RCSD High Schools Earn AP Capstone Diploma and AP School Honor Roll Recognition

The Rochester City School District is proud to announce that six of its high schools have earned national recognition through the College Board’s AP Capstone Diploma program, and that School of the Arts has also been named to the AP School Honor Roll for excellence in Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop research, collaboration, critical thinking, and presentation skills. To earn the Capstone Diploma, students must achieve scores of 3 or higher on AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP exams of their choice. Students who complete these courses earn the AP Seminar and Research certificate.  

In 2024 - 25, students at East High School, Edison Career and Technology High School, Padilla High School at the Franklin Campus, School of the Arts, Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy, and World of Inquiry School No. 58 earned the AP Capstone Diploma.

In addition, School of the Arts received recognition on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll with a Bronze-level distinction, which highlights schools whose AP programs broaden participation while maintaining strong student performance. At School of the Arts, 47% of seniors took at least one AP exam during high school, 30% scored 3 or higher on at least one exam, and 16% took five or more exams. The school offers 15 AP courses across 25 sections, taught by 16 teachers, including courses through the Virtual Academy.

Participation in AP programs provides students with the opportunity to take challenging courses, earn college credit, and prepare for success in college and beyond.