Dr PhillipsHigh School

Ranked 2024, 2023, 2022, "Exemplary" by OCPS Annual Magnet Review

Named 2024 & 2022 "National Magnet School of Distinction" by Magnet Schools of America
Named 2017 & 2023 "Magnet Program of Excellence" by Magnet Schools of America

Important Dates

Magnet Application Opens in November
Magnet Application Closes in February
CIS Magnet Open House: January 2025, 6pm-6:45pm in the Dr. Phillips HS Media Center
(Exact date TBD)

Magnet Application Link: School Choice Services - Orange County Public Schools The magnet application link will be on our website beginning mid-morning on November 1.
CIS 24-25
  
CIS Information

CIS Handbook

24-25 Tentative Calendar

CIS Checklist

       CIS Agreement to Comply  

CIS Integrity Policy

CIS Dues (click here)



CIS Donations (click here)


Magnet Guide to Calculating GPA

CIS Student Contact Form

CIS Practicum 

Due April of Junior Year

CIS Practicum Handbook
Due completed by April 15th of your Junior Year

**Must be logged into your OCPS account to access the links above.**

***PDF's for parents are linked below (information may not be up-to-date)***

CIS Handbook
CIS Calendar 2024 - 2025
CIS Practicum Handbook 2024 - 2025
CIS Checklist 2024 - 2025

Magnet Faculty

Calendar of Events

Reminder: CIS students must attend at least TWO magnet cultural evening events each year

Guest Speakers 23-24

Fulbright Scholar:  Dr. Lalitagauri Kulkarni

Supreme Court Justice: The Honorable Chief Justice Jorge Labarga
Justice Labarga Speaking

International Hosting Opportunities

Parent Volunteers

We'd love to have you on our team! If you wish to support our magnet, please click here.

About the CIS Magnet

CIS Highlights              What CIS Graduates Say            Interested? How to Apply

The Dr. Phillips High School's Center for International Studies Magnet (CIS), established in 1987, provides a strong academic curriculum with an international dimension where students develop the skills and knowledge to cultivate an attitude of cross-cultural awareness. The CIS curriculum emphasizes major concepts in international affairs, politics, history, world religions, and humanities; while having the opportunity to become fluent in a foreign language. The CIS magnet offers a strong Advanced Placement emphasis, enhancing student opportunities for scholarships and college entrance.

In support of our magnet mission, our students take AP-social studies classes, Honors and AP- English classes, and complete four years of a world language while in high school.

Overview of Requirements: (see Handbook for details)

• Enrollment in required CIS classes
• 3.0 unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale for each grading period/quarter
• Good attendance
• Compliance with OCPS Code of Conduct with no Level II, III, IV disciplinary actions
• Compliance with CIS Honors Code
• Participation in scheduled CIS seminars, assemblies, and multicultural activities
• Yearly attendance at TWO magnet multicultural evening events
• Completed "practicum" (real-life international experience, project, activity) before end of junior year

Course Progression: (see Handbook above for details)

Course requirements are subject to change, pending state curriculum changes and availability of specialized instructors. CIS Social Studies, English, and cultural arts classes are only taught at the honors and AP levels. To remain in the CIS magnet, students must remain and succeed in these required level classes. For more curriculum details, please visit the magnet handbook.Total: 24 credits required for graduation.

In addition to studying history, our CIS program provides an exciting exposure to different cultures and international relationships through many stimulating international experiences, including fun evening events, field trips to local cultural organizations, guest speakers, short-term hosting of foreign exchange students, and participation in study-travel programs abroad; all of which afford students direct interaction with foreign cultures.

Among our magnet students:

• Six of our school's top 10 Highest Ranked Students for the Class of 2019 were CIS students
• Over 4 million dollars in scholarship money was offered to CIS 2019 graduating seniors, including four CIS students who received athletic scholarships
• 100% of the Class of 2022 graduated and entered college 
• Students enter MIT, Harvard, William and Mary, Dartmouth, Duke, most Florida universities, and smaller local colleges
• While students enter universities with the plan to major in a wide variety of subjects, many indicate majors in International Business, International Affairs, Political Science, Art Programs, and Urban Studies, with career plans that include the Foreign Service, diplomacy, teaching abroad, and working for the United Nations
• CIS students outperform district and state results by an average of 40% for reading scores and over 50% for math scores

We strive to support our students during their high school career and to ensure a great quality education.

Among our magnet students:

• Six of our school's top 10 Highest Ranked Students for the Class of 2019 were CIS students
• Over 4 million dollars in scholarship money was offered to CIS 2019 graduating seniors, including four CIS students who received athletic scholarships
• 100% of the Class of 2022 graduated and entered college 
• Students enter MIT, Harvard, William and Mary, Dartmouth, Duke, most Florida universities, and smaller local colleges
• While students enter universities with the plan to major in a wide variety of subjects, many indicate majors in International Business, International Affairs, Political Science, Art Programs, and Urban Studies, with career plans that include the Foreign Service, diplomacy, teaching abroad, and working for the United Nations
• CIS students outperform district and state results by an average of 40% for reading scores and over 50% for math scores

We strive to support our students during their high school career and to ensure a great quality education.

CIS Partnerships

CIS is fortunate to have multiple partnerships which support student learning. These include our Parent Advisory Board, Dr. Phillips Rotary Club, Rotary Youth Exchange Program, City of Urayasu, Urayasu International Friendship Association, BG|BRG St. Martin School (Austria), Aabybro Efterskole (Denmark); and our academic local partnerships with the Global Perspectives Office at the University of Central Florida, and the Holocaust Memorial Resource/Education Center of Florida.

We are honored to be partners with the University of Central Florida's Global Perspectives program. Global Perspectives has shared dozens of guest speakers with us since 2008, including ambassadors, generals, Foreign Service officers, and experts on topics such as international relations, terrorism, human trafficking, and faith communities.

"Too many Americans shy away from or lack interest in foreign affairs. What they may not know or fully appreciate is that every major global issue today has no regard for political boundaries. What is global is local. Dr. Phillips understands these realities, and it endeavors to produce students who are knowledgeable and prepared for the rigors of the world environment. They are globally aware and locally engaged."
-UCF Global Perspectives former President, John Bersia

Interested in Joining CIS?

Want to know what a successful magnet student in CIS looks like? We have found that this student is...

• Consistently earning A's and B's in advanced/honors English and social studies classes
• On or above grade level on state assessments
• Ready to be challenged and has a love of learning
• Able to use time management skills to turn in assignments on time
• Dedicated to the time and effort the program requires for all four years
• Excited to be part of extracurricular activities and events

If the above description sounds like your student, please apply at www.schoolchoice.ocps.net. Students applying for admission may do so during their eighth or ninth grade years. The magnet application and lottery is done through the Office of School Choice Services during the months of November through February. We'd love for you to be a part of our highly competitive, college prep program!

Please note that bus transportation is not provided for this program.

Specific Eligibility Requirements: Applicant's schedule must be able to accommodate magnet classes; a 3.0 GPA is recommended.