Cambridge Programme
The Cambridge Programme offers an international, pre-university curriculum and examination system that emphasizes the value of a broad and balanced education for academically able students. The Cambridge curriculum encourages the development of oral and practical skills, an investigative approach, the use of initiative to solve problems, the application of skills, knowledge, and understanding, and the ability to undertake individual projects and work as part of a team. A range of assessment tools are used. Emphasis is placed on the use of externally marked examination papers by the University of Cambridge International Examinations and on compulsory practical work where appropriate. An important principle of this examination system is that students are rewarded for positive achievement – what they know, understand, and can do – rather than being penalized for an accumulation of errors.
Application Information
Specialty program applications will be accepted November 1, 2024-February 1, 2025.
Visit the Specialty Programs Application Process website to learn more about the application process.
Who can apply?
Students in grades 9, 10, and 11 who attend one of the following schools:
- Colgan HS
- Forest Park HS
- Freedom HS
- Gar-Field HS
- Hylton HS
- Potomac HS
- Woodbridge HS
Learn More About the Cambridge Programme
Program Information
Transfer Program
Students participating in this program will transfer to the program location for all courses and activities.
Express bus transportation is available to accepted students living outside the program location boundaries through Specialty Program Transportation.
School Specific Program Information
(TBA)
Administrative Coordinator of the Cambridge Program
Gifted Services Administrator
Virtual-Only Coordinator
703-441-4200
What is an Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)?
The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) is an innovative and accelerated method of academic study offered solely through the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), a division of the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England -- an institution consistently ranks as one of the top five academic universities in the world. AICE provides a flexible, broad-based curriculum that is offered worldwide at schools and colleges in over 161 countries.
For over 170 years, the prestigious University of Cambridge has been setting worldwide curriculum standards through their examinations. Its qualifications are acknowledge by universities worldwide and are valued for their high standards and for the advanced skills and abilities they develop in students.
Why are AICE courses and the AICE Diploma important?
American universities have responded enthusiastically to AICE. The Cambridge AICE Diploma was first awarded in 1997 and has since become popular with a range of schools in different parts of the world. It encompasses the 'gold standard' Cambridge International AS and A Level qualifications, and offers students the opportunity to tailor their studies to their individual interests, abilities and future plans within an international curriculum framework.
Why should students enroll in AICE courses?
The AICE program of study at Potomac Senior High School offers students one of the most demanding and rigorous college preparatory programs in the world.
Learners must achieve a minimum of seven credits (including Cambridge International AS Level Global Perspectives & Research) from subject groups 1, 2 and 3 (and optionally Group 4) to be awarded the AICE Diploma. Learners must achieve at least one credit from each of Groups 1, 2 and 3. The remaining credits may come from any of the three groups. A maximum of two credits can count from Group 4. A Cambridge International AS Level courses are awarded one credit, while Cambridge International A Level courses are awarded two credits.
Potomac High School students have the option of taking AICE courses and their subsequent exams in order to earn college credits without applying for the AICE diploma. Regardless of the option chosen, enrollment in these rigorous courses will benefit PSHS students in the college application process.
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This website is dedicated to Cambridge students studying Cambridge qualifications. It provides a range of interesting and challenging learning materials to support students preparing to take Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A and AS Level exams. The content is divided into the following areas: subject pages, school time, exam time, next steps and free time to enable the student to access the information needed quickly and easily.