Welcome to Accelerated Academic Programs
Polk County Public Schools offers several accelerated programs for students who are performing above average academically, including Academically Challenging Curriculum to Enhance Learning (ACCEL), Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge’s Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), dual enrollment, and International Baccalaureate (IB).
ACCEL
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.
Advanced Placement (AP)
AP courses are rigorous high school courses that may count for college credit, in addition to high school credit, upon successful completion of the appropriate AP exam.
Cambridge AICE
The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) is an accelerated method of academic study offered solely through the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). AICE 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.
Dual Enrollment
The dual enrollment program is an accelerated program that allows high school students to simultaneously earn credit toward high school completion and a career certificate, or an associate or baccalaureate degree at a state public institution.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
International Baccalaureate offers a unique educational experience to students through international education programs that challenge and motivate them both academically and personally.
Athletics Overview
Athletics provide healthful and wholesome leisure-time activities for our youth, and are a building block of lifelong health and well being. By understanding that athletics play an important role in not only developing students physically, but also mentally and socially, Polk County Public Schools embraces the important role that athletics and our coaches play in that process.
To maximize the educational potential of athletics, interscholastic programs should be organized and conducted in accordance with these six basic principles:
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Interscholastic athletic programs should be regarded as integral parts of the total educational program and should be conducted so that they are worthy of such regard.
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Interscholastic athletic programs should supplement, rather than serve as substitutes for, basic physical education programs, physical recreation programs, and intramural athletic programs.
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Interscholastic athletic programs should be subject to the same administrative control as the total educational programs.
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Interscholastic athletic programs should be conducted by personnel with adequate training in the principles of coaching.
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The welfare of the participant should be placed above any other consideration. What happens to the student-athlete who participates in the sports program is of primary importance. His or her welfare should transcend any other consideration.
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Interscholastic athletic programs should be conducted in accordance with the letter and spirit of the rules and regulations of appropriate conference, state, and national athletic associations.
While it is wonderful that we have achieved success in the competitive field, the true focus of our athletics program is to foster character, integrity, and discipline.
Participation in interscholastic athletics by a student is a privilege, not a right. To earn this privilege, students must abide by the rules and meet the standards of academic performance and personal behavior that are related to school purpose.