Florida is introducing a new college-level American history class for high school students, offering an alternative to Advanced Placement courses. The Florida Department of Education has announced a pilot program for the 2026-2027 school year, with full statewide implementation scheduled for the 2027-2028 school year.
The pilot program for Florida Advanced Course and Test (FACT): U.S. History is modeled on two introductory college-level courses and will be based on current K-12 standards. This initiative is part of a 2023 law authorizing the Department of Education to add advanced courses in collaboration with the State University System and the Florida College System.
The move to create an alternative to AP courses stems from Governor Ron DeSantis’ push against the College Board, which runs the AP program. This push was motivated by concerns over the teaching of certain topics, such as gender and sexual orientation in AP Psychology, and critical race theory in AP African American Studies.
The introduction of this new course is a significant step forward for education in Florida, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with U.S. History in a college-level setting.
"The introduction of the FACT: U.S. History course has implications for how history is taught in Florida’s high schools. It also reflects a broader trend of states taking a more active role in shaping education policy and curriculum.
As Florida implements this new course, it will be important to monitor its impact on student outcomes and the overall education landscape in the state. This includes considering how the course aligns with college and university expectations and how it prepares students for postsecondary education.
This development reflects a significant shift in how education policy is being approached in Florida, with a focus on providing students with a range of academic options that prepare them for success in college and beyond. For more information on how this initiative aligns with the state’s education goals, visit the Florida Department of Education website.
