More than 600 Students Earn Advanced Program Diplomas

More than 600 Students Earn Advanced Program Diplomas
Posted on 09/12/2024
More than 600 Students Earn Advanced Program Diplomas

The School District of Lee County is proud to congratulate the 626 students who earned their International Baccalaureate Diploma or their Cambridge AICE Diploma at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. The IB and Cambridge programs both provide a rigorous curriculum, college credit and a 100% Bright Futures Scholarships to students who successfully complete the requirements.

“We commend our students for their dedication, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity,” said Advanced Courses Coordinator Natalie Elschlager. “Their achievements are a reflection of their hard work and the support of their families, teachers, and communities. We look forward to witnessing their future successes and contributions as they embark on their collegiate journeys.”

167 students earned their IB Diplomas from the four schools offering the program:

• Cape Coral High School (37)
• Dunbar High School (6)
• Fort Myers High School (86)
• Riverdale High School (38)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is renowned for its demanding academic standards and holistic approach to education. To be awarded the IB Diploma, students must meet the following requirements:

• Complete six subject courses from different academic areas, including Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts.
• Undertake the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, which explores the nature of knowledge across disciplines.
• Conduct an independent research project known as the Extended Essay.
• Participate in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) activities to foster personal and interpersonal development.

A full list of the IB Diploma graduates can be found here.

“It is always an honour to congratulate IB graduates on all their achievements, and this year their results are nothing short of praiseworthy” said Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate. “From the beginning, the IB has been providing an international, holistic education to inspire future leaders and peace builders. This cohort has demonstrated this commitment, and I am delighted to see so many of them moving confidently on to the next chapter of their lives equipped with the future-ready skills and compassion that define IB learners.”

459 earned their Cambridge AICE Diplomas after completing their 2024 exams. Eleven District high schools and two Charter Schools offer the Cambridge AICE program to students. To earn this diploma, students must successfully complete a challenging curriculum that includes a combination of Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced Level (A) courses across multiple subjects. The AICE Diploma requires students to achieve a minimum of seven credits, including:

• At least one credit from each of the four subject groups: Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, and Humanities.
• The successful completion of a compulsory Global Perspectives course.
• Demonstrated proficiency in a range of disciplines through rigorous assessments and examinations.

A full list of the Cambridge AICE Diploma recipients can be found here.

“I want to congratulate everyone receiving exam results and all the dedicated teachers who work so hard to support students in their education journey,” said Rod Smith, Group Managing Director for International Education at Cambridge. “In the face of today’s global challenges, it’s heartening to see more and more young people choosing an international education to help them thrive in an ever-changing world.”

The Class of 2024 earned more than $60 million in scholarships. 1,947 graduates reported they are attending a four-year college or university with another 1,658 choosing a two-year community/state college. 869 planned to attend a technical school or college, 534 entered the workforce and 222 joined the military.