This content was originally written by the College Board and published on September 3rd, 2024. Laurel Springs was given permission by the College Board to repost.

Title: Laurel Springs School Celebrates Its AP Capstone Diploma Recipients

Author: College Board

Publication Date: September 3rd, 2024

Copyright Notice: ©2024 College Board. All rights reserved.

Ojai, CA ─ At Laurel Springs School, two students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma™. Additionally, two students have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2023-24 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential to academic success.

“We are so proud of all of our students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, and especially happy for our four students who received distinctions in that program,” said Head of School, Alyssa Tormala. “It is exciting to see our AP Capstone students explore their passions through scholarly research as part of this impactful, multi-year program led by several of our incredible staff and faculty. This meaningful college readiness program 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. 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.

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 at Laurel Springs School:

– Two 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 Arthur Genest and Sanne F. Verkoeijen.

– Two were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. They are Tei Park and Chaeyoung Sohn.

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.

About Laurel Springs School

Laurel Springs is a fully accredited, online private school for K-12 students. With a premier college-prep curriculum including AP® and Honors courses, in-person and virtual events, and a global community spanning over 100 countries, we’re ranked as one of the best online private schools in the nation. Join us for a Virtual Open House to learn more and we’ll waive your $300 enrollment registration fee. Also, see what our families have to say on Niche!

Share on social media

Share on social media