Originally Posted by
erosenst
Only scanned prior posts so forgive me if I'm duplicating.
The classes that OP is referring to are relatively new, and not offered at a ton of schools. It's a two year commitment for most - AP Seminar one year, and AP Research the second. Each year counts as one English class. As part of the second, they create a research study, conduct the research, write a 30 page (pretty sure) research paper, and do a 10 minute (I think) presentation. If they pass both, and get at least a 3 on a minimum number of other AP classes, they receive a Capstone Diploma. The Capstone Diploma was created partially to be like getting an IB diploma, but for those more interested in STEM classes than liberal arts.
DD is doing Research this is year. It is REALLY self directed, although the other teacher apparently directs a little more.
I'd check how many other AP classes are needed for the Capstone Diploma - that may make the answer easy as he may not have enough. I would also check the specific schools where he is thinking of applying - many have requirements on years of language, but many do not. I do think 'three years' in a pretty standard cutoff/requirement though.
Feel free to DM if I can answer any other questions.