![The image presents an infographic outlining the requirements for an AP Capstone Diploma, including earning a score of 3 or higher on 4 AP exams throughout high school, completing an AP Seminar in year 1, and an AP Research project in year 2.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761071398/steilacoomk12waus/r1ghxi6uunnmhpy2ismg/ap-capstone.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761071398/steilacoomk12waus/r1ghxi6uunnmhpy2ismg/ap-capstone.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761071398/steilacoomk12waus/r1ghxi6uunnmhpy2ismg/ap-capstone.png","width":600}])
At Steilacoom High School (SHS), 5 students have earned the AP Capstone DiplomaTM, and 9 students have earned the AP Seminar and Research CertificateTM during the 2024-25 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential to academic and career success.
“Our AP Capstone students have demonstrated remarkable curiosity, perseverance, and scholarship,” said SHS Principal Jake Tyrrell. “With expert guidance from our teachers, they have explored real-world issues and produced research that reflects both intellectual depth and personal passion. These experiences will continue to empower them well beyond high school.”
To earn the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional Advanced Placement® (AP®) Exams of their choice. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research.
During the 2024-25 school year, more than 160,000 students in over 3,500 schools worldwide participated in AP Capstone. Of these, approximately 27,650 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 12,430 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project-based and evaluate skills mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary. Students are encouraged to create research projects based on topics of personal interest and are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects.
Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at Steilacoom High School:
- Five were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams. They are Laura Bahrt, Chloe Bowden, Eva Clapp, Graham Nobles, and Margaret Stuart.
- Nine were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. They are Matt Abelita, Hannah Basford, Joseph Cruz, Olivia Drake, Maya Flynn, Devin Jourdan, Samantha Ramirez, Maya Reber-Avila, and Alexx Skelton.
The College Board AP Program gives students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school. Earning a score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam has multiple benefits for students, including earning college credit, advanced placement in college courses, or both, saving them time and money. Research shows AP students are better prepared for and more likely to enroll and remain in college, do well in classes, and earn their degrees on time. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP Exams align with their high standards.
In partnership with the higher education community, College Board developed AP Capstone courses to help students build and master skills essential for success in college and career.