Nichols Implements AP Capstone Diploma Program

In 2019, we began a Curriculum Review to ensure that Nichols courses are intentionally designed, aligned with one another, and focused on building necessary skills and knowledge.  A key component of the Curriculum Review was examining whether the AP program in its current form is in concert with our Core Competencies and curricular goals. 

 

After extensive research and discussion, including examining the college landscape, we have decided that it is in the best interest of our students to expand our AP offerings.  We have been impressed by the evolution of the College Board and the AP program.  Today's APs are constructed following similar principles to our own courses: they are skills-based, backward designed, and increasingly capable of meeting the needs of students and schools.  Moreover, we value an external measure of our program.  The AP program is recognized globally for its rigor and consistent standards.  We believe that Nichols faculty and students can meet and exceed those standards. 

 

To further enhance the AP curriculum, we have decided to offer Nichols students the option of earning an AP Capstone Diploma. This is in addition to the Nichols diploma, which all students earn upon graduation. Nichols is one of only 2,000 schools worldwide to implement the AP Capstone Diploma^™ program.  This program, typically begun in the 10th or 11th grade, allows students to research global issues and evaluate them from multiple perspectives. Students identify credibility and bias in sources and develop arguments in support of a recommendation.

 

Beginning in 5th grade, Nichols students focus on building their competency in five core areas: thinking, communicating, creating, engaging, and developing. The AP Capstone program aligns with these key focal points.

 

Students who score a 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on 4 additional AP Exams of their choosing earn the AP Capstone Diploma. This signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Students who score a 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research (and not on 4 additional AP Exams) earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate^™.

 

Dr. Aranya Maritime, Dean of Academics, who has been leading Nichols through the Curriculum Review, believes that the AP Capstone program provides foundational skills that support success in all Nichols and AP courses that ask students to think critically, craft sophisticated evidence-based arguments, and collaborate to solve problems.  This skill set translates beyond the classroom to Robotics, Mock Trial, Science Olympiad, and the numerous Work of Life internships available to juniors and seniors. 

 

In partnership with the higher education community, College Board developed AP Capstone so students can practice and master skills that serve them well in college and careers. The impact on the college process will be significant. With many top colleges weighing AP scores as a key factor in admissions decisions, having an AP Capstone Diploma will set Nichols students apart. The opportunity for our students to demonstrate their academic acumen to colleges through this program will showcase their ability to perform at a high level.

 

To help families better understand why Nichols decided to invest in this program, what students must do to get into the program, and what the impact on college admissions could potentially be, the school will be hosting two information sessions: Tuesday, October 18^th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Tuesday, October 25^th, from 8:15-9:15 a.m. Dr. Aranya Maritime, Kelly Jorgensen, and I will be hosting families in the Boardroom located in the Student Commons. We encourage all Nichols families to attend to learn more.

Please click here to register for one of the events.