Cambridge Honors Three Exemplary U.S. School Districts

Districts receive national recognition for expanding access to high-quality education and preparing students for future success

NEW YORK, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge), announced today the 2024-25 recipients of the U.S. District of the Year Awards. These awards honor three school districts for their continued success in the Cambridge Pathway, expanding access to high-quality, rigorous coursework for all students.

The Cambridge Pathway is designed to be flexible, offering academic programs that prepare students with the essential skills to succeed in a changing world and global economy. Cambridge courses and exams are recognized by over 1,000 colleges and universities in the U.S., as well as by leading universities globally, and provide students with the opportunity to earn valuable college credit and career-connected skills before graduation.

Each year, Cambridge honors three districts based on high school enrollment: large districts with over 20,000 students; medium districts with between 10,000-20,000 students; and small districts with less than 10,000 students.

Within each category, Cambridge recognizes the districts that rank highest based on the following criteria:

• Increasing access to rigorous Cambridge curriculum the past three years
• Exhibiting strong student performance on Cambridge exams, and demonstrating the district's dedication to expanding access to high-quality education for all students

2024-25 US District of the Year Award Recipients

• Large: Hillsborough County Public Schools
• Medium: Lake County Schools
• Small: Putnam County School District

"We are delighted to honor the Hillsborough, Lake, and Putnam County communities for their outstanding academic and instructional achievements through the Cambridge Pathway," said Mark Cavone, Regional Director, North America for International Education at Cambridge. "These awards recognize the districts' unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, creating an environment where every student can thrive and realize their full potential."

In celebration of these awards, district leaders shared thoughts on the impact of the Cambridge Pathway:

Van Ayres, Superintendent of Schools for Hillsborough County Public Schools, commented: "This award demonstrates our commitment to expanding opportunities for students to engage in advanced coursework, equipping them for the challenges of post-secondary education. I extend my gratitude to our teachers, support staff, and school and district administrators for their efforts in preparing students for future success."

Diane Kornegay, Superintendent for Lake County Schools, shared: "Students in Lake County are accepting the challenge to accelerate their learning, passing the AICE exam, and earning college credits tuition free before they graduate high school. Additionally, in Florida when a student earns the Cambridge AICE diploma and has the required GPA and community service hours, the student gets a full Bright Futures scholarship covering 100% of their tuition at any state college or university in Florida. That's a life-changing opportunity for our students."

Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent of Putnam County School District, added: "The Putnam County School District is proud to be recognized as a recipient of the Cambridge District of the Year Award in the Small District Category. Our district continues to improve student performance on Cambridge exams even as we expand access to more students. This award highlights the incredible potential of our students and our teachers' commitment to high expectations."

About Cambridge
Cambridge International Education is the awarding body of the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge. Our International Education group works with schools worldwide to build an education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world.

We offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from PreK-12 (the Cambridge Pathway), informed by research, experience, and listening to educators.

With recognized qualifications (such as Cambridge Pre-Advanced (IGCSE)  and Advanced (International AS & A Level), high-quality resources, comprehensive support and valuable insights, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Together, we help Cambridge learners be ready for the world.

Learn more! Visit www.cambridgeinternational.org

SOURCE Cambridge International Education