The culminating project for an Academy student is the senior thesis. At the beginning of the senior year, the student selects a field of inquiry from the curriculum – literature, philosophy, math, science, the arts – and then selects a faculty member to act as his or her thesis advisor. The thesis is an exploration of one of the “Six Great Ideas” of humanity summarized as Truth, Beauty, Goodness, Justice, Liberty, and Equality.

The first semester involves the selection of readings, directed study, note-taking, and conversation with the advisor.

The second semester involves the writing of the thesis in sections, with the advisor offering feedback and guidance at each successive stage.

The thesis is not a research paper, and it should not attempt to prove a specific point. Rather, the senior is asked to logically develop and assertively present his or her own philosophy on a topic of personal interest derived from the chosen texts. The thesis culminates with the senior defending his or her final draft in front of a committee of three faculty member.