Welcome to the AP Capstone Information Page!
All interested applicants, make sure to attend the Interest Meeting on Wednesday, November 16 at 7:45 AM or 3:30 PM in Mrs. Minich’s room (913).
Completed 2023-2024 AP Capstone Applications are due to Mrs. Minich in room 913 by Tuesday, January 10. Make sure include an updated transcript that shows Spring 2023 grades.
Download the 2023-2024 AP Capstone Application
View the AP Capstone Informational Slides
The AP Capstone Program, College Board’s only diploma program, began at Lassiter High School in 2014. Since then, hundreds of students have graduated earning an AP Capstone diploma and achieving success in various prestigious universities and beyond. The AP Capstone’s 2-year program equips student with core skills to be successful in rigorous courses of study in college. Some of these skills include working with a team of peers to investigate solutions to real world problems, developing a research-based argument, discerning credible versus unreliable sources of information, articulating findings and conclusions through presentations, and orally defending one’s work. These skills also support students’ learning in other AP classes as the AP Capstone program is interdisciplinary and offers opportunities to explore diverse topics such as gene editing, overuse injuries in youth sports, sustainable farming, and affordable housing. Acceptance into the program is based on an application process, writing samples, and teacher recommendations. Descriptions of both courses, AP Seminar and AP Research, are included below.
AP Seminar (Year 1 of AP Capstone)
½ unit credit per semester / AP academic elective (counts toward HOPE GPA)
** AP Seminar students must also enroll in AP Language & Composition
AP Seminar is a foundational, introductory research course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and realworld topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, 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. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. Students must be enrolled in AP Language and Composition concurrently with AP Seminar in order to be eligible to take the course.
*adapted from the College Board course overview
AP Research (Year 2 of AP Capstone)
For seniors who have completed AP Seminar with a B and passed the AP Seminar exam
½ unit credit per semester / AP academic elective (counts toward HOPE GPA)
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 year-long 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 methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of approximately 4000–5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. Students must have successfully completed the AP Seminar course.
*taken from the College Board course overview
Additional Information & Resources:
College Board Website Description
What is AP Capstone? PPT Presentation
Recruitment Video 1
Recruitment Video 2
Email Hilary Minich for more information.
