SCPS students have the opportunity to select from many different accelerated programs and premier experiences to fit their "E" of enrollment, employment, or enlistment. These programs and experiences include Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment (DE), International Baccalaureate (IB), Industry Certification, and participating in two or more years of JROTC and taking the ASVAB. 

Find more information on each experience below.

 

Enrollment Acceleration

Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment (DE), and International Baccalaureate (IB) provide students the opportunity to engage in challenging curriculum. Additionally, these courses are weighted an additional one point for high school grade point average (GPA) if students earn a grade of A-C in the course.

International Baccalaureate (IB)	Advanced Placement (AP)	Dual Enrollment (DE)
Advanced, rigorous content	Advanced, rigorous content	Advanced, rigorous content
Total program - begins with Pre DP grades 9-10, IB begins in grades 11-12	Individual courses selected by student	Individual courses selected by student, must meet DE criteria (GPA/test scores), complete DE application form, and register for DE through the college
Potential for college credit based on IB exam scores and essays (internal assessments); evaluated by colleges for college credit	Potential for college credit based on AP exam score/determined by AP course; evaluated by colleges for college credit	Potential for college credit based on passing the course; evaluated by colleges for college credit
International standards	National standards	School-wide standards (college)
Weighted 1 point extra for HS GPA	Weighted 1 point extra for HS GPA	Weighted 1 point extra for HS GPA

 

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a rigorous two-year comprehensive program of study leading to internationally standardized tests. Students completing the IB program are eligible for college credit based on scores achieved on IB exams (dependent on the college or university). For more information, visit the International Baccalaureate Program. Students who earn an IB diploma may be eligible for Bright Futures without having to meet test score requirements. For more information, refer to pages 5-6 of the Bright Futures Student Handbook.

SCPS offers the IB program at Seminole High School (SHS) and Winter Springs High School (WSHS). Placement is based on the student's zoned school of attendance. Students zoned for Seminole, Lake Mary, Lyman, and Lake Brantley are eligible to apply for the SHS IB Diploma Program. Students zoned for Winter Springs, Hagerty, Oviedo, and Lake Howell are eligible to apply for the Winter Springs IB Diploma Program.  Students must apply to these magnet schools during the application window. For more information, visit SCPS Magnet Programs.

SCPS offers the SCPS Pre-IB Preparatory Program at the four magnet middle schools: Millennium Middle, Milwee Middle, Sanford Middle, and South Seminole Academy. Students who finish 8th grade in the SCPS Pre-IB Program Track at any of the four middle school magnets and apply during the on-time application period for the International Baccalaureate will have priority placement in the IB program. For more information, visit SCPS Pre-IB Preparatory Program.

 

Advanced Placement (AP)

The College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) program is nationwide with a vast range of college-level courses and exams. All SCPS high schools offer a variety of AP courses. Students may earn college credit as determined by passing scores on AP exams and/or other course-specific requirements, depending on the college or university. 

Within the College Board's AP Program is the AP Capstone diploma. AP Capstone™ is a diploma program from the College Board based on two year long AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Students who complete the two-year program can earn one of two different AP Capstone awards, which are valued by colleges across the United States and worldwide. 

For more information, visit College Board- AP

 

Dual Enrollment (DE)

Dual enrollment is a degree-acceleration program allowing students to pursue an advanced curriculum relevant to their individual postsecondary interests. Students taking dual enrollment courses are enrolled in both the high school and the college/university.  SCPS has dual enrollment agreements with Seminole State College (SSC) and the University of Central Florida (UCF). 

Courses taken through dual enrollment or early admissions are a part of the official college/university transcript and the college/university grade point average calculation. The grade at the end of the semester will be posted to their college transcript in whatever post-secondary pursuit the student strives to attain. No external examination outside the college is typically required to pass the course; however, it is crucial that students pass to maintain their financial aid eligibility. 

Students must meet eligibility requirements to enroll in dual enrollment courses. School counselors help students determine eligibility and course options. They also support students' application completion. Visit the Seminole State College (SSC) or University of Central Florida (UCF) Dual Enrollment/Early Admissions page for information and other helpful resources. For more information on SCPS dual enrollment, please visit the SCPS Dual Enrollment site. 

 

Employment Acceleration

Industry Certifications

Industry certifications in CTE courses are vital as they validate skills, providing employers with a clear measure of a candidate's capabilities. Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, these certifications ensure alignment with current standards, enhancing graduates' employability and adaptability. For students, earning these certifications boosts confidence and credibility and opens doors to a variety of career opportunities, making them stand out in a competitive job market. Some industry certifications articulate to state approved college credit(s). Overall, industry certifications bridge the gap between education and industry needs, fostering a well-prepared and skilled workforce.SCPS offers several programs at high schools that will lead to industry certifications.

For more information on Industry Certifications, see the links below.

Florida Department of Education- Industry Certification

Florida Department of Education CAPE Industry Certification Funding List

 

Enlistment Acceleration

2 Years of JROTC & ASVAB

Did you know that higher Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) scores open up a wider range of career opportunities and choices in military branches? ASVAB scores are used to determine eligibility for different branches of the military and job eligibility within those branches. The ASVAB score can also impact eligibility for bonuses and educational financial assistance. Scoring a 65 or higher on the ASVAB and participating in two years of ROTC will provide students with more opportunities.

The ASVAB is a timed, multi-aptitude test, developed and maintained by the Defense Department (DoD).  The ASVAB helps the DoD determine whether someone is a good fit for the military and which branch may be the best match. It can also serve as a valuable career exploration tool to help students identify their strengths and potential career paths. Taking the ASVAB does not obligate students to enroll in the military. 

Studentsinterested in enlisting in the military are encouraged to enroll in JROTC courses at their high school for a minimum of two years and to take the ASVAB assessment. Enrollment in a minimum of two years of JROTC will help prepare students to take the ASVAB. 

For more information on the military and the required ASVAB scores, please visit Military & ASVAB