Pine Creek High School is becoming the fourth Academy School District 20 AP capstone school joining The Village, Liberty, and Air Academy. The AP capstone program through College Board allows students to earn extra designations and celebrations. The dipolma demonstrates a commitment to rigorous academic work by allowing students to demonstrate their proficiency in critical thinking, research, communication, and collaboration skills, which can significantly help them stand out in the college application process and show their readiness for higher education. Students can earn an AP capstone diploma when graduating and a certificate by taking AP seminar, AP research, and six other AP courses while getting a 3 or above on each AP test. The AP capstone certificate and diploma is sought out by many colleges from all around the country.
Principal Korina Bierman said, “One of the reasons I was drawn to this when we were talking about it is because it gives you an opportunity to explore something that you are interested in.” When talking about the benefits of the new classes being added because of AP capstone (AP seminar and AP research) Bierman also mentioned “From my experiences going to college and working after graduating a lot of that work is critical thinking, problem solving, and explaining your own thoughts and I think this class will be really helpful for students who choose to go to college.”
Many students are excited for the opportunity that the AP capstone diploma will be providing in the future. Julia Osbeck (10) said, “I’m doing AP capstone to give myself skills I need for college and pursue areas I may not otherwise touch in other classes. I’m really excited for this but also a bit nervous because of the workload.”
Siddharth Dodda (10), who is taking three AP classes this year said, “I think AP capstone is a great opportunity for students.” His research area would most likely align with his career goal of becoming a surgeon.
Pine Creek High School will become an AP capstone school starting in the 2025-2026 school years. The opportunity will unfortunately not be available for current juniors (seniors when AP capstone takes place) but it will be available for current sophomores and freshmen.
