FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
500 Students Earn Prestigious Cambridge AICE Diploma
** Link to Interview with Wharton High School senior, Mia Grande - an AICE student**
TAMPA, Fla. (August 12, 2026) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is celebrating another year of outstanding achievement in its Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) programs, with significant gains in student participation, exam performance, and diploma attainment across the district.
This year, 500 HCPS students earned the prestigious Cambridge AICE International Diploma, an increase of 149 students from 2025. The diploma is recognized worldwide for its academic rigor and can help students qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, creating meaningful financial opportunities for families.
HCPS students earned 15,860 qualifying Cambridge exam scores, an increase of 1,415 qualifying scores over the previous year. These gains come as participation in Cambridge coursework continues to grow, with 3,784 additional exams administered in 2026 compared to 2025.
"These results demonstrate the incredible dedication of our students, teachers, school leaders, counselors, and families," said Superintendent Van Ayres. "We are committed to expanding access to challenging academic opportunities that prepare students for success after graduation. The growth we are seeing in Cambridge AICE participation and achievement means more students are earning college credit, qualifying for scholarships, and opening doors to future opportunities."
Several subject areas posted exceptional results:
More than 900 students passed Cambridge Spanish Language exams, achieving a 96.5% pass rate, while participation increased by more than 400 exams compared to last year.
More than 150 students passed Cambridge Drama exams, earning a 92.2% pass rate.
AICE English General Paper remained the district's largest Cambridge assessment, with 9,340 exams administered, introducing thousands of students to college-level coursework and academic writing.
The growth extended well beyond individual student achievement. Twenty-three HCPS high schools produced Cambridge AICE Diploma recipients this year, up from 16 schools last year, reflecting the district's deliberate expansion of diploma pathways and college-level learning opportunities across Hillsborough County.
The achievement builds on HCPS' recent recognition as Cambridge Large District of the Year, highlighting the district's continued leadership in providing rigorous academic opportunities that help students earn college credit, qualify for scholarships, and graduate prepared for future success.
To learn more about Cambridge AICE and other accelerated programs at Hillsborough County Public Schools, visit
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