Florida education officials release alternative to AP U.S. History course

May 4, 2026 - 17:37

Florida education officials released the framework for a new history course on Monday, positioning it as a direct alternative to the Advanced Placement U.S. History program. The state-developed curriculum, which will be available to high schools starting next year, aims to offer a version of American history that officials say focuses more on "foundational principles" and less on what they describe as a "negative" or "revisionist" approach.

The move is the latest in a series of state-led efforts to reshape how history is taught in Florida classrooms. Under the new framework, the course will emphasize the nation's founding documents, key figures, and the development of American institutions. State leaders have criticized the existing AP course for what they call a "woke" perspective that downplays patriotism and overemphasizes racial conflict.

Critics, including some educators and civil rights groups, argue that the alternative course will whitewash difficult chapters of U.S. history, such as slavery and systemic discrimination. They also worry that the state's involvement could pressure schools to drop the nationally recognized AP program, which is widely accepted for college credit.

The Florida Department of Education has not yet announced whether the new course will be eligible for college credit or how it will be graded. School districts will have the option to adopt it in place of the AP curriculum starting in the 2025-2026 school year.