MIDDLEBURG – The AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) program developed by the University of Cambridge in England will be offered at Middleburg High next fall. Completion of the accelerated course load and passing the AICE examinations grants hardworking students an AICE diploma upon graduation, which automatically guarantees the Bright Futures Scholarship.

The AICE diploma is a ticket to higher education as much as it is a testament to dedication in the classroom. Principal Martin Aftuck at Middleburg High is proud of what the implementation of AICE means for his school.

“We already offer dual enrollment (DE) and advanced placement (AP) programs, but now, with AICE, we’re offering another opportunity for prospective students,” he said.

He cited his daughter, who went through the AICE program at Fleming Island High, as evidence of the program’s success. He was thankful for how well she resonated with the program.

The principal is anticipating 90 students from the 9th-grade cohort to enroll next fall. The AICE program is an opportunity for more resources for high school students, such as dedicated learning environments. Aftuck is confident in his teachers' abilities to transition to the AICE classroom and for his students to succeed. He wanted to emphasize that the challenging program would be a fruitful endeavor.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for students to get some experience at the college level,” he said. “Just because it is AICE, kids will have the opportunity to still be kids. There’s going to be homework, but they won’t be drowning in it. They’ll still have the ability to be involved in the (extracurriculars) they’re interested in.”

Principal Nate Warmouth of Wilkson Junior High shared Aftuck’s enthusiasm. Warmouth is eagerly anticipating the implementation of Pre-AICE programs at Wilkinson Junior High, the primary feeder school to Middleburg High.

“Clay County does school choice. In the past, we’ve lost members of our student body who were zoned for Wilkson that opted instead to pursue opportunities at other district schools,” Warmouth said.

The principal is dedicated to providing the best educational opportunities for his students, and he sees the Pre-AICE program at Wilkinson Junior High in conjunction with AICE at Middleburg High as just one more step forward.

“Wilkinson has climbed academically from bottom three to top three in the county,” he said. “Academically, we are moving the needle. The decisions we make must continue to be made in the student’s best interests. We want to give each student the opportunity and academic advantage we can.”

He continued.

“This means getting their feet wet in the ‘Cambridge experience,’ getting them acclimated to accelerated learning and setting them up for success in Middleburg High.”

Aftuck invites all incoming, interested 9th-grade students to reach out to him with any questions at martin.aftuck@myoneclay.net

“Go, Broncos!” Aftuck said.