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 the 9th & 10th grade prepare students for AICE-level (college level) courses.  Student’s first AICE-level course is taken in 10th grade, and more are added each year during 11th & 12th grade.  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 students in Duval County Schools and across the world. 

How well-known and wide-spread is the AICE Program? 

More than 9000 schools offer Cambridge programs worldwide. Cambridge operates in160 countries across 6 regions: Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, and Southern Africa.  Over 130 schools in Florida and over 200 across the U.S. offer the AICE 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 154 years in 2012.  All 11 public colleges/universities in the state of Florida, 100% of Ivy League universities, and over 450 private and out-of-state universities across the U.S. accept AICE credits-by-exam. 

What courses am I required to take if I’m in the AICE Program? 

Students in the AICE Program must successfully complete at least 7 AICE-level (college) courses and exams during 10th – 12th grade, with at least one from each of three academic categories:  1) Math/Science, 2) Language, 3) Humanities and 4) Interdisciplinary and skills-based subjects.  The AICE program of study requires students to take all academic courses at the Honors, AP, IB or Dual Enrollment Level (Must be level 3).   

How does the AICE Program differ from the IB program? 

Students in the AICE program choose courses which emphasize their areas of academic strength, while enjoying the flexibility to pursue other areas of interest as well, rather than requiring every student to take the same courses, at the same level in all subjects.  Students may be able to achieve a higher overall GPA with courses that are a better match to their abilities. Although the rigor and academic expectations of an AICE course are at the highest level, the AICE Program does not emphasize memorization as much as immersion in the subject utilizing critical analysis, reasoning and writing skills.  AICE-level courses in a diverse range of subjects such as visual and performing arts and psychology also allow students to pursue their unique interests on a college level. 

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 the AICE-level course and examination process over standard or honors. 

How many colleges in Florida and across the US accept AICE college credit? 

The Cambridge exams are recognized around the world as “AS and A Level” courses/credits – AICE is what the Cambridge program is called in the U.S.  All 11 public colleges/universities in the state of Florida accept AICE Exam credits as mandated by the Florida Department of Education.  100% of Ivy League universities and over 450 private and out-of-state universities in the U.S. recognize & accept AS and A Level exam credits with more being added each year. 

Where does the course content for AICE courses come from? 

AICE courses follow a course syllabus that is designed by Cambridge International Examinations. 

What type of training does the AICE teachers go through? 

Ongoing specialized training for AICE teachers is provided by Cambridge International Examinations.  WMR teachers attend yearly trainings to ensure that they are on track with new methods and teaching materials, and to encourage increased success in the courses and exam passing rates.