Most frequently asked questions.

HOW DO I GET PICKED FOR THE TRIP?
At least three (3) members of the faculty or staff of the Upper School MUST recommend the student.

DO I NEED MY PARENTS'/GUARDIAN'S PERMISSION?
If chosen, and if you are UNDER 18 on September 1 of the year chosen, then you will need your parents' or guardian's written permission. However, even students over 18 who live at home with a parent/guardian are required to have a permission slip signed by their parents/guardians.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO BE RECOMMENDED?
A student must have consistently high grades, must be responsible, must have few if any discipline violations, and must be active in at least one Upper School activity.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT THE FACULTY MUST CONSIDER IN MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS?
Yes. The student's character and desire to learn are important factors in recommending a student.

HOW IMPORTANT IS DISCIPLINE ("CONDUCT") RECORDS AND GRADES?
It is very important. Students will be traveling over 6,OOO miles from home and are expected to obey the instructions of the chaperones without question. The health and safety of the group is dependent upon full cooperation.

WHO MAKES THE FINAL DECISION?
Mr. Proietta, CEO and Founder of CAPCS; Ms. Rodriguez, Vice President of CAPCS; Ms. O'Brien, Principal of the Upper School and Deputy CEO for School Operations; and Ms. Jimenez, Vice Principal and Dean of Students of the Upper School.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET INTO "TROUBLE" AFTER BEING CHOSEN FOR THE TRIP?
If the "trouble" is serious enough, then you will be dropped from the trip; you may owe the school $3,500+, if it is too late for you to be replaced, or $200 if you can be replaced. If you are sent home from the trip, the cost will be $6,000.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO GO ON THE TRIP?
Beginning in Fall, students are required to make a $100 non-refundable deposit by September 15. The only other direct cost to the student is the cost of a passport (Approximately $90). It is recommended that students save at least $300* for expenses on the trip; these may include meals, snacks and souvenirs. (*Most of continental Europe and Ireland uses Euros; England, Scotland and Wales uses British Pounds)

WHAT ARE THE RULES OF THE TRIP?
All the rules found in the "student handbook" are applicable to the trip. However, on the overseas trip the rules apply 24 hours per day for the 9-10 days of the trip. The only exceptions are uniform regulations: the trip has its own set of dress and uniform regulations.

WILL I HAVE TO ATTEND THE MONDAY AFTERNOON CLASSES?
The Monday afternoon classes (3:05pm to 4:05pm) are required for participation in the trip. You must attend every class and must arrange your personal schedule so that you can. If for a very serious reason you must miss a class, you must contact Mr. Proietta's office and have your absence approved. One unapproved missed class may result in you being dropped from the class and the trip. You must maintain a “B” or above grade for the first quarter and an A- or above thereafter to remain in the class. Students playing varsity sports are automatically excused from class on game-day only. See "WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET INTO 'TROUBLE'..." above.

WHAT ARE THE DRESS AND UNIFORM REGULATIONS FOR THE TRIP?
Each year is different; however, on at least three (3) days of the trip: 1) The first (Travel) day, 2) Group Picture Day, and another day TBD, a special uniform that includes a unique school shirt are worn. No extreme clothing, including bare midriffs or baggy pants is allowed. The dress code will be discussed at the weekly meetings. The mustard-colored and blue school hat must be worn whenever you are instructed to do so.

MAY FRESHMEN ATTEND THE TRIP?
Except in rare cases, freshman will no longer be chosen for the trip.

IF I HAVE BEEN ON THE TRIP BEFORE, CAN I BE RECOMMENDED THE NEXT YEAR?
Mr. Proietta is given comments, including recommendations for the next trip, from the chaperones. If a student receives positive comments and is recommended by at least 90 percent of the chaperones, he/she usually will be asked to attend the next trip.

DO STUDENT PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE A GRADE ON THEIR REPORT CARD FOR THE OVERSEAS TRAVEL?
Yes, students are graded on the trip by their chaperones based on their cooperation and attention to the guides. The chaperones are looking for students who are learning and using the knowledge they acquired both at school and on the trip.

The final grade is assigned by Mr. Proietta based on these criteria: 1) your chaperone's grade; 2) the cumulative grades of the other chaperones; 3) Mr. Proietta's observations while on the trip; 4) journals; 5) participation in weekly meetings; 6) timeliness in meeting deadlines; and 7) timeliness and quality of assignments.

HOW MANY CREDITS ARE GIVEN FOR THE OVERSEAS TRAVEL?
The students receive 1 credit for a passing grade.

WILL STUDENTS BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH FAMILY WHILE OVERSEAS?
No, students will not be able to contact their family while overseas. However, the trip can be followed live on Twitter, and pictures are downloaded to the website on flickr. Messages can be sent to Mr. Proietta via @CAPnewswire; please keep in mind the time difference. There will be a delay in response. If an emergency at home were to arise, the Upper School office should be contacted. Please remember that CAP is not a part of the Philadelphia School District and that the SDP office has no information or anyway of contacting the traveling students.