Skip to main content

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

Communication Arts Program (CAP)

The Communication Arts Program (CAP) prepares students to become confident, skilled communicators who can analyze, create, and express ideas effectively across multiple media and contexts. The program integrates rigorous coursework in communication, media, and the humanities to help students develop strong analytical thinking, creative expression, and leadership skills.

Through interdisciplinary study and authentic learning experiences, students explore how communication shapes society, culture, and human interaction. CAP emphasizes ethical communication, collaboration, and real‑world application, preparing students for postsecondary education and careers in fields such as media, communications, education, law, public relations, and the arts.

 

Core Experiences

  • Interdisplinary coursework and experiences across all four years of the program.
  • In depth course work in comminications arts, including journalism, broadcast media and theater.
  • Real-world experiences that enhance classroom content.
  • Capstone experiences based on students' individual four-year progression, research and self-reflection.

 

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. Cells in purple are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Students enrolled in the Communication Arts Program are required to 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.

Grades 6–8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
College/Career Advising CAP English 9 CAP English 10 CAP AP Language & Composition

Honors English 12 or

AP Literature & Composition or

Honors English 12: American Studies

 
CAP US History

CAP AP US Government (NSL)

 CAP AP World History Elective

CAP Photography (S1) and

CAP Scriptwriting (S2)

 CAP Journalism

CAP Research Methods (S1) and

CAP Junior Seminar (S2)

CAP Senior Seminar (S1) and

Elective (S2)
CAP Drama

CAP Newswriting (S1) and

CAP TV Production (S1)

 Elective (PE, Technolgy or Health) Elective (PE, Technolgy or Health)
Math Math Math Math
Science Science Science Science
World Language World Language World Language or Elective World Language or Elective
Elective (PE or Technology)      

 

Program Requirements

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

  • Communications Core (4 credits)
    • CAP Photgraphy (0.5 credits)
    • CAP Scriptwriting (0.5 credits)
    • CAP Journalism
    • CAP Drama
    • CAP Newswriting (0.5 credits)
    • CAP TV Production (0.5 credits)
  • English (4 credits)
    • CAP English 9
    • CAP English 10
    • CAP 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)
    • CAP US History
    • CAP AP US Government (NSL)
    • CAP AP World History
  • Research (1.5 credits)
    • CAP Research Methods (0.5 credits)
    • CAP Junior Seminar (0.5 credits)
    • CAP Senior Seminar (0.5 credits)