This is a class unlike any other on a high school campus; students will take part in the high school equivalent of a Master’s Thesis - they will engage in original research, and chronicle their findings and interpretations in an extensive research report. It is truly a one-of-a-kind scholarly experience, which will prepare students for success in college and beyond. It will also challenge students like never before, calling on not only their writing and reasoning skills but also more fundamental skills such as time management, focus, and intrinsic motivation.

College Board’s course description: AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.