Building researchers, thinkers & future leaders.
AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program that equips students with the independent research, collaborative team-building, critical thinking and communication skills universities value most — through AP Seminar in Grade 11 and AP Research in Grade 12.
Skills, not just subject content
AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program designed to equip students with the independent research, collaborative team-building, critical thinking and communication skills necessary for university success.
Rather than focusing solely on memorizing subject content, AP Capstone teaches students how to analyze complex issues, synthesize information, and construct evidence-based arguments.
Students may pursue the AP Seminar and Research Certificate without completing four additional AP Exams. The Certificate is awarded only after earning a score of 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research.
The AP Capstone Diploma requires scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP Exams taken during high school.
AP Seminar
Students investigate real-world topics from multiple perspectives, evaluate source credibility, synthesize argument threads, collaborate in teams and deliver formal multimedia presentations.
- Source evaluation & literature synthesis
- Cross-curricular problem solving
- Oral presentation & defense
- Academic collaboration
AP Research
Building directly on AP Seminar, students design, execute, write and defend a year-long independent research investigation on an original subject of personal interest.
- Primary & secondary research methodologies
- Academic paper construction (4,000–5,000 words)
- Data analysis & ethical inquiry
- Formal oral defense before a panel