Cambridge-backed courses are expanding in Indiana. Here’s how schools are using them.

Indiana schools are adopting Cambridge International Education courses to better serve students, particularly the 14% of non-English-speaking learners at Whiteland High School who speak 64 languages. Assistant Superintendent Cassandra Shipp noted that the essay-based Cambridge assessments allow students to demonstrate mastery while still learning English, addressing concerns that traditional Advanced Placement courses might disadvantage them. The state has allocated $500,000 in grant funding to expand Cambridge STEM courses, with an initial six schools—including Whiteland—receiving funds in February. A second funding round will allow up to 16 more public and private schools to offer classes like Thinking Skills, Computer Science, Biology, and Chemistry. The goal is to create an advanced diploma pathway, such as the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), which guarantees admission to Indiana’s public universities. Cambridge courses, offered through the University of Cambridge’s nonprofit arm, blend features of both International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs. While IB spans elementary to high school, Cambridge also provides standalone courses, with A-level completions recognized globally, including in the U.K. and Singapore. Mark Cavone, North American regional director for Cambridge University Press and Assessment, emphasized that the program’s use of Global English—a neutral form of the language—makes it accessible to multilingual students. Beyond academic courses, Cambridge offers career-focused options like marine science and travel and tourism, aligning with Indiana’s push for college and career readiness. The AICE diploma is one of several pathways, alongside IB and AP, that can earn students the state’s new Honors Enrollment Seal, ensuring automatic admission to public universities. Indiana’s education department opened the second funding round to broaden access, with schools able to use grants for teacher training and program fees. The expansion reflects a broader trend in U.S. education, with Cambridge courses already available in approximately two dozen states and 160 countries. Whiteland High School’s adoption highlights how districts are adapting curricula to meet diverse student needs while preparing them for global competition. Officials stress that the program removes barriers for bright students, regardless of their language background.