Pioneering AP achievement: Richland Two students excel in AP Capstone Program

Richland School District Two continues to lead the way in advanced academics. Ridge View High School was the first school in South Carolina to implement the AP Capstone Diploma Program in 2015 through its Scholars Academy for Business and Law Magnet, setting a standard for innovation and excellence.

This year, according to College Board, 40 students in Richland Two earned the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma™, and 16 students received the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™, demonstrating exceptional achievement in critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills.

AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project-based and evaluate skills mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary. Students are encouraged to create research projects based on topics of personal interest and are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects.

The College Board AP Program gives students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school. Earning a score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam has multiple benefits for students, including earning college credit, advanced placement in college courses, or both, saving them time and money. Research shows AP students are better prepared for and more likely to enroll and remain in college, do well in classes, and earn their degrees on time. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP Exams align with their high standards.

The AP Capstone Diploma Program is offered in all five Richland Two high schools.