AP Capstone Diploma

AP Capstone is an innovative diploma program that helps you stand out in the college admission process by developing the critical skills needed to succeed in college and in life.

Two new courses — AP Seminar and AP Research — allow you to immerse yourself in topics that matter to you while developing the analytic, research, problem-solving, and communication skills that colleges seek in their applicants. This challenging program helps you deepen your passion for learning, gives you greater confidence in your academic skills, and provides a broader perspective on your world.

Students typically take AP Seminar in the 10th or 11th grade, followed by AP Research. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher on the AP Seminar and AP Research Exams and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing will receive the AP Capstone Diploma™. This signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Alternatively, the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™, signifying attainment of college-level academic and research skills, is awarded for scores of 3 or higher on the AP Seminar and AP Research Exams only.

Combining Scholarly Practice with Academic Intensity

AP Capstone was developed in response to feedback from the College Board’s Higher Education membership. The two AP Capstone courses, with their associated performance tasks, assessments, and application of research methodology, complement the rigor of AP courses and exams by challenging students to:

1. Think critically and creatively to construct meaning or gain understanding.

2. Plan and conduct a study or investigation.

3. Propose solutions to real-world problems.

4. Plan and produce communication in various forms.

5. Collaborate to solve a problem 6) Integrate, synthesize, and make cross-curricular connections.

For more information about the AP Capstone program, please visit: https://lp.collegeboard.org/ap-capstone

Advanced Placement

Mead offers the AP Capstone Diploma program, along with 23 course offerings; this diploma distinguishes students with outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills.

AP Courses are designed for students who wish to engage in an enriched academic program of studies with the potential to earn college credit. There are many benefits of taking AP courses. An AP curriculum helps students acquire the skills and habits they’ll need to be successful in college. Students will improve their writing skills, sharpen their problem-solving abilities, and develop, management skills, discipline and study habits. Mead High School has exceptional AP teachers who are enthusiastic and highly committed to the AP Program. 

Mead HS is proud to offer the following AP courses for potential college credit:

• AP Music Theory
• AP Biology
• AP Computer Science Principals
• AP Seminar
• AP Physics C
• AP Studio Art 2D
• AP Human Geography
• AP English Language and Composition
• AP Psychology
• AP Chemistry
• AP English Literature
• AP U.S. Government
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Environmental Science
• AP English Literature
• AP Comparative Government
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Physics 1
• AP U.S. History
• AP Microeconomics
• AP Studio Art 3D
• AP Statistics

Advanced Placement Courses are weighted on a 5.0 scale.  All Advanced Placement courses have a culminating AP Exam administered at Mead High School in May.  Students may receive college credit based on the score they receive on the AP Exam. For more information about AP courses visit www.collegeboard.com.

Honors

Mead High School is proud to offer an exemplary Honors Program. The courses within this curriculum provide excellent preparation for our Advanced Placement offerings. In addition, these courses provide students with an opportunity for higher-level thinking, creativity and rigor.

• English Honors 9                                                                                        
• English Honors 10
• Biology Honors                                                                                            
• Chemistry Honors
• World History/Geography Honors                                                              
• U.S. History Honors
• Geometry Honors                                                                                       
• Algebra 2 Honors
• Pre-calculus with Trig Honors

Honors courses are weighted on a 4.5 scale. Only 9th & 10th grade students can receive weighted credit for honors courses per SVVSD Board Policy.