AICE FAQs
What is the AICE program?
AICE, which stands for Advanced International Certificate of Education, is an international curriculum and examination system that emphasizes the value of broad and balanced study, including in-depth understanding of a variety of subjects and mastery of a broad range of skills critical for success in university study and employment. It offers a set of challenging college-level classes for high school students, developed by a division of the University of Cambridge in England. These courses are designed to give students the option to pursue a more rigorous and ambitious curriculum, teaching key skills to succeed in college-level work.
The program offers a broad curriculum with a balance of math and science, languages, arts and humanities, and interdisciplinary subjects. Students are tested in these subject areas once a year, and must receive a passing score on the AICE exam to receive college credit.
Why AICE?
Universities look for students who take academically challenging classes. University classes are definitely harder than high school classes - The topics are more complicated, the learning is more fast-paced, and the expectations for self-teaching are much higher. AICE courses it helps prepare students for the challenge and rigor of college-level coursework.
What are AICE Classes like?
AICE classes stress analytical skills and project-based learning over rote memorization and multiple-choice exams. Because of this, teachers can dive deep into some details and de-emphasize others. There is also more flexibility to spend extra time investigating topics that are interesting to students.
According to some students, this also means that the AICE exams seem easier, with less pressure to “find the right answer”; instead, as long as the answer has a well-reasoned, supported argument, answers are correct. AICE classes offer a different way of thinking and sometimes require thinking outside the box.
Because AICE classes are more narrow and focused, with less overall content, there is time for topics to be covered in depth, providing greater student understanding and comprehension. AICE classes emphasize critical thinking and writing skills, the skills viewed as most important for university degree-seeking students. AICE courses at Ida Baker High school set high expectations for critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, multiple perspectives, verbal communications skills and more.
What if I just want to TRY an individual AICE course instead of participating in the diploma option?
If you decide to just take individual AICE classes, universities will add rigor “points” to your transcript, and add weight to your GPA (where an A translates into a 5.0 instead of a 4.0), resulting in higher GPAs.
Universities love seeing transcripts that show your willingness to tackle hard classes and manage a heavier workload and therefore, look favorably on AICE courses. Taking an AICE course shows that you are willing to challenge yourself and are a motivated student.
What are the benefits of AICE?
AICE courses at Ida Baker High School and their corresponding examinations are equivalent to first year college and university courses. In other words, students earn college credit for each examination passed, allowing them to often skip university prerequisite (required) courses, and move more quickly to major courses of interest. AICE students will be eligible for college credits during each year at IBHS. Additionally, each AICE class and corresponding exams are free for students—the school pays all the fees for this program!
AICE is flexible. Students can also be involved in Athletics, Clubs, Organizations and other activities, as well as AICE classes.
Finally, and best of all, students who attain the AICE diploma (and participate in 100 hours community service) AUTOMATICALLY qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars Award, the highest level of Florida Bright Futures.
What Colleges and Universities accept AICE AS and A Level Credit?
The AICE program is one of several credit-by-examination programs that earn credit toward a degree at all Florida universities, as well as many throughout the country, including over 450 private and out-of-state universities throughout the U.S. You can check with individual institutions you are interested in applying to for more information or use the link below to search whether the university you are interested in accepts AICE credit by exam.
In general, Florida public colleges and universities are required to award the minimum recommended credit for AICE exams as designated by the ACC Credit-by-exam Equivalencies Agreement.
In summary, you should choose to take an AICE course if:
You want to gain or strengthen the skills needed for the next level.
You want to actually learn material instead of preparing for an exam.
You would like to learn about a subject from varying perspectives instead of finding the one “right answer”.
You would like to try for college credit.
You want to gain college credit without affecting your college GPA.
How do I apply for the AICE program at Ida S. Baker High School?
Print, complete, and return the application, along with
• A copy of the student enrollment zone application receipt, online confirmation, or sibling assignment letter
• Aa copy of the student's Quarter 1 Report Card and Quarter 2 Interim (if available)
This information should be submitted to the school, in person, or by mail, by January 28, 2022.