What is the AICE program?
The AICE program is an International Pre-University Preparation Program, part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, a not-for-profit organization and a department of the University of Cambridge in England. Pre-AICE courses taken primarily during 9th and 10th grade prepare students for AICE-level (college level) courses. A select group of students is taking their first AICE level course, and more will be added each successive year. Each AICE-level course culminates with a Cambridge exam. Students can earn college credit for passing scores in every AICE-level exam they take. AICE courses are among the highest level, most rigorous available to DHS students and across the world.
How well-known and wide-spread is the AICE program?
More than 10,000 school offer Cambridge programs worldwide. Cambridge operates in 160 countries across 6 regions: MERICAS, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and north Africa, South Asia, and Southern Africa. Over 150 school in Florida and over 200 across the US offer the Cambridge Program, while more are being added each year. The 800th anniversary of Cambridge University was celebrated in 2009, and Cambridge Assessment, which is the world’s largest provider of international examinations, celebrates 166 years in 2024.
All 12 public colleges/universities in the state of Florida, 100% of Ivy League universities, and over 640 universities across the US accept AICE credits -by-exam, with varying policies.
Optimal Indicators for Success the AICE Program
· FAST Reading and Writing scores at level 4 or higher
· Successful completion of Algebra 1 (not requited, but strongly recommended)
· A/B Student, challenging themselves with advanced level courses
· Highly motivated for academic Success
· Positive Teacher Recommendations
· Willingness to complete assignments beyond the regular school day
How are the courses in the AICE Program different than other high school courses?
AICE courses are college-level courses, emphasizing more analytical reasoning, collaboration and research with a heavy emphasis on clear, concise writing skills. Because these courses require a higher-level analysis than the typical high school course, students can expect them to move at a faster pace and to spend more time studying than any other high school courses.
Is there an advantage to being in the AICE Program for Bright Futures Scholarship Program?
YES! Students who are able to pass a minimum of seven AICE exams, with one in each of the academic categories will earn the AICE Diploma Award (ADIP) from Cambridge. These students are automatically eligible for the Florida Academic Scholars Award (the highest level) of the Bright Futures Scholarship (the one that pays 100% of tuition) as long as they have documented 100 hours of community service, two years of a foreign language, and have completed the academic course requirements. However, for ADIP earners, Bright Futures waives the SAT/ACT score and the GPA requirements.
What is the advantage of being in AICE for college admissions?
A FACTS.org study of High School Acceleration Programs (AICE, IB, AP, and Dual-Enrollment) showed that AICE and DE students earn the highest percentage of postsecondary (college) credit—98% for each program. Colleges award additional admissions points for the academic rigor of Pre-AICE and AICE-level courses, preferring that students challenge themselves with AICE-level course and examination process over standard or honors. Regardless of a students AICE Exam scores (and therefore, college credit-by-exam earned), college admissions boards are more interested in a student’s overall performance in the subject coursework (i.e. grades) when admissions decisions are being made.
Courses at Dunnellon High School:
- English General Paper AS
- English Language AS
- English Literature AS/A
- Chemistry AS
- Environmental Management AS
- Marine Science AS
- Physics AS
- Psychology AS
- Global Perspectives AS
- Travel & Tourism AS