What is AP Capstone?

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.

AP Seminar

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.

AP Research

Counts as an elective

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

What do you learn in AP Seminar?

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 citation
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

AP Capstone Night: AP Seminar Course

What do you learn in AP Research?

AP Research Web

Learn about research through games, activities, Legos, and more!

This class is unlike any other class you take in high school. With its unique curriculum, there are many opportunities to learn through fun activities such as paper airplanes, puzzles, Legos, and more!

Students work throughout the whole year on one cumulative project, independent research. This culminates in a 5,000 word paper and a 20 minute presentation of their work. Throughout this process the students improve:

Presentation skills
Giving and receiving critiques
Organizing and analyzing data
Using technology effectively
Problem-solving, overcoming failure
Communicating with peers and adults
Reading and understanding high-level academic texts
Writing and formatting in a specific discipline (of their choice)

Benefits of AP Capstone

AP Capstone rirvals the IB program. It offers flexibility allowing students to pick courses that interest them as well as participate in sports, the arts, and hobbies.

College Readiness: Builds advanced skills in research, academic writing, public speaking, and critical thinking that mirror college coursework

Stand Out in 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

Here is information from CollegeBoard about the program!

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