Grafton High students show AP Seminar work; division to offer AP Capstone diploma option

Grafton High School staff and students demonstrated how AP Seminar gives students research, writing and public‑speaking experience during an Oct. 27 presentation to the York County School Board.

Steven Gavin, Grafton High School principal, and Wallace Green, English department chair, described AP Seminar as part of the College Board’s AP Capstone sequence. Green said AP Seminar and AP Research develop "critical thinking, research, and communication" skills and noted that students who complete both courses may earn an AP Seminar and Research certificate; students who add four additional AP exams with scores of 3 or higher could qualify for the AP Capstone Diploma.

Two students who completed AP Seminar described learning to analyze sources, write evidence‑based arguments, and present findings publicly. One student said the course helped with public speaking and recommended practicing presentations on video; another said choosing a personally meaningful research topic—her topic was educational funding disparities—made the work memorable and rigorous.

Board members asked about enrollment interest and how the class is scaffolded for students who fear public speaking. Wallace Green said the course builds presentation skills through scaffolding, partner presentations and repeated practice, and Gavin said there has been "a lot" of student interest. The board heard that AP Research is now available at Grafton and that eligibility to receive the AP Capstone Diploma will begin with the class of 2027.

The presentation concluded with a brief Q&A and board commendations for the program and students.