Welcome to Accelerated
Academic Programs

Polk County Public Schools offers several accelerated programs for students who are performing above average academically, including Academically Challenging Curriculum to Enhance Learning (ACCEL), Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge’s Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), dual enrollment, and International Baccalaureate (IB).

To learn more about these programs, select one of the options below.

  • ACCEL

    Finding Test Scores

    Students in grades K-12 in Polk County Public Schools are eligible to participate in an ACCEL option when they have successfully completed academically challenging coursework in the previous school year or performed at the 93rd percentile or higher on a series of SAT10 subtests taken during the summer.

  • Advanced Placement (AP)

    Advanced Placement

    AP courses are rigorous high school courses that may count for college credit, in addition to high school credit, upon successful completion of the appropriate AP exam.

  • Cambridge AICE

    Advanced International Certificate of Education

    The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) is an accelerated method of academic study offered solely through the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). AICE provides a flexible, broad-based curriculum that is offered at schools and colleges in over 161 countries and is recognized by the Florida Department of Education as a rigorous curriculum.

  • Dual Enrollment

    Dual enrollment

    The dual enrollment program is an accelerated program that allows high school students to simultaneously earn credit toward high school completion and a career certificate, or an associate or baccalaureate degree at a state public institution.

  • Gifted Education

     

    The Gifted Education Program in Polk County Public Schools is a state-mandated program for grades K-12. The school program options extend and enhance the regular education curriculum. There are state guidelines that describe how a student qualifies for the gifted program.

  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

    International Baccalaureate

    International Baccalaureate offers a unique educational experience to students through international education programs that challenge and motivate them both academically and personally.

High School Accelerated Program Comparisons

 

Programs Description Availability Provider Targeted Students High School Credit and Graduation Implications Postsecondary Credit Determinant* Scholarships 
Advanced Placement (AP)  Rigorous college-level high school courses offered in multiple subjects. Nationally recognized exams All high schools offer at least some AP courses; schools with larger student enrollment typically offer more courses and opportunities
 The College Board Students with interest in the subject who are considering a college education Additional 1.0 weighting in GPA per course Score on AP Exam Determined by postsecondary institution or scholarship descriptions
Dual Enrollment (DE) College courses taught at college, high school, or online, that count toward high school credit All high schools offers at least some Dual Enrollment courses; schools with larger student enrollment typically offer more courses and opportunities Individual College Articulation Agreements Students with interest in the subject who have met the requirements in the Articulation Agreement Additional 1.0 weighting in GPA per course Passing final grade in the course Determined by postsecondary institution or scholarship descriptions
AICE Cambridge Rigorous comprehensive college-level curriculum offered at the high school level. Internationally recognized exams Available ONLY at Winter Haven High School and Tenoroc High School; students must apply and qualify during the district OPEN ENROLLMENT period during a student’s 8th grade year
 Cambridge International Examinations Students willing and interested in earning a more rigorous academic diploma Additional 1.0 weighting in GPA per course Grade in courses and scores on AICE Exams Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholars available upon receiving Program Diploma
International Baccalaureate (IB) Rigorous comprehensive college-level curriculum offered at the high school level. Internationally recognized exams Available ONLY at Bartow High School and Haines City High School; students must apply and qualify during the district OPEN ENROLLMENT period during a student’s 8th or 9th grade year
 International Baccalaureate Organization Students willing and interested in earning a more rigorous academic diploma Additional 1.0 weighting in GPA per course Grade in courses and scores on IB Exams Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholars available upon receiving Program Diploma
Industry Certification Assessment by an independent certifying entity based on standards for knowledge, skills, and competencies
 All High Schools offer at least some Industry Certification Opportunities through their Career and Technical Education programs and Career Academies. Students have the opportunity to apply for High School Career Academies beginning with the Open Enrollment period during 8th grade
 Industry Agencies, instructed and monitored through Career and Technical Education programs Students with interest in subject and enrollment in specific Career Pathway Qualifies for graduation with state distinction and in some cases as GPA 0.5 weighting Determined by postsecondary institution Florida Bright Futures CAPE Scholarship available to students meeting the criteria.