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With the increased demand for Computer Science degrees in the work force, Computer Science is becoming more prominent in high schools. AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) is a course that serves as a bridge into Computer Science. Code.org provides a year-long curriculum for this AP course to be led by teachers in the classroom. Beyond an analysis of the pass rates of students, and with the recency of the AP CSP course, a reflection of the AP CSP curriculum from the student’s perspective is in order. This study breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of AP CSP from a student’s perspective. Results show there are many strengths compared to weaknesses in relation to the Code.org curriculum. However, the course can be a little challenging in motivating and engaging students if not executed properly by the teacher. 

Computer Science drives innovation and discovery, and Computer Science classes in High Schools, particularly AP Computer Science Principles, have also been linked to better performance in other High School courses, but a Code.org report shows that the state of Florida, particularly the Northwest Florida region, is far behind the rest of the nation in offering Computer Science classes at the High School level. This paper discusses strategies that are can be implemented to improve High School Computer Science offerings in like-regions that have lower Computer Science offerings. The paper also discusses the challenges that come up in addressing this issue and presents potential avenues for addressing these challenges. One major challenge that is addressed is creating the culture of inclusive computing by getting more women and under-represented groups interested in taking Computer Science courses. Though this is a Northwest Florida case study, most of the strategies discussed in this paper would be applicable to any other part of the country with low Computer Science offerings with a similar socio-economic background.