Capstone Diploma

AP Capstone™ is an innovative diploma program from College Board that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. AP Capstone is built on the foundation of two AP® courses—AP Seminar and AP Research—and is designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study experienced in other AP courses. 

In AP Seminar, students investigate real-world issues from multiple perspectives, gathering and analyzing information from various sources in order to develop credible and valid evidence-based arguments. AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research. 

Completing AP Seminar and all its required assessment components is necessary for students to develop the skills to be successful in AP Research. In AP Research, students cultivate the skills and discipline necessary to conduct independent research and inquiry in order to produce and defend their scholarly work.

AP CAPSTONE- AP Seminar 

Grade: 10-12  

Credits: 5

Prerequisites: None

AP Capstone™ is a College Board program that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical, evidence-based decisions. AP Capstone consists of two consecutive courses--AP Seminar and AP Research. AP Seminar encourages students to explore topics that matter to them (real-world issues), use inquiry, collaborate in group presentations, and develop research-driven essays.  By the end of the year, students will analyze multiple perspectives and ideas, and formulate arguments to craft well-written work. AP Research will offer a deeper, personalized learning exploration of AP Seminar. 

AP CAPSTONE- AP Research

Grade: 11-12  

Credits: 5

Prerequisites: AP Seminar  

AP Research continues the work of the AP Seminar course to complete the “AP Capstone TM, a College Board program that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. Working with an expert advisor, students explore an academic topic, problem, or issue that students design, plan and conduct a year- long research-based investigation to address it. The course culminates with an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words and a presentation, with an oral defense; during which students will answer 3-4 questions from a panel of evaluators.