About Us!
AP Capstone is a prestigious College Board program that develops college-level research, critical thinking, and presentation skills through two year-long courses, AP Seminar and AP Research, preparing students for success in higher education by focusing on transferable skills rather than specific subject content. Students earn an AP Capstone Diploma by successfully completing these two courses and passing four additional AP exams, setting them apart in college applications.
Follow us on instagram @ehs_ap.capstone
Counts as Language Arts 10, 11, 12 or elective credit
Mission Statement: AP Seminar empowers students to become confident thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible researchers. Through collaborative inquiry and real-world topics, students learn to analyze complex issues, evaluate credible sources, and craft evidence-based arguments. Along the way, they build college-ready skills in writing, speaking, and teamwork while developing curiosity, independence, and a strong academic voice.
Counts as elective credit
Mission Statement: AP Research will empower students to improve their real-world problem-solving skills as they develop original research. Throughout this process, students will enhance their understanding of college-level material and their ability to synthesize scholarly texts while strengthening relationships with their peers and having fun!
Collaborative Inquiry
Professional Research Presentations
What is AP Research?
Words from Research Students
AP Seminar introduces students to college-level research, writing, and presentation through the exploration of real-world issues. Rather than focusing on a single topic, students learn how to think, question, and communicate effectively across disciplines.
Throughout the course, students develop skills in:
Analyzing complex issues from multiple perspectives
Evaluating the credibility and relevance of sources
Reading and understanding high-level academic texts
Writing evidence-based arguments using proper citations
Presenting ideas clearly and confidently to an audience
Participating in structured discussions and debates
Collaborating with peers and managing group projects
Giving and receiving constructive feedback
Using technology to research, organize, and present information
Reflecting on their learning and refining their work over time
Students work throughout the year on one cumulative project: an independent research study. This project culminates in a 5,000-word paper and a 20-minute presentation. Throughout this process, the students improve their skills in:
Presenting
Giving and receiving critiques
Organizing and analyzing data
Using technology effectively
Problem-solving and overcoming setbacks
Communicating with peers and adults
Reading and understanding advanced academic texts
Writing and formatting papers in a specific discipline (of their choice)
AP Capstone rivals the IB program. It offers flexibility, allowing students to choose courses that interest them while also participating in sports, the arts, and hobbies.
College Readiness: Builds advanced skills in research, academic writing, public speaking, and critical thinking that mirror college coursework.
Distinction in College Admissions: Signals to colleges that students can handle rigorous, independent, and inquiry-based learning.
Real-World Skill Development: Emphasizes problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication.
Flexible, Student-Driven Topics: Allows students to explore issues they care about across disciplines.
Strong Foundation for College Majors: Especially beneficial for students interested in humanities, social sciences, STEM, law, medicine, education, and business.
Improved Academic Confidence: Students learn how to manage long-term projects and refine work through feedback and revision.
College Credit Potential: Many colleges award credit or placement for qualifying AP Seminar and AP Research scores.
AP Capstone Diploma Opportunity: Students who complete AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP exams can earn the AP Capstone Diploma.
Preparation Beyond Testing: Focuses on transferable skills rather than memorization or test-only performance.
