Local students earn AP Capstone diploma recipients

At Lexington Richland School District Five 41 students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma. Additionally, 12 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2022-23 school year.

“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said School District Five Chief of Academics Tina McCaskill. “Our AP Capstone students and teachers displayed exceptional dedication to this impactful, multi-academic-year program where they got to explore their passions through scholarly research. This is a meaningful college readiness program that will serve our students well after high school.”

To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional 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. Students are increasingly participating in the AP Capstone program. The program has reached a milestone of more than 100,000 students participating during the 2022-23 academic year, representing more than 2,500 schools worldwide. About 15,800 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 9,600 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

Unlike traditional AP subject exams with a single end-of-year assessment, AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project based and evaluate skills mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. Instead of focusing on one specific academic discipline, AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary: students are encouraged to create research projects based on topics of personal interest. Students are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects.

“I’m thrilled to congratulate these motivated students, who worked hard to earn the AP Capstone Diploma and AP Seminar and Research Certificate,” said Trevor Packer, head of the Advanced Placement Program. “These students have enhanced the foundation for their future academic and professional careers by honing their ability to manage long-term projects, collaborate with teams, and deliver effective presentations on topics they’re passionate about.”

Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at School District Five:

• 41 were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams.
• 12 were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research.
• 205 were awarded the AP Scholar with distinction by earning scores of 4 or higher.