
• Youth mental health organization 
• Working barn
• Concept artist’s studio
• Environmental science non-profit
• Animal cancer center 
• Physical therapy office

For those who choose to complete a senior project rather than an internship, the project can center around an academic passion, a personal challenge, community involvement, or ideally, a combination of all three. The senior project is an opportunity for students to get hands-on, independent experience that helps teach discipline, time management, and short and long-term goal setting. Past senior projects have included:

• Designing and building a video game
• Creating an album of self-made music
• Planning, mapping, and organizing a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail
• Signing up and training for a marathon

At the end of the school year, seniors reflect on their internships and projects and present the outcomes at the year-end Retrospective event.