York students have the chance to distinguish themselves as scholars based on their interests, passions, and motivation to go above and beyond, both academically and through co- and extracurricular experiences.

The York Distinguished Scholars Program continues to evolve towards a model rooted in discipline-specific pathways of distinction. The pathways below offer students recognition for achieving academic excellence while working to apply what they have learned at York through a capstone experience. York Distinguished Scholars graduate with a deep understanding of content, applied experience, meaningful connections, and additional skills necessary for success in college and beyond. All applicable courses in a pathway must be completed with only one grade below an “A-,” and that grade no lower than a “B.” Completion of the program is recognized at graduation and can be listed as an award/honor on college applications.

For each concentration, a capstone experience or product is required. The proposed capstone experience or product must be approved by the relevant Department Chair by September 1 of the junior year. Capstone experiences, products, and/or outcomes will be shared with the broader community to showcase student work. Students interested in research as part of their capstone will be able to sign up for an advanced research methods course starting in the 2027-28 academic year.

 

 

 

AP Seminar + AP Research

Students currently following the York Scholars sequence—a two-year interdisciplinary experience made up of AP Seminar offered in 2025-26 and AP Research offered in 2026-27—will be recognized as Distinguished Scholars upon completion of AP Research. After the 2026-27 academic year, this sequence will no longer be offered, but students interested in research as part of their capstone will be able to sign up for an advanced research methods course starting in the 2027-28 academic year.

Math

Distinguished Math Scholar Pathway

This leads a student to complete either the Calculus BC Concentration or the Data Science Concentration of the Math Progression, plus an additional class requirement. If a student completes the Calculus BC Concentration, they also need to complete AP Statistics or Math Modeling. If a student completes the Data Science Concentration, they also need to complete Calculus AB. Students need to earn a 4 or higher on applicable AP exams in their junior year. Additionally, the student must make impactful contributions to a math-related endeavor at York and complete an approved capstone experience.

Calculus BC Concentration + another math elective

Example is for a student entering in 8th grade Geometry or 9th grade Algebra II

Geometry (grade 8) → Algebra II (grade 9) → Advanced Pre-Calculus (grade 10) → AP Calculus AB + math elective* (grade 11) → AP Calculus BC (grade 12)

* Options include AP Statistics or Math Modeling. Note that AP Statistics can be taken any time after completing Algebra II, whereas Math Modeling can be taken any time after completing Advanced Pre-Calculus

Data Science Concentration + AP Calculus AB

Example is for a student entering in 8th grade Algebra I or 9th grade Geometry

Algebra I (grade 8) → Geometry (grade 9) → Algebra II (grade 10) → Advanced Pre-Calculus + AP Statistics* (grade 11) → AP Calculus AB + Math Modeling* (grade 12)

* Note that AP Statistics cannot be taken until completion of Algebra II, whereas Math Modeling cannot be taken until completion of Advanced Pre-Calculus

Science

Distinguished Science Scholar Pathway

Completion of any of the concentration areas below earns this distinction. Note that all areas require five science courses. Students need to earn a 4 or higher on applicable AP exams in their junior year. Additionally, the student must make impactful contributions to a science-related endeavor at York and complete an approved capstone experience.

Environmental Concentration

This example meets our graduation requirement and prepares a student to enter a degree path in college related to environmental science/policy, ocean science, or similar. Note that the ordering and/or pairing of some courses can be changed.

Biology (grade 9) → Chemistry* (grade 10) → AP Biology** (grade 11) → Environmental Science + Marine Biology & Oceanography*** (grade 12)

* Requires concurrent enrollment with or completion of Algebra II
** Requires completion of Biology and Chemistry
*** Note that this course is offered every other year

Life Science/Pre-med Concentration

This example meets our graduation requirement and prepares a student to enter a medical-related degree path in college. Note that the ordering and/or pairing of some courses can be changed.

Biology (grade 9) → Chemistry* (grade 10) → AP Biology** + Anatomy & Physiology*** (grade 11) → AP Chemistry (grade 12)

* Requires concurrent enrollment with or completion of Algebra II
** Requires completion of Biology and Chemistry
*** Note that this course is offered every other year 

Physical Science/Engineering Concentration

This example meets our graduation requirement and prepares a student to enter an engineering-related degree path in college. Note that the ordering and/or pairing of some courses can be changed.

Biology (grade 9) → Chemistry* (grade 10) → Physics** + AP Chemistry (grade 11) → AP Physics*** (grade 12)

* Requires concurrent enrollment with or completion of Algebra II
** Requires completion of Algebra II
*** Requires concurrent enrollment with or completion of a calculus course

Stem

Distinguished STEM Scholar Pathway

A student must complete the Distinguished Science Scholar Pathway of the Science Progression AND either the Calculus Concentration or the Data Science Concentration of the Math Progression. Additionally, the student must make impactful contributions to a technology- or engineering-related endeavor at York and complete an approved capstone experience. The capstone experience can include participation in the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at NPS, one of NOAA’s student opportunities, a summer internship at the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy (MIRA), participation in the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) or Science Internship Program (SIP) at UCSC or other summer study program, or engage in an independent, original project connected to the York School STEAMships Grant Program or through an advanced research methods course. Other summer study or internship opportunities would fulfill the capstone experience requirement.

World Languages

Distinguished World Language Scholar Pathway

A student must be enrolled in a World Language (WL) course each year (9–12th), reaching at least Level IV in a language, be a member of WL Honor Society (NCHS or SHH), and pass the Global Seal of Biliteracy Exam or complete a department-approved capstone project. Additionally, the student must make impactful contributions to a World Language-related endeavor at York (clubs, forums, peer tutoring, service learning, etc).

Arts

Distinguished Arts Scholar Pathway

Completion of any of the concentration areas below earns this distinction.

Vocal Music Concentration

A student must be enrolled in a Choir and subsequently Chamber Choir each year (9–12th), with expectations that they are performing solos and group songs in concerts and performances. Students must have a leadership role in class (section leader, music student council, etc…) for more than one (1) year. During their Senior year, students must perform a capstone performance outside of the expectations of their courses. 

Musical Theatre Concentration

A student must be enrolled in the following classes: Musical Theatre Repertoire I & II, and Musical Theatre History. Students should also participate in extracurricular musical theatre activities, which includes three (4) or more musicals. Students should also participate (for more than two years) in the Triple Threats Club (Musical Theatre Club). Students must also seek to participate in summer programs, local theatres, and other opportunities in our community in musical theatre, which could include the trip to New York City during their 10th-12th grade years.

Technical Theatre Concentration

A student must be enrolled in the following classes: Technical Theatre I, II, & III. Students must participate in extracurricular theatrical productions and performances (concerts, forums, etc…) in technical leadership roles: stage manager, lighting board op, sound board op for more than one (1) year. Students must also participate in Experiential Learning offerings in Technical Theatre, e.g. Lobby Theatrical Design, Technical Theatre, etc… 

Visual Arts Concentration

A student must be enrolled in the following classes: Studio Art I: Foundation, Studio Art II: Drawing, Studio Art II: Painting, Studio Art III (or Advanced Studio Art III), and AP Art. Students should also participate in our yearly Spring art show, local competitions, and other ways to engage in the broader art community. Students should also participate in the Mural Project and Art Attack Club. They should also be submitting their work in our LitMag, York Oracle, York Falcon, and other York publications.

Humanities

Distinguished Humanities Scholar Pathway

Completion of any of the concentration areas below earns this distinction.

English Concentration

A student must be enrolled in an English course each year (9–12), taking Advanced English 11 and Advanced English 12 options. Students must also take at least two (2) years of English electives, including additional senior seminar courses outside of the Advanced English 12 course. Additionally, students must make impactful contributions to English-related endeavors at York, such as participation for at least two (2) years in Literary Magazine, York Oracle, forums, peer tutoring, service learning, and/or capstone project.

History and Social Sciences Concentration

A student must be enrolled in a History and Social Sciences course each year (9–12), taking Advanced U.S. History in 11th grade and Advanced offerings in 12th grade. Students must also take at least two (2) years of other history and humanities electives, including Advanced Psychology. Additionally, students must make impactful contributions to History and social science related endeavors at York, such as participation for at least two (2) years in Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Psychology Club, forums, peer tutoring, service learning, and/or capstone project.