Florida Virtual School Launched Cybersecurity Course
The new Advanced Placement Career Kickstart program provides students in Orlando and beyond with essential security training.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Cybersecurity
Live Poll
Should your local high schools prioritize early specialized career training for students?
Florida Virtual School has launched the Advanced Placement Career Kickstart Cybersecurity course for the 2026-27 school year. More than 600 students have already enrolled in this specialized curriculum to build technical expertise.
Why it matters
Rising demand for cybersecurity professionals across various industries drives the need for high school-level training. This program prepares students for both college and immediate career opportunities in the workforce.
The Applied Cybersecurity Program of Study includes comprehensive training in risk management and penetration testing. Students also have access to IT Fundamentals as an entry-level pathway to build foundational skills.
The players
Florida Virtual School
This public online school headquartered in Orlando provides a variety of educational programs to students across the state of Florida.
The details
The program offers a sequence of courses that introduces students to computer and network security while they are still in high school. Participants can pursue professional certifications, including CompTIA Tech+ and CIW Web Security Associate.
Timeline
The new cybersecurity coursework launched for the 2026-27 school year.
October marks the Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign.
The Tech Race
The inclusion of the CompTIA Tech+ credential in Florida's Gold Standard Career Pathways Articulation Agreement allows students to earn college credit for certifications. This initiative positions the school to better align high school technical education with the requirements of the broader professional IT sector.
Students pursuing this pathway can earn college credit toward select associate degree programs through their certification work. This allows participants to get a head start on professional qualifications while still completing their high school requirements.
The takeaway
Students looking to enter the cybersecurity field should prioritize earning industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Tech+ during their high school years. These credentials serve as a bridge to both higher education credits and entry-level career roles.
Further reading
For additional context on local tech initiatives, explore the Cybersecurity section.
More information
Find detailed program information on the FLVS Applied Cybersecurity Program information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Alachua Chronicle.
Live Poll
Should your local high schools prioritize early specialized career training for students?
