Florida Virtual School launches AI learning pathways for high-schoolers

Florida Virtual School has unveiled one of the first AI programs of study, a progression of industry-focused classes, for high school students. The first course, Artificial Intelligence in the World, is now open for enrollment.

The school also announced nine additional new courses with an emphasis on electives that enable students to discover their passions and interests before heading off to college or the workforce.

The AI industry is expected to experience a steady job growth of 37% between 2023 and 2030; currently, more than 77% of the world’s population uses an AI-powered device or service.

“Our hope is that our AI courses will encourage students to embrace rather than fear AI,” said Amy Heflin, senior manager of curriculum development. “More importantly, it is imperative that we teach students about how to use AI appropriately and ethically.”

The new FLVS courses are a mix of core and electives, including Career and Technical Education, Advanced Placement, world languages, math, and science to allow students to explore what interests them and what they want to do after high school. The new courses are tuition-free for Florida high school students:

• Career and Technical Education courses — Artificial Intelligence in the World, Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction, Hospitality & Tourism Marketing Management, and Principles of Entrepreneurship.

• Core courses — Astronomy/Solar Galactic, Mathematics for College Liberal Arts, and Mathematics for Data and Financial Literacy.

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses — AP Computer Science Principles and AP Physics 1.

• World Languages course — French 3 Honors

Florida Virtual School offers full-time and part-time flexible options for grades kindergarten through 12th. Students have access to more than 190 courses — including core, electives/specials, World Languages, Advanced Placement, and Career and Technical Education courses — all tuition-free for Florida residents and taught by state-certified teachers using a curriculum developed specifically for the online learning environment to facilitate student success.

To learn more about FLVS, visit flvs.net/online-school-options.