A Model of Success
The St. Louis Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (STL CAPS) programs are nationally recognized, innovative high school programs. Students fast forward into their future and are fully immersed in a professional culture, solving real world problems, using industry standard tools and are mentored by actual employers, all while receiving high school and college credit. CAPS is an example of how business, community and public education can partner to produce personalized learning experiences that educate the workforce of tomorrow, especially in high skill, high demand jobs.
Refining Education
STL CAPS focuses on active learning. Students are exposed to a unique blend of problem-based, project-based and design-based learning while practicing professional skills taught throughout the program. The program strives to remain on the cutting-edge of evolving workforce needs, working closely with business and post-secondary partners to develop course work that reflects emerging trends.
In the Beginning
The CAPS movement began in Blue Valley in 2009 and the model is now being utilized by school districts throughout the country. There are currently 19 states, 69 programs and 125 school districts that comprise the national CAPS Network. STL CAPS is the first and only multi-high school program in the St. Louis area that is open to public, private and charter high schools throughout the region.
Community Investment
STL CAPS programs establish and nurture relationships with business partners that are mutually beneficial, sustainable, coordinated and multi-faceted. Our partners help shape curriculum, provide projects, support professional development, invest in equipment and supplies and provide job shadow opportunities, speakers, mentors and internships.