Over 2,500 schools participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, a project-based learning experience valued by colleges and universities across the U.S. and around the world.

The West Chester Area School District (WCASD) is proud to share that six students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma^TM. Additionally, four students have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate^TM during the 2023-24 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are crucial for academic success.

“Next-level commitment deserves next-level recognition. The Capstone program represents a body of work grounded in growth and grit,” said Director of Teaching, Learning, and Equity, Dr. Stephen Brown. “These students are in exclusive company, and we are very proud of their accomplishments. Additionally, we applaud the AP Capstone program teachers for their dedication to helping students access ultra-rich learning experiences that will serve them well in their future endeavors.”

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. Student participation in the AP Capstone program has been steadily increasing, with Over 100,000 students in over 2,500 schools worldwide taking part during the 2023-24 academic year. Approximately 21,000 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 11,100 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

“Our teachers have made intentional efforts to expand our AP Capstone program and reach more students. Over the past two years, we have seen tremendous growth in the program across all three WCASD high schools,” said Ian Kerr, Supervisor of Elementary Mathematics & Science, Secondary Business and Marketing, and Computer Science. “The students recognized here have helped pave the way for this expanded growth by demonstrating their commitment to the AP Research and Seminar classwork, and have also left an impact on our district by sharing their experiences with the next wave of AP Capstone students.” 

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.

“We have been witnessing students’ renewed passion for learning through the AP Capstone program,” shared Bianca Peart, global lead of the AP Capstone Diploma program. “Together with the guidance of talented educators, students are building essential college and career readiness skills while exploring subjects that are meaningful to them.” 

“Congratulations to the thousands of students who worked so hard to earn AP Capstone Diplomas and AP Seminar and Research Certificates,” said Trevor Packer, head of the Advanced Placement^® Program. “These students are creating the pathways for their future academic and professional careers by building highly sought-after skills in project management, presentation, collaboration, and research.”

Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program in the WCASD:

• Six were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams. These students are:
  • Cecilia Evans, East High School
  • Leah Fu, East High School
  • Trisha Prasanne, Henderson High School
  • Marcell Goedecke, Rustin High School
  • Vidhyuth Sriram, Rustin High School
  • Corinne Weber, Rustin High School

• Four were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. These students are:
  • Ryan Schumann, Henderson High School
  • Danielle Cook, Rustin High School
  • Sara Kouibaa, Rustin High School
  • Caroline Rendell, Rustin High School

College Board’s Advanced Placement^® Program (AP^®) 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. “What so distinguishes the AP Capstone program as a hallmark educational experience is its emphasis on holistic development of inquiry and articulation skills essential for success and persistence in college, the workplace, and everyday life,” said Dr. Gregory Taylor, associate provost for academic affairs at Purchase College, SUNY.