Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy (BASA) is one of approximately 2,000 schools worldwide to implement the AP Capstone™ Diploma program―an innovative program that allows students to develop skills that matter most for college and career success, such as research, collaboration, and communication. The program consists of two yearlong courses taken in sequence: AP® Seminar and AP Research.
Students who score a 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four 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 four additional AP Exams) earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.
BASA will start offering AP Seminar to 10th and 11th graders in the fall of 2021.
BASA Principal Dr. Dale Simpson says, “The AP Capstone program fits perfectly with our school’s emphasis on the integration of arts and sciences. Students will consider and evaluate multiple points of view on complex issues and topics in order to develop their own perspectives.”
More about AP Seminar & AP Research Courses
In AP Seminar, students choose and evaluate complex topics through multiple lenses; identify credibility and bias in sources; and develop arguments in support of a recommendation. AP Seminar is a project-based learning course. Each student’s AP Seminar score is based on a set of assessments including research reports, written arguments, timed essays and group and individual presentations completed throughout the academic year.
In the subsequent AP Research course, students design, execute, present, and defend a yearlong research-based investigation on a topic of individual interest. They build on skills developed in AP Seminar by learning how to understand research methodology; employ ethical research practices; and collect, analyze, and synthesize information to contribute to academic research. Like AP Seminar, AP Research is a project-based course. Each student’s AP Research score is based on their academic paper, presentation, and oral defense.
“We’re proud to offer AP Capstone, which enables students and teachers to focus on topics of their choice in great depth,” said Trevor Packer, senior vice president for AP and instruction at College Board. He adds, “This provides terrific opportunities for students to develop the ability to write and present their work effectively, individually, and in groups—the very skills college professors want their students to possess.”
About Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy
Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy opened in August 2020 and is a magnet school open to all students in Barrow County. The school currently serves 639 students in grades 8-12 and will expand to include grades 8-12 by 2024. Students apply to attend the school in November for enrollment the following August. Students select a pathway for study that may include visual arts, biomedical science, hospitality & culinary arts, media arts, performing arts, or STEM subjects (such as engineering and computer science).
About College Board
College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement® Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools. For further information, visit collegeboard.org.
AP Equity and Access Policy
College Board strongly encourages educators to make equitable access a guiding principle for their AP programs by giving all willing and academically prepared students the opportunity to participate in AP. We encourage the elimination of barriers that restrict access to AP for students from ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented. Schools should make every effort to ensure their AP classes reflect the diversity of their student population. College Board also believes that all students should have access to academically challenging coursework before they enroll in AP classes, which can prepare them for AP success. It is only through a commitment to equitable preparation and access that true equity and excellence can be achieved.
Media Contacts:
Dr. Cheryl Guy, Barrow Arts & Sciences Magnet Coordinator
678-425-2903, cheryl.guy@barrow.k12.ga.us
College Board
212-713-8052, communications@collegeboard.org