Skip to main content
Main Menu Toggle
Academics » Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND THE AP CAPSTONE DIPLOMA

South Stanly High School is the district designated AP

Capstone diploma school.

 

South Stanly High School ‘s AP Capstone program will provide competitive academic opportunities to students. AP Capstone is built on the foundation of two courses — AP Seminar and AP Research — and is designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study provided through AP courses.

 

What is AP Capstone?

AP capstone is a program built on student customization. Students take multiple AP classes in areas of their own interest in conjunction with the required courses of Seminar and Research. Student efforts in the AP Capstone program are rewarded in two possible ways:

  • AP Capstone Certificate
-Pass AP Seminar and its exam (usually taken 10th or 11th grade).
-Pass AP Research and submit a capstone research project (usually taken 11th or 12th grade).
  • AP Capstone Diploma
-Pass AP Seminar and its exam (usually taken in 10th or 11th grade).
-Pass AP Research and submit a capstone research project (usually 11th or 12th grade).
-Pass an additional 4 AP courses and their exams of a student's choosing.
 

Why AP?

The benefit of AP rigor is many.

  • Students have the opportunity to begin working toward college credit by taking AP Courses their freshmen year.
  • AP courses are recognized by colleges and universities worldwide as the standard of excellence in academic achievement.
  • The Advanced Placement Capstone program fosters the research, argumentation, and communication skills at the core of college readiness.
  • Allows students to distinguish themselves to colleges and universities: Students will be able to discuss AP experience on applications and set themselves apart from others.
 

Browse this site to consider what may be the biggest benefit for you.

Additional information regarding the Capstone Program can be accessed here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of taking AP courses?

The main advantage of taking an AP course is advanced preparation for college.  Additionally, students who score well on AP exams may receive college credit while still in high school.

What is the difference between an Honors and AP class?

AP classes are college-level courses that are more challenging and rigorous.  Parents and students need to understand that the AP curriculum is college-level and requires the commitment of time, positive attitude, self-discipline, and aptitude to succeed.

Why should I take an AP class? What will it do to my GPA?

Students who succeed in AP courses generally do well in college as a result of rigorous academic preparation. AP classes are weighted on a higher scale. If you do well, your GPA will not be adversely affected. However, it is not advised to take numerous AP courses without serious consideration and teacher recommendations. Doing poorly in an AP course will affect your GPA.
 
To find out what colleges accept which AP course scores for credit, click on the image below.
 
 
 
 
Meet our SSHS AP Capstone Staff
For more information concerning the Advanced Placement Capstone program, contact our school guidance counselors or our principal.
Principal, Mrs. Tanya Crisco tanya.crisco@stanlycountyschools.org