It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical, evidence-based decisions. AP Capstone was developed in response to feedback from higher education.

The two AP Capstone courses, with their associated performance tasks, assessments, and application of research methodology, require students to:

• Analyze topics through multiple lenses to construct meaning or gain understanding.
• Plan and conduct a study or investigation.
• Propose solutions to real-world problems.
• Plan and produce communication in various forms.
• Collaborate to solve a problem. Integrate, synthesize, and make cross-curricular connections.
• Students typically take AP Seminar in grade 10 or 11, followed by AP Research. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing receive the AP Diploma.
• Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research but not on four additional AP Exams receive the AP Certificate.

AP Seminar-

Yearlong Course: 1.0 credit; 5-pt scale

Prerequisite: teacher approval

Grade: 11th - 12th

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that 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. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. All students are required to take the AP exam.

AP Research:

Yearlong Course: 1.0 credit; 5-pt scale

Prerequisite: AP Seminar and teacher approval

Grade: 12th

AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4000-5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. All students are required to take the AP exam.

Contact Coal Ridge High School at:
(970) 665-6700