Ma'avar Capstone Project

The Ma'avar Capstone Project is a five-week structured independent study experience at the end of senior year where students pursue their intellectual, artistic, and academic passions. 

In 11th grade, students begin brainstorming potential projects with faculty. The conversation and planning continues through senior year. Students create detailed proposals and weekly schedules.

Ma'avar means "transition" in Hebrew, and the Ma'avar Capstone Project serves as a bridge between a student's high school years and what comes next. The Ma'avar experience empowers students to plan for and take on ambitious projects.

During Ma'avar, students chronicle their experiences and do regular check-ins to share learnings and problem-solve challenges. At the end of the five weeks, every senior gives a presentation to a panel of peers and faculty members—proof of their ability to perform powerful and exciting original work.

Glimpse of Gann

We developed something based on our passion for theatre— starting from nothing and following it through to the stage. To this day, it's one of the things that I have done that I am most proud of.
Yonina Eisenberg, Class of 2009
Yonina and five of her classmates wrote, produced and acted in a musical based on Alice in Wonderland for their Ma'avar Capstone Project.

List of 3 news stories.

  • Righting a Wrong: Waltham’s Forgotten Cemetery

    Righting a Wrong: Waltham’s Forgotten Cemetery

    Hodaya Propp, class of 2017, was recently featured on the front page of the Waltham News Tribune for a project she started at Gann. For her senior capstone, Hodaya used her community organizing skills to work with the local government and national stakeholders to right a wrong committed years ago in Waltham.

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  • Asher Dale '17

    Asher Dale '17 made an app based on the Three Good Things method (Boston.com)

    Asher Dale has three very good reasons to be happy.

    For one, the 17-year-old Newton native graduates from Waltham’s Gann Academy this weekend. For another, he’s looking forward to a gap year in Israel. And finally, he’s celebrating the release of his first app, based on the “Three Good Things” method.

    - Boston Magazine Article on Boston.com
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  • A New Look for Gann's Science Wall

    A New Look for Gann's Science Wall

    Eliana Bazer, Published in the Shevuon Hatichon
    With the end of the year approaching, Gann Seniors are working on their Ma’avar projects. These projects range from traveling to internships. A notable addition has been made to the science wing. Anya Shire-Plumb ’17 choose to paint a mural for her project.

    When asked why she chose this particular endeavor, Anya responded, “I have been wanting to do a mural since freshman year because I have always thought Gann should be a little more colorful.” 
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Experiential Learning

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