AP Capstone Program 

The AP Capstone Diploma Program is a highly exclusive and innovative special diploma program open to Weehawken HS students. As one of only eleven districts in New Jersey to offer this program and the only non-admissions public high school in thirty-three miles, Weehawken HS is proud to bring this unique experience to schools. 

AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program that provides students with an opportunity to engage in the rigorous scholarly practice of the core academic skills necessary for successful college completion. AP Capstone is built on the foundation of two courses.

AP Seminar and AP Research are designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study provided through AP courses. It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical, evidence-based decisions. 

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

AP Seminar (AP101) 5 Credits, Grades 10-12

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 perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. 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 enrolled in Intermediate Science Research will meet all AP Seminar Requirements and will take the AP Seminar Exam.  

PREREQUISITE:  There are no prerequisites for the AP Seminar course   

AP Research (AP201) 5 Credits, Grades 11-12

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 the AP Seminar course 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 enrolled in Advanced Science Research will meet all AP Research Requirements and will take the AP Research exam.  

PREREQUISITE:  Students must have completed the AP Seminar course