Choosing the right senior high school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It’s not just about fulfilling the final years of basic education—it’s about building a solid foundation for your future.

If you’re a parent or a student searching for the best senior high school to enroll in, chances are you’ve already come across a sea of options. But what truly makes one school stand out from the rest?

One word: preparation.

And one of the best ways to prepare for college—and life beyond—is through a program that develops research, communication, and critical thinking. That’s where the AP Capstone Advantage comes in.

What is Senior High School in the Philippines?

Under the K-12 curriculum, Senior High School (SHS) in the Philippines consists of Grades 11 and 12. It bridges junior high and college, helping students choose a track aligned with their interests, strengths, and career goals.

The four main SHS tracks are:

• Academic (includes strands like STEM, ABM, HUMSS, and GAS)
• Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL)
• Arts and Design
• Sports

Among these, the Academic Track is the most popular path for students planning to pursue college education.

But what if your academic track did more than just follow the DepEd curriculum? What if it helped you stand out in college admissions—not just locally, but globally?

That’s where AP Capstone makes a difference.

The AP Capstone Program: A Global Standard

AP Capstone is a diploma program from the College Board, the same organization that administers the SAT. It’s widely recognized by colleges and universities around the world.

The program is built around two core courses:

• AP Seminar (Grade 11)
• AP Research (Grade 12)

These courses are designed to help students:

• Develop college-level research and writing skills
• Analyze and evaluate information from multiple sources
• Communicate arguments and ideas effectively
• Collaborate with peers on real-world issues

Students who complete both courses and score well on at least four additional AP Exams can earn the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma. Even without the full diploma, students who pass the two courses still receive an AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

Either way, you leave high school with academic credentials that carry weight in college admissions—not just in the Philippines, but in top universities abroad.

Why AP Capstone Matters in Senior High School

1. It Builds a Strong Academic Profile

Senior high students enrolled in AP Capstone don’t just memorize facts—they learn to think critically, write persuasively, and solve complex problems. These are the very skills college professors look for.

AP Capstone coursework goes beyond the typical SHS curriculum. It’s project-based, discussion-driven, and student-led. That means you’re doing the kind of work college students do—only earlier.

2. It Prepares You for College Research

One of the biggest challenges students face in their first year of college is academic research. AP Capstone students enter university with a head start.

By Grade 12, students complete a 5,000-word academic paper and present their findings in a formal defense. That’s the kind of capstone experience most students won’t get until college.

3. It Gives You a Competitive Edge in Admissions

Universities—especially abroad—recognize AP Capstone as a mark of distinction.

In the U.S., schools like Stanford, NYU, and the University of Michigan all value AP Capstone in admissions. In the U.K., the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge recognize AP qualifications. In Asia, universities in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan offer credit or advanced standing for AP courses.

If you plan to apply internationally, having AP Capstone on your transcript immediately sets you apart.

4. It Cultivates Lifelong Learning Skills

AP Capstone isn’t just about academic achievement. It’s about learning how to learn.

Students leave the program with the ability to:

• Ask good questions
• Work independently
• Manage time effectively
• Communicate across different formats and audiences

These are the same skills employers value—and the same traits that drive success in any field.

What to Look for in a Senior High School with AP Capstone

Not all schools offer AP Capstone. Fewer still offer it with the academic rigor and support needed to excel. When choosing a senior high school, look for:

• Accreditation by the College Board to offer AP Capstone
• Experienced faculty trained to guide students through intensive writing and research
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary learning
• College admissions support, especially for students applying abroad
• A track record of student success in AP exams and global competitions

And if you’re serious about gaining a world-class education while staying in the Philippines, there’s one institution worth noting.

The Enderun Advantage: Senior High School with AP Capstone

Enderun Senior High School is one of the few institutions in the country that offers the AP Capstone Program. But it doesn’t stop there.

At Enderun, senior high school is reimagined as a launchpad for global success.

Here’s what sets it apart:

1. Globally Benchmarked Curriculum
Enderun blends the DepEd Senior High School curriculum with international academic frameworks. This includes AP courses, interdisciplinary projects, and real-world learning.

Students can pursue strands under the Academic Track:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management)
• HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences)
• GAS (General Academic Strand)

Regardless of your strand, the AP Capstone Program develops the analytical and communication skills needed in any college course or career path.

2. World-Class Faculty and Mentors

Enderun’s AP Capstone instructors are trained by the College Board. They don’t just teach—they mentor. Students get personalized guidance throughout the year, especially in developing their AP Research topics.

Many of Enderun’s faculty are also industry practitioners, bringing academic theory to life through real-world examples.

3. College Admissions Support

From essay coaching to mock interviews, Enderun’s college counseling team supports students every step of the way.

The results speak for themselves: Enderun SHS graduates have been accepted into top universities in the Philippines, the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

4. A Culture of Excellence and Innovation

The Enderun campus is more than a learning space—it’s a learning ecosystem. Students take part in:

• Leadership programs
• International competitions
• Sustainability and innovation projects
• Tech bootcamps
• Internships and industry immersions

It’s an education that goes beyond the classroom.

5. Seamless Pathways to College

Many Enderun SHS graduates continue to Enderun Colleges for their tertiary education, taking advantage of:

• Scholarship opportunities
• International internship programs
• Industry partnerships across business, hospitality, architecture, data science, and more

Students who thrive in AP Capstone often choose to pursue degrees that demand high levels of research, communication, and innovation. At Enderun, they don’t just keep up—they lead.

Final Thoughts: Is AP Capstone Right for You?

If you’re looking for a senior high school that challenges you, supports your ambitions, and prepares you for the future, the AP Capstone Program is a smart move.

And if you want a school that treats senior high not just as a stepping stone, but as a launching pad—then Enderun Senior High School might just be the perfect fit.

You’ll walk into college not just prepared—but ahead.

Interested in learning more?

Visit www.enderuncolleges.com to explore Enderun’s Senior High School programs, scholarship options, and application process.