AP Capstone™ Diploma Student Success

Barrow County School System high schools are proud to offer students the opportunity to participate in the AP Capstone™ Diploma program. The program allows students to develop skills that matter most for college and career success such as research, collaboration, and communication. The program consists of two yearlong courses taken in sequence: AP® Seminar and AP Research.

In Apalachee High School’s first year participating in the AP Capstone™ Program, 82% scored a three or higher on the AP exam. Capstone’s research, critical thinking, and collaborative focus prepared students for rigorous coursework in all academic areas. AHS is now in year four of the program with 30 students completing it so far. Another 14 are on track to complete it for the 2020-2021 year.

AHS Principal Jennifer Martin says the program has changed the way students view the world. "They are able to participate in a course requiring them to conduct actual research, referencing, not only sources, but surveying and working with other classmates, teachers, and our community. These students build self-confidence, gaining communication and presentation skills not offered by other courses. AP Capstone students graduate with the improved ability to navigate the world, post secondarily, with sharper observation, research, and reflection."

All AHS AP Research students who've submitted their papers to the College Board have received a 3 or higher. Examples of research this year include:

• Impact of digital/distance learning on students with disabilities
• The gender-based achievement gap in rural k-8 education
• A study of the application of general chemistry on the understanding of chemical synthesis
• Content analysis of biomimicry, aestheticism, and related concepts in science fiction videogames

AHS Senior Brody Sylvester says, "AP Capstone is my way of obtaining experience with writing academic essays and conducting research. I'll be taking this experience into college, and hopefully it translates into better quality work that I'm more passionate about."

Capstone adviser Amy Cronic adds, “My Capstone students deepen my hope for the future. They are highly inquisitive individuals who have an amazing capacity for empathy. Their research springs from a genuine desire to understand the world. I have no doubt they will use their understanding to improve the lives of others.”

Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy will start offering AP Seminar to 10th and 11th graders in the fall of 2021. Winder-Barrow High School is considering adding it for a future school year.

Photos above capture AHS AP Capstone™ students presenting on the following topics and spending time at the University of Georgia library for research.

• Narcoculture glorification in Mexico, sharing research and solutions.
• The sex trafficking industry and the impact on sub-Saharan Africa, sharing the narratives of women and possible solutions to protect them.
• The impact of Nuclear disaster, providing solutions based on research and analysis.
• The importance of narrative literature on the emotional development of young people.

For more information about the AP Capstone Diploma Program at AHS, contact advisors Colene Cannarella or Amy Cronic.

For more information about the AP Capstone Diploma Program at BASA, contact Dr. Cheryl Guy.