AP Capstone™ is an innovative diploma program from the College Board that equips  students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills  that are increasingly valued by colleges. AP Capstone™ is built on the foundation of two AP courses — AP Seminar and AP Research — and is designed to complement and enhance the  in-depth, discipline-specific study experienced in other AP courses. In AP Seminar, students  investigate real-world issues from multiple perspectives, gathering and analyzing  information from various sources in order to develop credible and valid evidence-based  arguments. AP Capstone™ is a prerequisite for AP Research. Completing AP Capstone™ and all  its required assessment components is necessary for students to develop the skills to be  successful in AP Research. In AP Research, students cultivate the skills and discipline necessary to conduct independent research and inquiry in order to produce and defend their  scholarly work. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research  and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing will receive the AP Capstone Diploma™.  Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research, but not on four  additional AP Exams, will receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.

Designed by the College Board to parallel college-level courses in critical thinking and communications, the AP Seminar course provides students with the opportunity to explore complex real-world issues through cross-curricular lenses. Course topics vary and may include local, civic, or global issues and interdisciplinary subject areas. Courses typically emphasize research, communication, and critical thinking skills to explore the issues addressed. Students may also examine source materials such as articles and other tests; speeches and personal accounts; and relevant artistic and literary works. This course is designed to challenge students to reflect critically on the diversity of knowledge, and the role knowledge plays in a global society. Prerequisites: Must be enrolled in GATE and instructor approval is required

AP Seminar is the first of two classes required for the AP Capstone Diploma. Designed by the College Board to parallel college-level courses in critical thinking and communications, the AP Seminar course provides students with the opportunity to explore complex real-world issues through cross-curricular lenses. Course topics vary and may include local, civic, or global issues and interdisciplinary subject areas. Courses typically emphasize research, communication, and critical thinking skills to explore the issues addressed. Students may also examine source materials such as articles and other tests; speeches and personal accounts; and relevant artistic and literary works. This course is designed to challenge students to reflect critically on the diversity of knowledge, and the role knowledge plays in a global society.

This course is designed to challenge students to reflect critically on the diversity of knowledge and the role knowledge plays in a global society. Students develop Costa's Habits of Mind and apply themselves as learners and thinkers to become aware of the complexity of knowledge and to recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world. The course is seminar based with the course conducted primarily through discussion. Students complete an individual research project that is presented at an end of the year. Prerequisites: Student must enroll in the Gifted & Talented Program (GATE) program. To be eligible for the GATE program, a student must be at the 97th percentile or above on a state-approved test. Common tests include the Cognitive Abilities test, SAT, ACT, PSAT, and PLAN.