FAQ

Why should I want my child in the AICE program?

• Students in the AICE program are cohorted, creating a strong teacher/student and peer support system. For each AICE exam passed, students earn 3-4 college credits and one point towards the AICE diploma. Students in the AICE program can transfer up to 45 credit hours of college credit earned during high school (~1.5 years of college). Students that earn an AICE diploma are exempt from physical education (PE) and the fine arts requirement of a standard high school diploma. Students in the AICE program that earn a Cambridge AICE Diploma are guaranteed the top level of Bright Futures Scholarship funds, which can be used at all Florida public universities (pending the completion of 100 community service hours).

How can the AICE program help my child earn the top level of the Bright Futures Scholarship?

• Bright Futures Scholarship provides scholarships for students with high academic achievement. Covers 120 college credit hours. Current Academic Scholars Award is $212.71 per credit hour plus $300 per semester. Bright Futures scholarship will currently guarantee them $27,325.20 in tuition towards your 4-year degree.

• Without AICE diploma - students currently need a 29 ACT/1330 SAT & 3.5 GPA to qualify. With the AICE Diploma, students are exempt from ACT/SAT score requirement. If students complete 100 hours of community service and earn AICE Diploma- guaranteed the top level of the scholarship. Many students find it difficult to achieve the ACT/SAT score required to secure this scholarship without the AICE diploma.

What is the difference between AICE, AP and Dual Enrollment?

• AICE is a 4-year program, not a random selection of classes. With the inclusion of the Pre-AICE curriculum, South Lake High begins the college preparatory instruction in 9th grade. AP classes and Dual Enrollment, with a few exceptions, do not begin until the 11th or 12th grade year.

Do students have to earn the full AICE Diploma in order to earn college credits?

• No. Students receive General Certificate of Education (GCE) subject certificates for AS level examinations passed. Colleges award credit on a subject – by – subject basis according to grades earned on individual examinations passed.

Is AICE accepted where my child wants to attend College?

• Whether you choose AICE or any other program, make sure to check with the universities that you’re interested in first! Over 500 colleges, including all IVY League universities, across the United States do accept the AICE courses for college credit. All public community colleges and universities in Florida are required to award the minimum recommended credit for AICE exams (up to 45 total credits) for a passing score on the AICE exams.

My child is very active in extracurricular activities. Can they remain active in these activities and handle the workload of the AICE classes?

• Our AICE students can participate in every activity we have here at SLHS. They can play sports, march in the band, sing in the chorus, act in our musicals, compete in academic competitions, cheer, dance, volunteer, attend youth group and more. In other words, yes, it is possible to do it all. Is it easy? I think that will vary from person to person but the majority of our students find the time. Can you do it? That is a question for you and your parents to consider.

How do the homework loads compare?

• While homework loads vary across grade-level and courses, AICE homework is a rigorous program that is designed to maximize student learning and minimize busy-work. Many AICE students are able to manage their time to remain involved with extracurriculars (such as band, sports, church and community activities) in addition to their academic studies.