Adopt Ready-to-Use Curricula

Providers of AP CSP Curricula and Pedagogical Support

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.

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 the AIQ AP CSP page 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.

Register for Apple’s Develop in Swift free online professional learning. Visit https://appleeducation.catalog.instructure.com.

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 curriculum, and the Beauty and Joy of Computing 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 Cobi: AP Computer Science Principles.

Professional Learning: Cobi Computer Science 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. The CodeHS AP Computer Science Principles curriculum is available in Python or JavaScript.

CodeHS also offers AP Computer Science Principles Cybersecurity in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Training & Education (NCyTE) Center, which explores computer science topics with an emphasis in cybersecurity.

Visit the CodeHS catalog to explore the free curriculum and CodeHS for additional information.

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. Teachers will receive personalized support and feedback from the CodeHS PD team.

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.

Visit Code.org: Computer Science Principles.

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 CSP curriculum.   

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.

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’s Computer Science Foundations for more information and a College Board–approved syllabus.  

Review the curriculum by registering at CompuScholar’s Getting Started

Professional Learning: For 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.

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.

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 CSP for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Classroom Teaching Materials can be found here.

Professional Learning Enrollment information can be found here for:

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).

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.

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 curriculum.

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.

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 CSP curriculum to learn more.  

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.

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.

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 CS Principles.

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 five-day in-person workshop and a six-week (summer) or ten-week (fall/spring) online workshop . PD is followed by year-round, on-demand support.