325 Katy ISD Students Earn Prestigious AP Capstone Distinctions for 2024–25
In classrooms across Katy ISD, the next generation of researchers, innovators and academic leaders is already hard at work — and the results are impressive. A total of 325 Katy ISD students earned the highly regarded AP Capstone Diploma™ during the 2024–25 school year, with an additional 20 students achieving the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™, highlighting the district’s continued support for rigorous academic exploration and student-led research.
These achievements represent more than just academic milestones; they reflect years of dedication, perseverance, and personal growth among high school students who voluntarily took on some of the most advanced coursework available.
“We proudly recognize the achievements of our AP Capstone students,” said Danielle Sanchez, Director of Advanced Academics. “Through rigorous coursework and the support of dedicated teachers, these students explored their passions through meaningful, multi-year research that will benefit them long after graduation.”
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Breaking Down the Achievements Across Katy ISD
The following high schools celebrated students who earned AP Capstone distinctions:
- Jordan High School: 89 Diplomas | 4 Certificates
- Seven Lakes High School: 83 Diplomas | 2 Certificates
- Tompkins High School: 64 Diplomas | 5 Certificates
- Katy High School: 26 Diplomas | 2 Certificates
- Taylor High School: 19 Diplomas
- Paetow High School: 18 Diplomas | 2 Certificates
- Mayde Creek High School: 14 Diplomas | 2 Certificates
- Cinco Ranch High School: 8 Diplomas | 2 Certificates
- Morton Ranch High School: 4 Diplomas | 1 Certificate
Each diploma represents a student who not only completed AP Seminar and AP Research courses but also passed four additional AP exams. The Certificate, on the other hand, recognizes students who completed the two foundational courses.
Both distinctions require intensive writing, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills that will serve students well in college and beyond.
A Global Stage for Katy’s Scholars
The AP Capstone program is a growing global initiative by the College Board, designed in collaboration with higher education institutions to prepare students for college-level research and writing. During the 2024–25 school year, more than 160,000 students worldwide participated in the program, with just 27,650 earning the full AP Capstone Diploma—placing Katy ISD students among a distinguished group of high-achieving scholars.
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Through the program’s interdisciplinary approach, students are empowered to explore complex topics of personal interest, from artificial intelligence and climate change to social justice and mental health. Their research culminates in a presentation and academic paper, closely mirroring the expectations of university-level work.
College and Career-Ready, One Research Project at a Time
The AP Capstone program is part of a broader commitment by Katy ISD to provide students with access to college-level coursework and opportunities. The district consistently earns high praise for academic performance and college readiness, including being ranked the No. 1 school district in the Houston area and 10th in Texas by Niche for the fifth consecutive year.
And while district accolades are notable, the heart of the story lies in the students — the ones staying late after school to fine-tune their presentations, revising essays after feedback, and learning to work collaboratively on complex, often sensitive topics.
As Katy continues to grow and attract families seeking top-tier education, the success of its AP Capstone students is a promising sign that academic opportunity is not only available — it's thriving.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
