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High School Regional Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Communication Arts Program (CAP)

Communication Arts Program (CAP)

Shape the future of media and message. The Communication Arts Program (CAP) equips students with the skills, confidence, and creative vision to command the spotlight across digital, broadcast, and print platforms. Integrating deep humanities study with real-world media production, our interdisciplinary curriculum prepares confident communicators to lead in college and dynamic creative industries.

 

Core Experiences

  • Experience an immersive four-year interdisciplinary curriculum designed to cultivate leadership
  • Explore deep coursework across broadcast media, journalism, and dramatic arts
  • Connect classroom theory to hands-on, real-world industry applications
  • Execute a comprehensive signature capstone project highlighting your unique creative voice

 

Program Goals

  1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills: Build strong skills in critical thinking, written and oral communication, media literacy, and creative expression through rigorous, standards‑aligned coursework.
  2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience: Engage students in applied communication experiences that connect theory to practice through performances, media projects, presentations, and collaborative work.
  3. Foster College, Career, and/or Community Pathways: Prepare students for success in postsecondary education and career pathways that value effective communication, leadership, and ethical decision‑making in a diverse, interconnected world.

 

Application & Locations

Application: Criteria- and interest-based application

Schools:

  • Region 1: Blair

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Communication Arts Program (CAP). Cells in blue are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Students enrolled in the Communication Arts Program must take an additional class in grade 9. The additional class runs after the end of a traditional high school schedule.  Taking an additional class in Grades 10–12 is optional and based on course availability during the extended day.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Honors English 9

Honors English 10

AP Language & Composition

Honors English 12  or

AP Literature & Composition

Honors US History

AP US Government (NSL)

AP World History

CAP Senior Seminar (S1)  and

Elective (S2)

CAP Photography (SM1)  and

CAP Filmmaking (S2)

CAP Journalism A/B

CAP AP Seminar

 Elective

CAP Drama

CAP Newswriting (SM1) and

CAP TV Production (S2)

 Elective Elective
Math Math Math Math
Science Science Science Science
World Language World Language World Language  or
Elective		 World Language  or
Elective

 

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, all students must complete the following courses to remain enrolled in the Communication Arts Program and earn the related certificate:

  • Communications Core (4 credits)
    • CAP Photography (0.5 credits)
    • CAP Filmmaking (0.5 credits)
    • CAP Journalism
    • CAP Drama
    • CAP Newswriting (0.5 credits)
    • CAP TV Production (0.5 credits)
  • English (4 credits)
    • Honors English 9
    • Honors English 10
    • AP Language and Composition
    • Senior Year
      • AP Literature and Composition or
      • Honors English 12 plus one credit in related electives (social sciences or English)
  • Social Studies (3 credits)
    • Honors US History
    • AP US Government (NSL)
    • AP World History
  • Research (1.5 credits)
    • CAP Senior Seminar (0.5 credit)
    • Elective (1.0 credit)