Orange County High School Students Protest Academic Program Cuts

Orange County High School Students Protest Against Proposed Cuts to Advanced Academic Programs

Orange County high school students are gearing up for a significant protest on Tuesday afternoon, voicing their opposition to the proposed changes affecting advanced academic programs, specifically the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Cypress Creek High School. The demonstration, which is set to take place at 3 p.m. outside the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center in Downtown Orlando, has been organized by students from Cypress Creek and calls on fellow students, staff, and alumni to join in. Some participants are expected to arrive via SunRail.

The main point of contention is the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) decision to discontinue the IB program at Cypress Creek due to alleged lack of student interest. Although OCPS has promised to support current IB students until they complete their coursework and earn diplomas, no new students will be admitted to the program starting from the next academic year. This decision has sparked outrage among students who believe it undermines their potential for accessing college-level coursework.

In addition to protesting the elimination of the IB program, students are also advocating against recent legislative changes proposed by Florida lawmakers. These changes could possibly reduce funding for advanced academic classes, including IB, Advanced Placement (AP), and Cambridge AICE programs, by as much as 50%. Such budget cuts are projected to result in a substantial statewide loss of approximately $290 million.

Current policies allow schools to receive extra state funding when students successfully pass AP and IB exams. This funding not only aids in teacher bonuses but also covers educational materials and exam fees. As Florida’s high school landscape evolves, the participation rates in advanced courses remain high, with over 100,000 students taking AP exams annually and enrollment in IB programs projected to increase from around 16,000 in the 2023-24 academic year to over 17,000 in 2024-25.

Students emphasize that the proposed changes threaten their educational opportunities and impede their ability to earn significant college credits while still in high school. Many protesters have expressed frustration over feeling excluded from the decision-making process concerning the IB program’s future at Cypress Creek High School. They argue that the focus should not solely transition to AP and AICE programs, as many students feel those alternatives do not offer the same opportunities that IB programs do.

Numerous alumni and current students have openly criticized the reduced prospects available in AP compared to the benefits provided by the IB curriculum. Advocacy efforts have been gaining traction among students, parents, and faculty members, as they seek to maintain the funding for advanced education programs that have been critical in shaping their academic paths.

The future direction of the IB program at Cypress Creek remains uncertain even as discussions continue about restoring full funding for advanced education mandates in the state legislature. During recent school board meetings, students have actively raised their concerns, pushing for officials to reconsider the decision to eliminate the IB program and advocate for its retention.

The Cypress Creek High School community continues to rally together in their efforts to sustain the IB program, highlighting its importance and the potential impact on students’ future college admissions. With the protest approaching, the commitment of the students and their supporters remains strong as they aim to safeguard their academic options for years to come.