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Redmond Proficiency Academy Unveils New Innovative Diploma

REDMOND, OR --  The Redmond Proficiency Academy is now one of only two schools in Oregon to offer the new AP Capstone Diploma. Beginning next fall, 25-30 students are expected to participate in a program seen as more comprehensive than the previous AP track. English teacher George Hegarty tells KBND News, "It’s an opportunity for us to develop in sophomores and juniors, young students, the ability to research and think critically about really diverse issues, to ignite academic passions. By the time they’re seniors they’ll have the opportunity to explore something they want to do with a faculty mentor, and use that as a springboard into post-high school education in making academic choices for universities and colleges."

 

AP Capstone is a two-year plan, culminating with an academic thesis paper. Hegarty says the nature of the program fits well with RPA’s proficiency model. "There’s an exam at the end of the year and that exam grants transferable college credit. So, for students looking to attend schools outside of the Oregon University System, those AP credits are much more transferable, nationally. What we talk to the students about is that preparatory is not only skills – our number one goal is that our students transition successfully to the college level – but then also, it does save a lot of money."  He acknowledges the program isn't ideal for every school, "When students, if they’re in a normal schedule – a five-day a week, 7-period day - I think the time would be really cramped to do the level of work Capstone requires. Since we’re on a more college-type schedule, particularly for our upper-classmen, they have the time to immerse themselves in study."
 
RPA's approval to offer the curriculum followed a one-year application process with the College Board. Corbett High School, in the Columbia River Gorge, is the only other school in the state to offer the Capstone Diploma. This new program is in addition to the Advanced Diploma option already offered at RPA in conjunction with Central Oregon Community College. 

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