Across St. Vrain Valley Schools, 1,147 students were recognized as AP Scholars for the 2024-2025 school year. To earn the title of AP Scholar, students must achieve a score of three or higher on at least three AP Exams. Among these scholars, a select group pursued an even higher level of distinction, completing rigorous research and seminar coursework to earn the AP Capstone Diploma and/or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. These honors represent years of hard work and a dedication to learning that extends far beyond the classroom.
The AP Capstone Diploma program is designed to help students build essential skills for college and beyond including critical thinking, research, collaboration, and effective communication. Both AP Seminar and AP Research are project-based courses, allowing students to showcase their knowledge through group projects, multimedia presentations, and sustained independent research completed over the course of the year.
St. Vrain Valley Schools offers students a robust and comprehensive selection of 35 Advanced Placement courses across its high schools, including at New Meridian High School, St. Vrain Virtual High School, LaunchEd Virtual Academy, and through AGILE programming. In 2025, the district saw 3,048 students take 5,372 AP exams. Since 2016, AP exam participation in St. Vrain Valley Schools has grown by 96%.
“This recognition emphasizes our district-wide commitment to the ‘AP for All’ initiative,” said Chris Gardner, AP Coordinator for St. Vrain Valley Schools. “In St. Vrain, we firmly believe that every student benefits from the rigor and opportunities offered by the Advanced Placement curriculum.”
Through the development of advanced research skills and preparation for college-level academics, St. Vrain’s Advanced Placement program continues to equip students with the knowledge and competencies necessary for success beyond high school. The increasing number of AP Scholars stands as a testament to the academic excellence of students and the steadfast commitment of teachers, families, and school communities who support their achievement.
Of the 1,147 AP Scholars across St. Vrain Valley Schools:
- 78 students were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of three or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams.
- 50 students were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of three or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research.