The AP Capstone Diploma is new to Jupiter High School offering a new and exciting opportunity for students.
The course requirements for the diploma are as follows: AP Seminar, AP Research and four additional AP classes, all of which are required to be passed with a three or higher on the AP exam. When graduating you will receive a stole and cord to wear along with a certificate to carry as you walk across the stage to your future.
This diploma takes at least two years to achieve due to the two-year-long mandatory classes: AP Seminar and AP Research.
“For the last few years, JHS has offered AP Seminar, the first course required toward the AP diploma, but not enough students have indicated an interest in taking it, so the course was cancelled,” Amy Hand, Jupiter High School guidance counselor, said. “We hope that for this coming year more students will choose to take AP seminar and follow it the next year with AP research.”
AP Seminar combines real-world topics and academic studies to create an engaging class while exploring the different perspectives on various topics.
“Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources and work alone and in a group to communicate their ideas,” College Board said.
The other mandatory course to pass is AP Research. This course consists of a year-long research project with a 4,000-5,000 word research paper and an oral presentation.
“Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices and accessing, analyzing and synthesizing information,” College Board said.
These skills will include analyzing sources and evidence, constructing evidence-based arguments, understanding context and perspectives and developing communication skills. Along with building teamwork in projects and presentations, synthesizing information and strengthening logic skills.
Participating in this program gives students something that stands out for colleges, especially due to it being a very new program.
“I believe that the AP Capstone diploma is a wonderful academic achievement recognized by universities as an indication of exceptional academic performance,” Hand said. “With the more competitive universities, completion of the AP Capstone program certainly provides the universities with a clear picture of a student’s aptitude and commitment.”
AP Seminar is the recommended introductory class for grades 10 and 11, and AP Research is recommended for grades 11 and 12.
By taking these classes you gain college credits for the future and develop the key skills needed for college coursework.
“AP classes have helped me so much this year. I love AP Physics, the teacher has helped me and my classmates so much with getting used to style AP classes. I would recommend AP classes to everyone,” Estella Lavrik, a junior at Jupiter High School, said. “They are challenging in content but so rewarding in the long term.”
