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 and businesses. It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical, evidenced-based decisions.

AP Capstone is comprised of two AP courses – AP Seminar and AP Research – and is designed to complement and enhance the discipline-specific study in other AP courses, as well as encourage passionate students to master the argument-based writing skills needed to explore their own interests. Students do not need to complete both courses; however, they may not take AP Research without taking AP Seminar.

If a student scores 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing, he or she will receive an AP Capstone Diploma. This signifies outstanding achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Alternatively, if a student scores 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research only, he or she will receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. 

For more information, please visit AP Capstone on the College Board website.

Course Title:  AP Seminar

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisite:  Completion of grade 9

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. The team component is prominent and highly collaborative. Students will be responsible for extensive, individual research to contribute equally to a group project to be assessed by the College Board. The skills necessary for successful group work include but are not limited to, consistent verbal and written communication, the ability to compromise and collaborate, and the ability to synthesize complex perspectives regarding an established issue to construct a solution with group members. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. Students will be expected to complete all AP exam requirements during the course, as well as take the end-of-course AP exam.

Course Title:  AP Research 

Course Length:  Full Year / Credits: 5

Prerequisite:  3 or above in AP Seminar

AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a yearlong mentored research-based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in AP Seminar by understanding research methods; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. The course culminates in an academic thesis paper of approximately 5,000 words and a presentation, performance, or exhibition with an oral defense. Students will be expected to complete all AP Exam requirements during the course.