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What is ACCEL?

Academically Challenging Curriculum to Enhance Learning (ACCEL) is part of Florida state law (Florida Statute 1002.3105), and was adopted in spring 2014.

Students in grades K-12 in Polk County Public Schools are eligible to participate in an ACCEL option when they have successfully completed academically challenging coursework in the previous school year or performed at the 93rd percentile or higher on a series of SAT10 subtests taken during the summer.

Options for eligible students include:

  • Subject matter acceleration within a student’s regular classroom
  • Subject matter acceleration within a student’s enrolled school
  • Virtual instruction in a higher grade level subject
  • Whole grade and mid-year promotion
  • High school credit acceleration granted by passing appropriate state End of Course Exams (EOC)

What are some of the benefits for students who are in ACCEL?

  • Students in an ACCEL option will be stretched academically by participating in a more challenging curriculum.
  • Students may have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities that students at their age/grade level would not normally participate in.
  • Students may be able to take middle school, high school, and/or college-level courses earlier in their academic career.

What are the prerequisites for students to participate in ACCEL?

  • Students must have successfully completed academically challenging coursework in the previous school year or performed at the 93rd percentile or higher on a series of SAT10 subtests taken during the summer or in December.
  • Students must have a record of good attendance and conduct.
  • Students must be recommended by a teacher and school counselor or administrator.

Summer 2023 Testing

Parents and must submit a Request for Academic Acceleration form to their child’s school for approval no later than May 31, 2023, to be considered for summer testing.

Academic testing will be available on the dates and times shown below. Click here to register for a test session.

Date Location Students Rising to 1st or 2nd Grade Students Rising to 3rd through 5th Grade
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 Valleyview Elementary 1:15pm – 3:45pm 8:15am – 11:45am

 
Wednesday, June 7, 2023  Chain of Lakes Elementary 1:15pm – 3:45pm 8:15am – 11:45am

 
Thursday, June 8, 2023 Dundee Elementary Academy 1:15pm – 3:45pm 8:15am – 11:45am

 
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 Sleepy Hill Elementary 1:15pm – 3:45pm 8:15am – 11:45am

 

Florida State Statutes

f.s. 1002.3105(1)(b)

Additional ACCEL options may include, but are not limited to, enriched science, technology, engineering, and mathematics coursework; enrichment programs; flexible grouping; advanced academic courses; combined classes; self-paced instruction; rigorous industry certifications that are articulated to college credit and approved pursuant to ss. 1003.492 and 1008.44; work-related internships or apprenticeships; curriculum compacting; advanced-content instruction; and telescoping curriculum.

District Expectations for Students in ACCEL

Parents/guardians of interested students should contact their school for information specific to their child’s situation.