Viking PRIME Scholar Pathway
A Pathway to AP Capstone Distinction
Viking PRIME (Pathway for Rigorous and Innovative Merit-Based Education) is a strategically sequenced, four-year program designed for high-achieving scholars.
Through a robust selection of AP and Dual Enrollment courses, PRIME provides students with a strong academic foundation and preparation for highly competitive universities. Students also have the opportunity to earn the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma and California State Seal of Biliteracy, distinguishing themselves through advanced research, academic achievement, and multilingual proficiency. As Viking PRIME Scholars, students develop leadership skills, pursue their passions, and make a meaningful impact on the Viking community.
AP Capstone™ Excellence
Master the research, argumentation, and writing skills that university admissions boards prioritize.
Global Fluency
Earn the Seal of Biliteracy, proving your ability to navigate and lead in a multilingual world.
Leadership & Integrity
Beyond the classroom, our scholars are athletes, artists, and community leaders who graduate with a sense of purpose and pride.
Why Choose the Viking PRIME Scholar Pathway?
Unlike many specialized programs, the Viking PRIME Scholar Pathway combines rigorous coursework with the flexibility to stay involved in athletics, clubs, arts, and other activities. Students develop leadership skills, pursue their passions, and make a meaningful impact on the Viking community while preparing to become the next generation of global leaders.
Direct College Credit: Most top-tier U.S. universities readily award college credit or advanced standing for high AP scores (4s and 5s), accelerating your degree.
The Capstone Advantage: AP Seminar and AP Research train students in the exact citation, peer-review, and public defense methodologies expected at the university level, giving Viking PRIME scholars an immediate edge over standard high school applicants.
PRIME vs. Traditional Coursework
The Viking PRIME Scholar Pathway
Course of Study
You’ll be able to choose from a variety of accelerated courses at every grade level and every summer.
9th Grade:
- AP Human Geography
- Honors Biology
- Honors Geometry
- Honors English
- Spanish/French/ASL
- PE/Athletics/Marching Band
- *Online Dual Enrollment Options
10th Grade:
- AP World History
- Honors Algebra II
- AP Seminar
- Spanish/French/ASL
- Honors Chemistry/AP Biology
- PE/Athletics/Marching Band
- *Online Dual Enrollment Options
11th Grade:
AP Capstone Diploma™*
- AP United States History
- Honors Trig and AP Pre-Calculus
- AP English Language
- AP Research
- AP Chemistry/AP Biology/Honors Physics
- AP Spanish/French/Dual ASL**
- Online Dual Enrollment Options
12th Grade:
- AP Government and AP Economics
- AP Calculus AB/BC
- AP English Literature
- Electives
- AP Science Elective
- AP Spanish/French/Dual ASL**
- Online Dual Enrollment Option
*Students may earn their AP Capstone Diploma by the end of 11th grade by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP Exams.
Viking PEN (Personal Essay Network)
Viking Summer College Writing Course
Build the writing skills that set college scholars apart in an exclusive 6-week college course that PRIME students will take during the summer before their senior year.
Students will receive dedicated, one-on-one support, guidance and writing feedback to make their essays stand out above the rest.
- UC Personal Insight Questions
- CSU EOP Questions
- Private School Personal Essays
- FAFSA Application
- Scholarship Application Essays
Are You Ready to Excel?
Admission into the Viking PRIME Scholar Pathway is merit-based and selective. We look for students who have already demonstrated excellence in Mathematics and English and are ready for the next challenge.
The Criteria:
- Minimum 3.8 Cumulative District Weighted GPA, maintained through the end of year.
- CAASPP Performance: Math Level 3 or 4; ELA Level 4.
- Current Enrollment: Honors Algebra.
- A completed application requires recommendations from three teachers or staff members.
Admissions Process
Step 1
Apply
Provide contact info
3 Essay short-answer written responses
Transcripts (if non-DUSD)
Step 2
Submit References
3 Middle school references
Step 3
Decision
Receive the final decision!
Who Should Apply
If you are intellectually curious, highly motivated, ready to challenge yourself through a rigorous four-year academic program, and aspire to attend one of the nation’s leading colleges or universities, then we strongly encourage you to apply to Viking Prime.
Limited Space Available.
Applications for future freshmen are due in the spring. Begin your application early to ensure that you have time to complete every required step.
Attend the information session so you know important dates. Don’t miss your opportunity to join Downey High School’s most prestigious academic cohort.
