Lake County Schools named District of the Year for college and work preparedness

• Lake County Schools has been named the 2024-25 U.S. District of the Year (medium-sized district category) by Cambridge University's International Education group.
• The award recognizes the district's success in implementing the Cambridge Pathway, which provides rigorous coursework to prepare students for college and the workforce.
• The program, known as the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), is offered at several Lake County schools.
• Students who earn the Cambridge AICE diploma and meet other requirements can receive a full Bright Futures scholarship to any state college or university in Florida.

TAVARES — Providing coursework for teens that prepares them for college and the job market encourages critical thinking, problem-solving skills and a strong moral compass, according to an article by Life Prep Academy.

Lake County Schools adopted a program from Cambridge University, and the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment has named Lake County Schools as the 2024-25 U.S. District of the Year (in the medium-sized district category).

A team from Cambridge University will present an award to Lake County Schools for its success in preparing students for life after high school at a school board meeting on April 14.

The award recognizes LCS for its continued success, "expanding access to high-quality, rigorous coursework for all students," in what's known as the Cambridge Pathway, according to Lake County Schools' spokesperson.

The instructional pathway is designed to be flexible, offering academic programs that prepare students for postsecondary education and the workforce.

"Lake County Schools offers the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma program as an accelerated learning option that helps prepare students for college and equips them with the skills needed to be successful once they get there," a Lake County Schools press release explains.

The Cambridge AICE program is offered at Eustis, East Ridge, Lake Minneola, Leesburg, South Lake and Umatilla high schools; at Carver, Gray, Oak Park and Umatilla middle schools; and at the Aurelia M. Cole Academy K-8. 

“Students in Lake County are accepting the challenge to accelerate their learning, passing the AICE exam, and earning college credits tuition-free before they graduate high school,” Lake Superintendent Diane Kornegay said in a press statement.

"Additionally, in Florida when a student earns the Cambridge AICE diploma and has the required GPA and community service hours, the student gets a full Bright Futures scholarship covering 100 percent of their tuition at any state college or university in Florida. That’s a life-changing opportunity for our students and their families.”

Each year, Cambridge honors three districts based on high school enrollment: large districts with over 20,000 students; medium districts between 10,000 and 20,000, and small districts with fewer than 10,000 students.

Along with Lake County, the other 2024-25 U.S. District of the Year Award recipients include Hillsborough County Public Schools in the large category, and Putnam County School District in the small category. 

The school board meeting and Cambridge U award presentation take place on Monday, April 14, at 6 p.m., at the Lake County Administration Building, 315 W. Main St., Tavares.