AP Capstone Diploma
AP Capstone™ is a two yearlong diploma program developed by the College Board and is comprised of two AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Students who receive the AP Capstone diploma are better equipped to adapt to the rigor and independence for inquiry at the college level. The two-course series scaffolds students’ development in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presentation skills.
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HYPed Education is pleased to offer the credit-bearing AP Capstone Program in collaboration with the Vermont Christian School, becoming one of the 2,778 secondary schools (at time of posting) offering the program worldwide. Completion of the program can help students earn one of two AP Capstone awards, which showcase their readiness to succeed in higher education and are highly valued by colleges across the United States and around the world.
Program starts in September 2025. Space is limited. Enroll Now!
What Makes AP Capstone Unique
AP Capstone courses are uniquely designed to develop students' ability to independently pursue topics of interest. The diploma program was developed by the College Board at the request of higher education professionals who recognized the need to have more effective ways of teaching students critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed for college-level work. Each course is structured around questions rather than a state standardized curriculum and teachers act as coaches/mentors to guide students in developing research strategies, refine arguments, and improve communication. Currently, there are less than 3,000 high schools offering AP Capstone worldwide.
To learn more about AP Capstone, click the "Learn More" button to register for our AP Capstone Orientation.
How it Works
It is recommended that students start the AP Capstone in grades 10 or 11. AP Seminar is the prerequisite for AP Research. Both courses are year-long and build on the following skills:
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Analyze topics through multiple lenses to construct meaning or gain understanding.
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Plan and conduct a study or investigation.
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Propose solutions to real-world problems.
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Plan and produce communication in various forms.
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Collaborate to solve a problem.
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Integrate, synthesize, and make cross-curricular connections.
Completion of AP Seminar and AP Research with an AP score of 3 or higher for each course will earn students the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. To receive the AP Capstone honor, students must also complete 4 other AP classes with an AP score of 3 or above.
Another differentiator between AP Capstone courses and other APs are the assessments. AP scores for both courses is comprised of teacher assessment of student presentation components and College Board scoring of student-written components. Assessments will be worked on and presented in-class from November - April 30th. For AP Seminar, students will take an end-of-course exam in-person in May.
To learn more about AP Capstone offerings at HYPed, please sign up below for our mandatory orientation.
Next available dates: ​
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August 30th, 2025 at 6pm Pacific Daylight Time