The AP Capstone Diploma is an advanced university preparation program that equips students with vital independent research, collaborative teamwork and communication skills.

 

AP Capstone Diploma is comprised of two AP skills-based courses — AP Seminar and AP Research—in addition to four subject-based AP courses that can be taken at any point throughout high school. The Capstone program aims to make AP a cohesive, rigorous and interdisciplinary academic experience that promotes a deep understanding of real-world issues, cultivates independent and collaborative scholarship, and prepares students to make logical, evidence-based decisions.

 

AP Seminar is a yearlong exploration of two to four relevant issues selected by the student and/or teacher. The course consists of a team project and presentation, an individual research-based essay and presentation, and an end-of-course exam. AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research.

 

AP Research allows students to design, plan and conduct a yearlong research-based investigation on a topic of individual interest, building a portfolio to document this process. AP Research consists of an academic paper, presentation and an oral defense.