The AP Capstone Diploma Program is a rigorous pathway at Hoover High School for students who are taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and working towards the AP Capstone Diploma. It is a prestigious, research-based program that equips students with the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills necessary for success in college and beyond.

Benefits
 

✅Stand Out To Top Tier Universities – This diploma signals to universities that you have strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
✅ Be More Competative – Earn the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma. 
✅ Thrive In a Community of AP Scholars  – The program provides supportive staff advisors and a community of like-minded students.
✅ Enhance Communication & Collaboration Skills – Learn to present arguments and defend your research effectively.
✅ Gain College-Level Research Experience – Develop expertise in a subject area you are passionate about.
✅ Flexible & Personalized – Choose AP courses that align with your academic and career goals.

How It Works at Hoover:

The AP Capstone program consists of two yearlong courses—AP Seminar and AP Research—along with four or more additional AP courses of your choice.

• AP Seminar (Grade 10 or 11):

  • If taken in 10th grade, it replaces English 10 or English 10 Honors.
  • If taken in 11th grade, it serves as an elective course.
  • This course focuses on analyzing complex issues, evaluating arguments, and presenting evidence-based perspectives through research and teamwork.
     

• AP Research (Grade 11 or 12):

  • After successfully completing AP Seminar, students take AP Research, where they design, conduct, and defend an independent research project on a topic of their choice.
     

• Four or More AP Courses:

  • To earn the AP Capstone Diploma, students must take at least four additional AP courses and score a 3 or higher on all required AP exams.

Students can start the program in 10th or 11th grade. If you’re motivated, enjoy critical thinking, and want to gain an edge for college, AP Capstone is for you!

View our AP Course List to select from our 24 AP courses based on your interest and goals. 

Are you ready to challenge yourself? Reach out to your school counselor today. Visit the  College Board’s AP Capstone website for more information.