The AP Capstone Program
AP Capstone is an innovative College Board diploma program that develops students’ research, collaboration, and communication skills for success in college and beyond. Built on two English Department courses, AP Seminar and AP Research, the program complements students’ Advanced Placement coursework by fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and effective academic writing.
The program also provides strong preparation for AP Language and Composition.
Students who complete AP Seminar in 10th grade and AP Research in 11th grade with a score of 3 or higher in both earn the AP Capstone Certificate.
To earn the AP Capstone Diploma, students must also take four additional AP courses in any subject area and score a 3 or higher on each corresponding exam.
AP SEMINAR - AP Seminar is a critical reading and introductory research course that teaches students to investigate issues from multiple perspectives and craft clear, evidence-based arguments. Students learn to collect and analyze information with accuracy and are assessed through a team project and presentation, an individual essay and presentation, and a written exam.
Students can take AP Seminar in lieu of English 2 or English 2 Honors.
Students are required to complete a summer assignment.
AP RESEARCH - AP Research develops the skills needed to conduct independent, scholarly research and produce a defendable academic thesis. As the second course in the AP Capstone sequence, it allows students to explore a topic of personal interest and design a year-long investigation with teacher guidance. The course culminates in a 5,000-word thesis and an oral presentation or performance with a defense.
Students take AP Research as an 11th-grade English elective. While completing the full Capstone sequence is encouraged, the two-year commitment is not required.
Students are required to complete a summer assignment.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Seminar
Bellmore-Merrick is he 2023 AP Medium District of the Year