The AP Capstone diploma program, a prestigious academic initiative developed by the College Board, is something that is slightly more recent compared to the AP exams that are out there. The course is different in that it’s not just a set of classes that you take in the AP exams. It’s more of a program for equipping students with college-level research and critical thinking skills with two advanced courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. In AP Seminar, students learn to investigate real-world issues and analyze multiple perspectives. AP Research then allows students to delve deeper into a topic of their choice, culminating in a scholarly academic paper and presentation. Completion of both courses earns students the AP Capstone Diploma, an accolade that demonstrates initiative and academic rigor on college applications. AP Capstone implements a certificate or a diploma that you can receive from the AP college board based on the number of AP tests taken and the scores received, and this course can be implemented if students’ needs and wants are reflected in the school.
This program pushes students beyond just taking some AP classes and really being immersed inside the AP program. AP Seminar and AP Research explores the main ideas which are questions, explore, understand, and analyze. Students can gain a rich appreciation and understanding of the issues in AP Seminar and employ the actual research practices to conduct an investigation through AP Research. Students get to write a paper that’s about 4,000 to 5,000 words and go even further to actually reflect on the process presented.
Many of these skills align with the Anaheim Union High School District’s focus on the “Five Cs”—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and character. Incorporating AP Capstone, Cypress High School can reinforce these district-wide learning goals while offering students a unique and academically enriching experience.
Despite its benefits, the AP Capstone Diploma Program is currently absent from the Anaheim Union High School District. According to Assistant Principal Dr. Lieu, “AP students at Cypress want to take the AP Capstone program because they want to be qualified for the AP capstone diploma or conduct research. All of their input can help make Cypress even more special than it already is and help differentiate us from the other schools in our district.”
However, implementing the AP Capstone Program comes with challenges. Resource constraints, such as funding for teachers, classroom materials, and textbooks, pose significant hurdles. Nevertheless, by reallocating existing resources—Cypress High School can make room for this innovative program and better align its curriculum with student needs. Lieu added, “There are lots of benefits to the real world…I think what students can do is continue to build our energy towards wanting this at our school. The student advocacy piece has a big role in the courses that are offered.”
The introduction of the AP Capstone Diploma Program would allow Cypress High School students to develop critical research skills, gain deeper insight into their academic interests, and prepare for higher education and future careers. While AUHSD schools currently require seniors to complete Capstone projects as a reflection on their high school experience, the AP Capstone Program would offer students a more structured and academically rigorous approach to independent research. By expanding educational opportunities and fostering intellectual curiosity, Cypress High School can ensure its students graduate with a meaningful, lasting academic achievement.
