PCPS School Choice Information

The School Choice Priority online application period for the 2024-25 school year closed February 16th, 2024.

Additional questions may be directed to John Miller, District Curriculum Specialist for Accelerated Programs, at (863) 534-0631 ext. 794.

About Cambridge 

The Cambridge Program is an accelerated method of academic study offered solely through a division of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge provides a flexible, broad-based curriculum that is offered at schools and colleges in over 161 countries and is recognized by the Florida Department of Education as a rigorous curriculum. The Cambridge Program recognizes that meaningful education is more than just building subject knowledge and conceptual understanding. To thrive in life, learners must also develop a broad range of skills, values, attitudes, and behaviors. The five Cambridge learner attributes are:

Confident:
Cambridge students are secure in their knowledge, unwilling to take things for granted and ready to take intellectual risks. They are keen to explore and evaluate ideas and arguments in a structured, critical, and analytical way. They can communicate and defend views and opinions as well as respect those of others.

Responsible:
Cambridge students take ownership of their learning, set targets, and insist on intellectual integrity. They are collaborative and supportive. They understand that their actions have impacts on others and on the environment. They appreciate the importance of culture, context, and community.

Reflective:
Cambridge students understand themselves as learners. They are concerned with the processes as well as the products of their learning and develop the awareness and strategies to be lifelong learners.

Innovative:
Cambridge students welcome new challenges and meet them resourcefully, creatively, and imaginatively. They can apply their knowledge and understanding to solve new and unfamiliar problems. They can adapt flexibly to new situations requiring new ways of thinking.

Engaged:
Cambridge students are alive with curiosity, embody a spirit of enquiry and want to dig more deeply. They are keen to learn new skills and are receptive to new ideas. They work well independently but also with others. They are equipped to participate constructively in society and the economy – locally, nationally, and globally.

Students who complete the high school requirements and successfully complete Cambridge Program will earn a Cambridge Diploma https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-advanced/cambridge-aice-diploma/.

High School Cambridge Programs

There are presently two high school Cambridge sites in Polk County for which students may apply. A student's residential address within the school district determines which Cambridge high school the student could be eligible to attend. See below for the proposed listing of schools for the 2023-24 school year.

If you have any questions regarding Cambridge at Tenoroc High School (863-614-9183)or Winter Haven High School (863-291-5330), please contact the respective high school.

Tenoroc High School

Students zoned for the following high schools are eligible to attend the Tenoroc High Cambridge Program (Tenoroc)

  • Auburndale High
  • George Jenkins High
  • Kathleen High
  • Lake Gibson High
  • Lakeland High
  • Mulberry High
  • Tenoroc High

Winter Haven High School

Students zoned for the following high schools are eligible to attend the Winter Haven High Cambridge Program (Winter Haven HS):

  • Bartow High
  • Davenport High
  • Fort Meade High
  • Frostproof High
  • Haines City High
  • Lake Region High
  • Ridge Community High
  • Winter Haven High

District Expectations

Students are expected to adhere to all the academic, ethical, and behavioral requirements described in the Student Code of Conduct. Depending on the location of a student's residency, students and families need to be aware of the additional time commitment involved in utilizing district transportation.


Florida State Statutes

f.s. 1007.29.534 (1)(c)

A student is eligible for a Florida Academic Scholars award if he or she meets the general eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and: Has been awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma from the International Baccalaureate Office or an Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma from the University of Cambridge International Examinations Office.


f.s. 1007.29.535 (1)(b)

A student is eligible for a Florida Medallion Scholars award if he or she meets the general eligibility requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and: Has completed the International Baccalaureate curriculum but failed to earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma or has completed the Advanced International Certificate of Education curriculum but failed to earn the Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma, and has attained at least the score required under f.s. 1009.531(6)(b) on the combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test, or the recentered Scholastic Assessment Test of the College Entrance Examination, or an equivalent score on the ACT Assessment Program.