The Cushman School Celebrates a Strong Year of AP Achievement

The Cushman School is proud to recognize the academic achievements of its students during the 2025–26 school year, including AP Capstone honors and AP Scholar Awards. Cushman students have also earned national recognition this fall through the National Merit Scholarship Program.

AP Capstone Diploma and Seminar & Research Certificate

Four students earned the AP Capstone Diploma during the 2025–26 school year, all while still in their junior year. Each completed the two-year program a full year ahead of schedule. Six additional students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

The AP Capstone Diploma requires students to earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP Exams of their choice. The Certificate requires scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. Through both programs, students take on research projects, explore questions without easy answers, present and defend their ideas, and work closely with their peers. These experiences give students an early opportunity to develop the independent research, collaboration, and communication skills they will rely on in college and beyond.

More than 2,500 schools around the world offer AP Capstone, and the program is recognized by colleges and universities as an indication of a student’s preparation for independent academic work.

AP Scholar Awards

The College Board recognized 27 Cushman students with AP Scholar Awards for their performance across multiple AP Exams during the 2025–26 school year:

• 13 AP Scholars, who scored 3 or higher on at least three AP Exams
• 2 AP Scholars with Honor, who scored 3 or higher on at least four AP Exams with an average score of 3.5 or better
• 12 AP Scholars with Distinction, who scored 3 or higher on at least five AP Exams with an average score of 3.5 or better

AP Exam Performance

Cushman High School students took 177 AP Exams during the 2025–26 school year. AP Exams are scored on a 1 to 5 scale, with a score of 3 or higher generally considered a qualifying score. Depending on the college or university, AP scores may be used for college credit, course placement, or both.

National Merit Scholarship Recognition

Cushman students have also earned national recognition this fall through the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Two members of the Class of 2027, Gabriel Fernandes and Arihant Jaggi, were named National Merit Semifinalists, marking the first time in Cushman School history that students have earned this recognition. Both students scored in the top 1% of test takers nationwide and will continue in the competition for Finalist standing, with Finalists announced in February.

Devlin Guttridge was named a National Merit Commended Student, placing in the top 3% of test takers nationally.

Congratulations to Gabriel, Arihant, Devlin, and all of our students recognized for their academic achievements. These accomplishments reflect the hard work students put into their academics and the many opportunities they take on throughout their time at Cushman.

Go Cougars!

Learn More About Cushman High School

From AP Capstone to college counseling, Cushman High School gives students the academic challenge and personal support to reach their goals. Learn more about our high school programming here.