AP Capstone is a research-based program that is not offered at every high school. While Rochester Adams is one of the few AP Capstone-certified schools, the course was relatively unknown until the 2024 school year. Last year, there were only 18 AP Seminar students. This year, the number of students skyrocketed to 70 students enrolled in the class.
AP Seminar, the first of two Capstone courses, is a class that allows students to present, write, and research in further detail than the (an?) average English course. After taking AP Seminar, students are encouraged to continue the curriculum and enroll in AP Research where skills learned in Seminar are applied to the students’ own complex research projects.
“We actually made an effort to sell the class last year in sophomore classes… I think that helped–because kids didn’t know what it was–so we got a lot more interest,” said AP Seminar teacher Mrs. Bolinger.
As for past students, many took the class despite not knowing the exact curriculum. While current AP Research student, senior Inika Sonigra, did not know what to expect, she values what she gained from the program.
“Originally I took the class because a lot of my friends were taking it or had taken it in the past, but I also knew that it was writing and stuff, and I know I like that kind of stuff, but I realized it’s a lot more work now,” said Sonigra.
While the curriculum is challenging, many Capstone students like Sonigra recognize the benefits of taking these classes before having to take higher level seminars in the future.
“I think [AP Seminar] really helped me develop a work ethic and how to properly write a research paper and how to create a line of reasoning and argument. I think it’s a lifelong skill that is really developed in this class. It also really taught me how to work with other people and be concise,” said Sonigra.
At Adams, underclassmen are encouraged to test their abilities with a rigorous course schedule that will aid them in the future. The Capstone program fits this model, as it is equally as challenging as it is helpful.
