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Endorsed Providers of AP CSP Curricula

College Board has endorsed innovative curricula that come with preapproved syllabi, lesson plans, and other instructional supports, delivered by expert education organizations. These curricula include professional development to prepare teachers, whether experienced or new to computer science, to teach the AP Computer Science Principles course.

Adopting one of these out-of-the-box solutions can be a good choice for schools implementing AP CSP. If your school decides to use a curriculum from one of the endorsed providers below, your AP CSP teachers can attend a professional development event offered by that provider and get guidance targeted to that curriculum. Of course, your teachers can also choose to participate in an AP Summer Institute for AP CSP.

A+ College Ready

The A+ College Ready AP Computer Science Principles curriculum has continuously evolved to cater to the changing needs of computer science educators and students, emphasizing a student-centered, teacher-led approach. Incorporating resources from Code.org, CMU, and BJC into its originally developed in-state curriculum, it aims to deepen teachers' content knowledge in computer science, equipping them with the necessary skills and practice to teach at an Advanced Placement level. Recognizing the lack of prior computer science experience among most teachers, the course is designed to build their foundational knowledge, thereby enabling them to deliver engaging, student-centered lessons confidently. The curriculum introduces programming concepts through Snap! before advancing to Python, emphasizing the universality of computer science concepts across different programming languages and offering students the flexibility to choose the language that best suits their creative needs for the Create performance task. This approach not only supports teachers in mastering the content but also encourages them to evolve as computer science educators, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for students.  

Visit A+ College Ready for more details.  

Professional Learning: A+ College Ready offers professional learning over the summer that consists of 10 hours of asynchronous pre-work to prepare teachers for a synchronous 4-day in-person or virtual experience. Professional learning is continued with a 2-day fall conference and a spring mock reading, both conducted in person. Participants will gain insights into the College Board requirements and resources available via AP Classroom. Furthermore, they will explore the A+ College Ready curriculum, learning optimal strategies for implementing it to increase student engagement and learning.

AIQ

AIQ’s AP Computer Science Principles curriculum addresses the core ideas of computing through a comprehensive set of tools and hands-on activities. Throughout the course, students will learn how to design, build, and evaluate solutions for various problems by creating algorithms and computer programs using Python programming language. Additionally, they will be able to explain how computer advances and systems function, investigate their possible implications, and contribute to a collaborative and ethical computing culture.

Visit AIQ AP CSP for more details.

Professional Learning: AIQ’s professional learning program is enriched with plenty of resources, unit plans, and lesson plans for AP Computer Science Principles teachers. After attending the four-day professional development (PD sessions), teachers will be able to steer the course and get their students involved in a spectacular learning experience. Throughout the PD, teachers will learn details about the AP CSP curriculum, how to plan and teach their lessons, as well as how to boost and assess students’ progress in a differentiated manner using the AIQ online platform. The PD sessions can be delivered in person, online instructor led, or online self-paced.

Apple

The Develop in Swift AP CS Principles curriculum helps students build a foundation in programming using Swift—a powerful and intuitive open-source programming language designed by Apple—while preparing them for the AP Computer Science Principles Exam. Students will get practical experience with the tools, techniques, and concepts needed to build an iOS app. They’ll learn about the impact of computing, privacy, and security on society, while exploring the technology behind their own activities through interactive stories. Develop in Swift AP CS Principles includes a student and teacher guide available for free on Apple Books. Downloadable Xcode and Playground project files are also available to support the curriculum activities.

Develop in Swift AP CS Principles includes a student and teacher guide available for free on Apple Books. Downloadable Xcode and Playground project files are also available to support the curriculum activities. 

Visit Develop in Swift: AP Computer Science Principles on Apple Books for more details.  

Professional Development: Register for Apple’s Develop in Swift free online professional learning. 

Barobo

The AP Computer Science Principles with Robotics course, developed by Barobo, Inc. in partnership with the C-STEM Center at the University of California, Davis, provides maximum engagement for students through its innovative blend of robotics with computer science principles and practices. The course uses virtual robots and block-based programming in an online learning management system (LMS), with hardware robots being optional. As one of its salient features, the LMS incorporates the AP CSP robot, robot grid, and commands among its interface options. This feature allows students to actually run and experiment with code that controls the movements of the AP CSP robot, using virtual robots and/or hardware robots. Another innovative feature is the capability to create and run programs in both block code and AP CSP pseudocode. This feature allows students to get interactive practice with the principles and procedures of AP CSP pseudocode, in preparation for the AP CSP exam. 

Visit Barobo: AP Computer Science Principles with Robotics for more details.

Professional Learning: Barobo and the UC Davis C-STEM Center offer workshops on preparing to teach AP Computer Science Principles with Robotics, in both in-person and online versions. Several online follow-up sessions are scheduled throughout the school year. In addition, a one-day quick start workshop is offered for teachers who have prior experience in teaching AP CSP.  

The curriculum and the professional learning for AP Computer Science Principles with Robotics are both available for free for qualified teachers.  

Beauty and Joy of Computing (BJC)

Beauty and Joy of Computing (BJC)'s AP CSP curriculum and PD were developed by the University of California, Berkeley, Education Development Center, and North Carolina State University with support from the National Science Foundation. It emphasizes the joy of creating beautiful computer programs and engages students in critical reflection on the social implications (including potential benefits and harms) of new computing technologies. The curriculum uses the visual block-based programming language Snap! and has an exploratory, hands-on approach in which students collaborate in pairs and teams on projects across a variety of contexts (games, art, mathematics, language, etc.). BJC is available free online.

Explore the Beauty and Joy of Computing: AP Computer Science Principles for the curriculum, and the Beauty and Joy of Computing main site for the broader project.

Professional LearningBJC professional development includes a five-day summer workshop taught both online and in person, where teachers collaboratively design and create visual, interactive Snap! programs, balanced with critical reflection on the impacts of computing. The workshop content is based on the BJC curriculum, and the training includes an introduction to the design philosophy and features of the curriculum, time for teachers to work on labs and a mini Create task, opportunities to plan instruction, and more.

Cobi

Cobi’s AP Computer Science Principles curriculum introduces foundational concepts of computing and technology with project-based learning at the core. Students learn through step-by-step tutorials, discover real-world connections, and use Python to create a series of projects ranging from a simple calculator to data visualization charts. Educators have access to professional development and instructional resources to deliver the course.

Visit CodeCombat: AP Computer Science Principles for more details. 

Professional Learning: Cobi offers a comprehensive online professional development workshop with pedagogy and problem-solving at the core. Weekly check-ins, code reviews, and live support are available for successful completion of the AP CSP course. The program is offered in two formats: a 5-day synchronous program (15 hours), or a self-paced mode (30+ hours).

CodeHS

With a unique focus on creative problem-solving and real-world applications, the CodeHS AP Computer Science Principles curriculum gives students the opportunity to explore important topics of computing. Students use their own ideas and creativity, build artifacts of personal value, and develop an interest in computer science that will foster further endeavors in the field. 

CodeHS offers the following AP Computer Science Principles courses:

Visit the CodeHS catalog to explore the free curriculum. 

Professional Learning: CodeHS offers online professional development and in-person workshops to teachers planning to teach AP CSP. Teachers will gain the coding skills, pedagogical knowledge, resources, and confidence to lead a great AP CSP classroom with CodeHS. No programming experience is required, and the workshops take 30 hours on average to complete.

Code.org

Code.org's AP CSP curriculum resources use engaging, discovery-based approach to address big topics like how the internet works, big data, and programming apps in JavaScript. The curriculum consists of daily lesson plans, videos, tutorials, tools, and assessments that cover the AP CSP learning objectives. Teachers receive professional development and instructional resources to teach the curriculum.

Carnegie Mellon University has developed, in consultation with Code.org, an alternative option for Code.org's AP CSP course – Code.org + CMU CS Academy – for teachers who want to teach the programming units using CMU CS Academy's Python offerings. Teachers using this option will teach using Code.org's AP CSP materials for all units with the exception of the programming units, which use JavaScript. For the programming units, students and teachers will work from the CMU CS Academy platform and program in Python.

Visit Code.org: Computer Science Principles for more details.

Professional Learning: Code.org offers a five-day, in-person local workshop in the summer, followed up by 24 hours of in-person or virtual support throughout the academic year, to teachers who make a one-year commitment to teach the AP CSP in an academic year. Teachers have access to a robust teacher forum moderated by experienced teachers and facilitators. Generous scholarships or discounts are available across the country.

CodeCombat

CodeCombat’s AP CSP curriculum combines game-based and project-based learning experiences to build students’ confidence to code. Using Python or JavaScript, students write code in browser-based games, which promote active learning and a growth mindset.  

Visit CodeCombat: AP Computer Science Principles for more details.   

Professional Learning: All year, teachers have access to a self-placed online professional learning course that contains 20+ hours of content and activities. Part of the course also includes one-on-one and group online consultations where they receive personalized support as they implement the curriculum. 

CodeTrain

CodeTrain’s AP CSP curriculum is approachable for computer science teachers of all levels of experience. It is accessible and well-structured to support new computer science teachers, while including innovative and creative lessons and activities that more experienced teachers can bring to their classroom. Workshops and resources have been built upon years of experience teaching computer science in a broad range of classroom environments and include a one-year program (JavaScript) or a two-year program (Processing and Java) to deliver CSP.

Visit Codetra.in for more details.

Professional Learning: CodeTrain offers extensive summer sessions as well as half-day workshops throughout the school year.

CompuScholar

CompuScholar’s Computer Science Foundations curriculum teaches all required topics for AP CSP using the popular Python language. Guidance is provided for students and teachers on preparing for the CSP end-of-course exam and completing the Create Performance Task. This online curriculum comes with complete student and teacher material, including instructional videos, lessons, quizzes and tests, homework exercises, and hands-on projects. All activities can be completed from any device in an online coding environment. The system auto-grades most student projects to minimize teacher workload. Teachers get expert technical help and one-on-one mentoring. CompuScholar supports automatic rostering and Single-Sign-On through Clever and ClassLink and can integrate course material into a district learning management system like Canvas or Schoology.  

Visit CompuScholar: Computer Science Foundations for more details. 

Review the curriculum by registering at Getting Started

Professional Learning: New or experienced teachers engage in 10 hours of self-study, self-paced training. Teachers learn about CompuScholar’s online system, AP CSP skill requirements and learning objectives, the AP CSP exam format, scoring, course audit, and how to integrate AP Classroom resources into the student experience. Teachers receive yearlong support from CompuScholar’s team. 

CS50

CS50, developed by a Harvard University professor, is an introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for students who are comfortable and those who aren’t. The curriculum assumes no prior background of students, but it is rigorous by design and programming-centric, engaging students with the fundamentals of computer science by way of hands-on programming projects. The computational-thinking skills that students ultimately acquire are broadly applicable. The curriculum includes assessments, notes, slides, software, videos, and more. Programming languages used are Scratch, C, Python, JavaScript, and SQL.

Visit CS50 AP for more details.

Professional Learning: CS50 offers three-day, in-person workshops, with customizable tracks based on participants' interests, to teachers who make a one-year commitment to teach AP CSP in an academic year. Teachers receive ongoing support online throughout the school year from the CS50 team and experienced educators.

Georgia Institute of Technology

This AP CSP curriculum empowers students by giving them a voice through digital storytelling using Georgia Tech’s Student-Centered Computing! Developed by the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC), it introduces foundational computing concepts and explores how computing and technology can amplify student voices through digital storytelling. The curriculum promotes computational thinking with authentic and culturally relevant projects. Students collaboratively draw upon their own experiences, settings, and culture to iteratively and digitally narrate stories, developing awareness and agency and fostering creativity and interest in computer science. The curriculum consists of daily lesson plans, videos, tutorials, and hands-on projects in an easy-to-navigate website. It uses EarSketch, a coding platform integrating music production and remixing, also developed at Georgia Tech to make coding fun and engaging. The curriculum emphasizes creative problem-solving and real-world applications to inspire a lasting passion for computing.   

Visit SCC: AP Computer Science Principles for more details.

Professional Learning: In-person and virtual support is provided throughout the academic year to teachers who make a one-year commitment to teach Georgia Tech’s AP CSP. Four scheduled webinars are included with the curriculum (August, October, January, March). The curriculum is available free online, however, professional learning is highly recommended. Teachers who participate in the 40-hour virtual summer professional learning course (20 hours of instruction and 20 hours of independent work) earn a certificate for course completion. Through Student-Centered Computing, teachers will acquire pedagogical expertise, coding skills, resources, and the confidence needed to lead an AP Computer Science Principles classroom effectively.  No prior programming experience is necessary.

 

Hello World

The Hello World AP CSP curriculum is one of a kind, where students explore computing topics and programming through Virtual Reality and Python! This curriculum is an all-in-one, turn-key solution for new and experienced teachers who are preparing students to master essential computing concepts for the AP CSP Exam. Using CoBlocks, a block-based programming language based on JavaScript, students explore and create highly engaging virtual worlds. To master concepts around data processing and representation, students use Python to solve problems based on real-world data. Interwoven into this curriculum are instructional videos, Create Performance Task practice, auto-graded practice exams, a teacher dashboard, and more. This browser-based curriculum promotes autonomous student learning, creativity, student choice, and an interdisciplinary approach to programming.

Visit Hello World: AP Computer Science Principles for more details.

Professional Learning: All teachers are provided with an online, self-paced professional development course and have access to a year-long professional learning community. Teachers will gain a thorough understanding of the AP CSP exam and be provided with a comprehensive set of tools to successfully implement the curriculum. Teachers will have access to personalized support and feedback from the Hello World team.

*Hello World continues to support teachers who adopted its curriculum in 2023-24 but is currently not accepting new teachers.

Kira Learning

Kira Learning creates curriculum and learning tools that empower teachers and prepare students for a world in which technology and science play pivotal roles in everyone's lives. Through expert-backed content and an intuitive, integrated teaching platform, Kira is intent on transforming the way computer science and artificial intelligence is taught and learned. Kira offers an interactive AP Computer Science Principles course in Python, with an emphasis on AI and data analysis.  

Visit Kira Learning: AP Computer Science Principles for more details.

Professional Learning: Kira offers an in-person summer workshop to teachers who are interested in teaching AP CSP using Kira’s course. Teachers receive ongoing support online throughout the school year from the Kira team and experienced educators.  

Microsoft MakeCode

The AP Computer Science Principles with Microsoft MakeCode curriculum is free and uses web-based technology and tools that can be accessed across platforms and devices. The curriculum includes game-based learning using the MakeCode Arcade platform and visual block-based programming environment, with JavaScript and Python options for differentiated learning opportunities. Our curriculum encourages creativity and self-expression through the creation of custom game assets, characters, and storylines and focuses on design thinking process for student projects.

Visit Microsoft MakeCode: AP Computer Science Principles for more details.

Professional Learning: Microsoft MakeCode offers a five-day online workshop to familiarize educators with the curriculum, tools, and materials to teach AP Computer Science Principles. Teachers do not need prior programming experience, or experience teaching AP Computer Science Principles.

Minecraft Education + Microsoft MakeCode

The AP Computer Science Principles with Minecraft Education curriculum is free and uses the high engagement platform of Minecraft Education and the Microsoft MakeCode visual block-based programming environment which can be accessed across platforms and devices. Students will learn to manipulate Minecraft's mechanics and strengthen their problem-solving skills, utilizing coding concepts to build interactive games that can be played by classmates, friends, and family. This curriculum fosters a learning environment where innovation thrives and students emerge not just as coders but as inventive game designers, empowered to shape their digital landscape and build their future in the technology industry.   

This computer science program includes game-based learning using the Minecraft Education GameCode.   
 
Professional Learning: Microsoft Education offers a five-day online workshop to familiarize educators with the curriculum, tools, and materials to teach AP Computer Science Principles. Teachers do not need prior experience with Minecraft, programming, or teaching AP Computer Science Principles. 

Mobile Computer Science Principles (Mobile CSP)

Mobile CSP, a program of the National Center for Computer Science Education, provides a broad and rigorous introduction to computer science based on MIT App Inventor, a visual programming language for mobile devices. Students build socially useful mobile apps and work through activities to improve their writing, communication, collaboration, and creativity skills. Teachers have access to a complete set of student lessons, detailed lesson plans, assessments, and a dashboard for tracking student progress.

Visit Mobile CSP for more details.

Professional Learning: Mobile CSP offers hybrid or online professional development in immersion (50-hour) or extended (100-hour) formats taught by experienced master teachers with support during the academic year.

NJCTL

NJCTL’s Computer Science Principles free curriculum teaches students how to use text-based Python programming to solve real-world problems and provides everything you need to get students programming on the first day of class. These College Board-approved teaching materials include presentations with instructional videos, guided programming activities, and interactive embedded formative assessment; classwork-homework; labs; quizzes; tests; AP test prep; unit plans and an approved AP syllabus with a yearlong plan. These comprehensive resources and materials make planning easy and fast, and no additional textbooks are needed. Designed to support a social constructivist learning environment, NJCTL materials make learning engaging and accessible to every student. Materials are also fully editable so teachers can tailor them to meet any individual needs.

Visit NJCTL: AP CSP to access classroom teaching materials.

Professional Learning: NJCTL’s professional learning courses are online and asynchronous; teachers can learn anytime, anywhere and timely instructor support is available throughout the duration of the course. This two-course series is eligible for six graduate credits (three credits each).

Professional learning enrollment information can be found here for:

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Project Lead The Way’s AP CSP offering engages students in creative collaboration to explore the big ideas of computer science through our activity-, project-, and problem-based learning curriculum. Students are introduced to the Python programming language as they explore how computing impacts all careers, and develop the transportable skills needed for success.

Visit Project Lead The Way: AP Computer Science Principles for more details.

Professional Learning: Project Lead The Way offers teachers in-depth core training to build their competence and confidence in course-specific knowledge and skills, as well as in pedagogical content knowledge. Core training consists of 80 hours in the summer and fall. Core training options are facilitated by expert Master Teachers, and cohorts leverage social learning and collective knowledge to promote collaboration through core training and community.

Rex K–12

Rex K–12's AP CSP curriculum is a project-based course that emphasizes collaboration and creativity. Students work on a series of hands-on projects throughout the year, culminating in a final project that allows them to apply their skills and knowledge to a real-world problem. Since this is an introductory course, Rex K–12's focus is to help students develop computational thinking skills and learn how to approach complex problems using technology. The curriculum is extremely flexible, as teachers can customize it for a large classroom, direct instruction setting, or for students who prefer a more self-paced environment.    

Visit Rex K–12: AP CSP for more details.

Professional Learning: Rex K–12's professional learning is taught by subject matter experts in their various fields and is designed to give teachers a solid foundation in their particular subjects. In the case of AP CSP, it will be taught by a Python and Scratch expert. Teachers will complete a series of trainings on the Rex K–12 Technology Learning Platform (the TLP), do a deep dive into the AP CSP curriculum, and receive instructional support and checkups throughout the year. 

Project STEM

Project STEM’s AP CSP curriculum reveals the foundational concepts of computer science and the impact of computing on society. Developed in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin’s UTeach Institute, the Project STEM curriculum provides a technology-centric approach to the UTeach CS Principles curriculum. All resources are delivered on an interactive online platform with instructional videos, lesson slides, scaffolded student exercises, extensive teacher resources, support, reporting, and more. The curriculum utilizes the Scratch and Python programming languages, and is suitable for students and teachers with or without prior programming experience.

Visit Project STEM: AP Computer Science Principles for more details.

Professional Learning: Project STEM’s Teaching Computer Science Principles is a self-paced, 40-hour, online asynchronous professional development program developed and supported by veteran computer science educators. New and experienced teachers complete a series of interactive lessons and activities, which focus on foundational computing topics, curricular components, and strategies for successful course implementation.

Skill Struck

Skill Struck’s AP CSP curriculum is an introductory college-level computing curriculum that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems including the internet work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.  

Visit Skill Struck: AP Computer Science Principles for more details.

Professional Learning: Skill Struck offers virtual and in-person workshops to educators planning to use Skill Struck’s AP CSP curriculum. These workshops are taught by computer science curriculum experts. Teachers can also access 38 AP CSP ready-to-use lesson plans at any time. These lesson plans include in-depth activities that help teachers teach their students about the principles taught in AP CSP, and supplemental teaching materials to prepare to teach the course, whether teachers are new to or experienced in computer science. 

Tynker

Tynker's Computer Science Principles curriculum introduces students to the basics of computer science using Python. Students complete creative coding challenges and get patient, step-by-step instructions on programming fundamentals. They code their own playable games, analyze and chart data, explore AI, and much more. Along the way, students learn about the big ideas of computer science, including abstraction, data, algorithms, and creative development.

Visit Tynker: AP Computer Science Principles for more details.

Professional Learning: Tynker offers a four-day virtual training workshop for teachers planning to teach AP CSP. Teachers will gain a thorough understanding of AP CSP’s big ideas and scoring rubrics, as well as Tynker’s classroom management and distance learning features. Valuable Tynker and College Board resources will be shared with all participants, including test resources, daily videos, classroom topic questions, teacher communities, and much more.

Urban Arts

In Urban Arts’ rigorous and evidence-based Game On curriculum, students create their own video games with original art, music, and storytelling, while developing skills needed for the AP CSP Exam. Designed to equip students with essential skills for the future, the program teaches computer science principles through game development using Unity and C#. Embedded in the 108+ hours of instruction are activities specifically designed to promote a growth mindset regarding computer science and attitudes around coding. Gaming is an accessible entry point into computer science that meets students where they’re at through meaningful engagement and artistic exploration.  

Visit Urban Arts: Game On curriculum for more details.

Professional Learning: Teachers receive training and cutting-edge technology to teach with Game On, a curriculum developed through a USDOE Education, Innovation, and Research (EIR) Program. Urban Arts offers a virtual 40-hour professional learning series over the summer. In addition to learning how the Game On curriculum covers crucial AP CSP content, teachers will learn how to use Unity Engine (free for schools to license) and will complete the same game design projects that their students will complete. During the school year, weekly check-ins, class visits, technical support, and workshops are available for all participants.  Apply to the Game On AP CSP School Program. 
 

UTeach

Developed by experts in STEM teaching and learning at The University of Texas at Austin, UTeach AP CS Principles encourages computational thinking and student engagement through a hands-on, project-based curriculum. Comprehensive and classroom ready, the curriculum offers detailed lesson plans, presentation slides, handouts, AP-style test banks, and access to an online student textbook. UTeach works for teachers with a variety of content backgrounds and levels of expertise through intensive scaffolding and on-demand implementation support during the school year. Programming languages: Scratch and Python.

Visit UTeach: AP Computer Science Principles for more details.

Professional Learning: UTeach CS Principles professional development provides a deep dive into AP CSP’s course content, pedagogical approaches, and instructional strategies. PD is offered as a 5-day in-person workshop and a 6-week (summer) or 10-week (fall/spring) online workshop. PD is followed by year-round, on-demand support.