PCPS Open Enrollment Information

The Open Application Priority period for the 2023-24 school year was January 9th through 4pm on February 15th, 2023.

Application and Qualification Process Summary

Summary of Current 8th Grade Application and Qualification Process for High School IB or AICE Cambridge Programs

 

 

If you missed the School Choice Priority Application Window, email John Miller to request a paper application and register for required testing on June 6, 7, 8, or 13, 2023.

If you have questions, you may contact the school or John Miller, District Curriculum Specialist for Accelerated Programs at (863) 534-0631 ext. 794.

Need Help?

Benefits of IB

IB is an acronym for International Baccalaureate. IB high schools use a specific rigorous curriculum that aims to develop and challenge inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed.

IB schools strive to develop students who will build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect.

IB programs are different from other curricula because they:

  • Encourage students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions
  • Develop independently or through government and national systems, incorporating quality practice from research and our global community of schools
  • Encourage students of all ages to consider both local and global context
  • Develop multilingual students

Students who meet high school graduation requirements and successfully complete the IB Diploma Programme will earn an IB Diploma.

High School IB Programs

There are presently two high school IB sites in Polk County. A student’s residential address within the school district determines which IB high school the student could be eligible to attend. See below for a specific listing of schools.

If you have any questions regarding the International Baccalaureate school at Bartow High School (863-534-0194) or Haines City High School (863-419-3371), please contact the respective high school.

Bartow High School

Students zoned for the following high schools are eligible to attend the Bartow High IB Program (bhsib.polkschoolsfl.com):

  • Bartow High
  • Fort Meade High
  • Frostproof High
  • George Jenkins High
  • Kathleen High
  • Lakeland High
  • Mulberry High
  • Formerly attendance zone for Lake Wales High

Haines City High School

Students zoned for the following high schools are eligible to attend the Haines City High IB Program (https://hainescityhigh.polkschoolsfl.com/ib/):

  • Haines City High
  • Auburndale High
  • Davenport High
  • Lake Gibson High
  • Lake Region High
  • Ridge Community High
  • Tenoroc High
  • Winter Haven High

District Expectations

Students are expected to adhere to all the academic, ethical and behavioral requirements described in the Code of Student 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. 1009.534 (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. 1009.535 (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.