AP Capstone
Bishop Kenny High School is proud to offer the AP Capstone Diploma Program.
AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program where students practice core academic skills valued by colleges and universities. The ability to think independently, write effectively, research, collaborate, and learn across disciplines is essential for success in college, career, and beyond.
Students in AP Capstone take two courses, AP Seminar and AP Research, in addition to other AP course offerings at Bishop Kenny.Students who earn passing scores in AP Seminar and AP Research, along with at least four other AP courses at Bishop Kenny, are eligible to earn the AP Capstone diploma.
About the Courses
AP Seminar, open to juniors, is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations where they can 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. They synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision so that they can craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.
During the course, students will complete a team project and an individual paper and presentation, as well as complete the end-of-course AP seminar exam. These components contribute to the overall AP Seminar score.
AP Research, the second level course, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Students further develop the skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio.
Students will submit an academic paper, as well as present and defend research findings. These components contribute to the overall AP Research score.
Higher Education
The skills that students develop in Capstone prepare them well for the level of academic inquiry and research that they will experience in undergraduate work and beyond. Accordingly, many colleges and universities recognize Capstone courses for college credit and participation in Capstone can help a student stand out in college admissions.
Learn more about colleges and universities granting credit at https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-capstone/higher-education-endorsement
