A comprehensive selection of courses is available in Alachua County’s high schools, allowing students to meet graduation requirements, work toward a particular career goal and explore other interests through elective courses.

High-achieving high school students can choose from among several accelerated academic programs listed below:

International Baccalaureate (IB): This program is offered as a magnet at Eastside High School. IB is based on extremely rigorous international academic standards and includes a four-year pre-set curriculum covering all subjects. Students who earn an IB diploma have a passport to many of the world’s leading universities and have earned a year or more of college credits.

Advanced Placement (AP): All of Alachua County’s high schools offer AP courses, which are comparable to introductory college classes. If students earn high scores on AP exams after taking an AP course, they earn college credits which are transferable to almost any public or private college in the United States. The College Board, a national academic organization, controls course standards, teacher qualifications and examinations.

Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE): This program, offered at Gainesville High School, offers an international curriculum and examination system which emphasizes a broad, balanced program of study for academically talented students. The AICE diploma is offered through Cambridge International Examinations, a division of the University of Cambridge in England. Passing scores on Cambridge AICE examinations earn college credits at all public universities and colleges in Florida.

Honors Courses: Students taking honors courses progress at a faster pace and cover more material than students in standard academic courses. However, they do not earn college credit for honors courses.

Extracurricular activities and school clubs are also an important part of the high school experience. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue their interests and to further develop their athletic, artistic, leadership and other skills through such activities.

To participate in many extra-curricular activities, including athletics, students may be required to maintain a certain grade point average. Requirements are available at the school.