What is Advanced Placement?
Advanced Placement, AP is a program created by the College Board that offers rigorous college level courses and examinations that are taken at the high school level.

AP Quick Facts

• AP is offered at all HCPS high schools.
• Advanced Placement course offerings will vary from site to site.
• Students who take AP exams and earn a qualifying score can earn college credit.
• Students who take AP Seminar, AP Research and 4 additional AP courses of their choice and earn qualifying scores on all AP exams can earn the AP Capstone Diploma.

Benefits of AP Courses/Exams

• Save Money - Earning AP credits through success on AP exams can help lower college costs
• Save Time - By earning credits through success of AP exams your teen may be able to skip some introductory college courses
• Stand Out - Taking an AP course and exam is a great way to stand out to colleges by taking rigorous courses in high school

AP Resources

• AP CollegeBoard
• AP at a Glance
• AP Exam Dates and Info
• AP Resources for Students
• AP Resources for Parents
• What is Pre-AP?

We are excited to introduce you to AVID - a program designed to empower students with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in college and beyond. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, and it's not just a program; it's a community committed to helping students reach their full potential. 

What is AVID?
AVID is a college-readiness system that focuses on critical thinking, organization, study skills, and collaboration. It provides students with the tools and support they need to thrive academically and develop essential life skills.

Cambridge Lower Secondary prepares your child for the next step of their education. It is part of the Cambridge Pathway program that prepares students with the knowledge and skills they need for life, helping them thrive at school, university and work.

A love of learning

Our program is built around what matters most to your child as they progress in their education:A flexible approach: Cambridge Lower Secondary works alongside local and national curricula, giving your child an international education that fits into their context.

How will your child benefit?

Your child’s needs as a learner are at the heart of our approach to education. This approach supports schools in developing learners who are:

• confident in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others
• responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
• reflective and developing their ability to learn
• innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
• engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.

Active Learning

Cambridge encourages active learning, which involves learners being engaged in their Learning rather than passively listening and copying information. Learners should take part in a variety of activities that encourage them to think about the knowledge or skill they are learning rather than on the task itself

Resources

• Cambridge Lower Secondary
  
• Cambridge Pathway

Curriculum & Qualifications

• Earn at least 7 AICE Credits in (AS or A Level) 
• Courses and Pass Corresponding Exams 
• 1 Credit MUST be Earned from Groups 1, 2 & 3
• 1 Credit MUST be Earned in Global Perspectives 
• Course Offerings vary by school site
• Earn Sufficient Diploma Points on Exams to 
• Meet Minimum Requirements (140 = Pass Level, 250 = Merit Level , & 360 = Distinction

Learner Attributes

Confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, and engaged

Why Choose Cambridge?

• Flexibility Based on Students Strengths & Interests
• Accepted by Leading Universities Throughout the World
• Similar to IB with Opportunities to Earn College Credits While in High School
• 100% Bright Futures if a student earns their AICE diploma!

Resources

• Benefits of a Cambridge Education
• Cambridge AICE Diploma
• Cambridge in the United States Official Website
• Cambridge Pathway
• Cambridge Recognition & Credit Policy Search Tool
• Information for Parents and Students

What is Collegiate Academy?
Collegiate Academy, CA provides students an opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) through Hillsborough Community College while also earning their high school diploma.

CA Quick Facts

• The Collegiate Academy is offered at the following high schools:
  *Armwood High *Lennard High *Leto High *Spoto High
• Students enrolled in the Collegiate Academy will take Dual Enrollment courses.
• To gain entrance into the Collegiate Acade-my program, students must apply through the HCPS magnet office.

Dual Enrollment (DE) is a part-time program that provides eligible students the opportunity to earn college credits, while still earning their high school diploma.  Credit earned through DE can be used towards fulfillment of a high-school graduation requirement and can be used as college credit.  Students who qualify may enroll in a college course, and the tuition and textbook costs will be waived.

Early Admission, a form of dual enrollment, is a full-time program that allows eligible high school students entering their last year of high school to enroll full-time in college in at least 12 credits per term, Fall and Spring.

The Hillsborough County Public School district has partnered with Hillsborough Community College, the University of South Florida, and the University of Florida to provide eligible students opportunities to take college courses while in high school.

For more information on Hillsborough County Public Schools’ dual enrollment partners, please visit their websites:

• Hillsborough Community College
• University of South Florida
• University of Florida

Hillsborough County Public Schools Policies Regarding Dual Enrollment and Early Admission>>

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme in Hillsborough County is an application-based magnet program that provides highly motivated students the opportunity to participate in a rigorous liberal arts curriculum. The program is a four-year course of study with two phases: Grades 9 and 10 are the HCPS Pre-Diploma Programme, and Grades 11 and 12 make up the IB Diploma Programme.

The IB Diploma Programme aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. The IB gives students distinct advantages by building their critical thinking skills, nurturing their curiosity and their ability to solve complex problems.

IB Programme Diploma Sites

Alonso High School

Hillsborough High School

King High School

Robinson High School

Strawberry Crest High School 

IB Primary Years Programmes & Middle Years Programmes are offered at a number of HCPS Magnet Schools.

Resources

• IB - Benefits for Students
• IB - The Learner Profile
• IB - Diploma Programme / DP (High Schools)
• IB - Middle Years Programme / MYP (Middle Schools)
• IB - Primary Years Programme / PYP (Elementary Schools)
• IB - International Baccalareate Organization Website

PSAT 8/9
Provides a baseline so that the student knows their strengths and what skills they can improve. This can be for a student thinking about a two-or four-year college, interested in career options, or isn’t sure what they want to do after high school. The PSAT can help make their path clearer. 

PSAT/NMSQT
Students will receive insights about their knowledge and skills while they have plenty of time to improve. If they’ve taken other assessments in the SAT Suite, they can compare their progress and then set a target SAT score based on their college or career goals. Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT, may meet requirements to enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. 

PSAT/NMSQT Resources

• PSAT 8/9 Information
• PSAT/NMSQT Overview
• National Merit Scholarship Program

SAT
Students can use their scores to be seen by colleges and scholarship programs, and they get customized career information to help them understand all their options after high school.

SAT Resources

• SAT - Inside the SAT
• SAT - Practice for the SAT
• SAT - Accommodations for Students
• SAT - College Board Fee Waivers

ACT
The ACT can be used for college admissions, college course placement, and career planning. The test will highlight academic abilities which can increase chances of earning scholarships.

ACT Resources

• ACT - Information on the ACT
• ACT - Accommodations for the ACT
• ACT Fee Waivers