In Leander ISD, 148 students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma™ during the 2023-24 school year, growing by more than 65 percent in the number of recipients from the year prior. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential to academic success and are all key components of the Leander ISD Graduate Profile. 

More than 2,500 schools participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, a project-based learning experience valued by colleges and universities across the U.S. and around the world.

“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Shirley Bachus, Leander ISD director of advanced programs. “With the help of dedicated teachers, our AP Capstone students explored their passions through scholarly research as part of an impactful, multi-year program. This meaningful college readiness program will serve our students well after high school.”

To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP® Exams of their choice. Unlike traditional AP subject exams with a single end-of-year assessment, AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project-based and evaluate skills mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. 

Instead of focusing on one specific academic discipline, AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary: Students are encouraged to create research projects based on topics of personal interest. Students are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects. 

“Congratulations to the thousands of students who worked so hard to earn AP Capstone Diplomas and AP Seminar and Research Certificates,” said Trevor Packer, head of the Advanced Placement® Program. “These students are creating the pathways for their future academic and professional careers by building highly sought-after skills in project management, presentation, collaboration, and research.” Results like this continue to highlight the district’s commitment to challenging students to achieve at the highest levels. Just last year, these efforts earned Leander ISD the distinction of College Board Advanced Placement District of the Year.