CAPS provides students the opportunity to deeply explore professional areas of interest through a profession-based, inquiry learning method. CAPS is driven by the changing workforce needs of industry.
Center For Advanced
Professional Studies
FAQs about CAPS
General Information
Andover Public Schools’ Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) belongs to a network of nationally recognized, innovative high school programs. Students fast-forward into their future and are fully immersed in a professional culture, solving real-world problems and using industry-standard tools. They are mentored by actual employers, and all while receive high school and college credit. CAPS is an example of how business, communities and public education can partner to produce personalized learning experiences that educate the workforce of tomorrow, especially in high-skill, high-demand jobs.
Students interested in the CAPS program need to:
- Attain junior or senior status.
- Have a desire to work in a profession-based, real-world environment with other Andover High School and Andover Central High School students.
- Be willing to comply with business ethics (e.g. attendance) and dress codes determined by the type of CAPS program they are involved in.
- Be willing to spend three periods a day away from their home high school.
- Be able to provide their own transportation to CAPS and business partner sites.
While each institution has different admission standards, showing the ability to complete real-world, interdisciplinary projects is proving to differentiate CAPS students on applications for college, university and scholarships.
CAPS courses offer high school core and elective credits. In some cases, college credit also is available.
CAPS courses meet five days a week for a semester. Courses are three periods in length and are offered in both the morning and afternoon to better accommodate students’ schedules.
Regular Bell Schedule
(Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri)
AM – CAPS……………..7:50-10:20 a.m.
PM – CAPS………..12:20-2:50 p.m.
Yes. Following their first semester in a CAPS strand, students may choose to dig deeper, culminating their CAPS academic and intellectual experience with a capstone project through industry partnerships and possible internship. The capstone experiences build on the introductory course, and are designed to encourage students to think critically, solve challenging problems, and develop skills which will prepare them for college and future careers. These skills can include oral communication, public speaking, research skills, teamwork, project management and portfolio development. The capstone experience is assessed through a culminating project with input from industry partners. It is displayed through a portfolio and a professional presentation.
Yes. Most CAPS courses are eligible for some form of college credit.