Florida Virtual School Expands Cybersecurity Course Offerings for Florida Students

October 14, 2026

A student explores cybersecurity concepts through hands-on learning with technology. Florida Virtual School's Applied Cybersecurity Program of Study provides opportunities for students to develop technical knowledge, earn industry-recognized credentials, and explore cybersecurity careers while in high school.

As demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow across industries, Florida students are exploring cybersecurity careers earlier than ever.

For the 2026-27 school year, FLVS launched Advanced Placement Career Kickstart Cybersecurity, a course equivalent to a one-semester college-level cybersecurity course. More than 600 students have enrolled in the course during the 2026-27 school year.

FLVS also introduced IT Fundamentals as the pathway's new entry-level course, providing students with a foundation for advanced cybersecurity coursework and industry certifications. The FLVS Applied Cybersecurity Program of Study offers a sequence of courses that introduce students to computer and network security, risk management, incident response, penetration testing, and other cybersecurity concepts. 

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual campaign that promotes online safety and cybersecurity best practices through collaboration among government, education, and industry organizations.

"Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing and most important career fields in today's economy," said Amy Heflin, senior manager, curriculum development. "By giving students access to cybersecurity coursework while they're still in high school, we're helping them develop technical knowledge, critical-thinking skills, and early exposure to career pathways that are increasingly important to Florida's workforce."

Students enrolled in the pathway can pursue industry-recognized credentials, including the CompTIA Tech+ and CIW Web Security Associate certifications.

The CompTIA Tech+ credential is included in Florida's Gold Standard Career Pathways Articulation Agreement, allowing students to earn guaranteed college credit toward select associate degree programs at Florida State Colleges. Eligible programs include Computer Information Technology, Computer Programming and Analysis, Data Science Technology, and Network Systems Technology.

"I've been interested in computers since I was about seven years old, and over time, that curiosity developed into a strong interest in cybersecurity," said Brent Jourdan, a 10th-grade student in Brevard County, Fla., who takes individual courses (Flex) through FLVS. "These courses have helped me develop my knowledge of computer systems and cybersecurity while building the skills that will help prepare me for college and a future career in security operations, where I can analyze security alerts, investigate suspicious activity, and help protect computer systems."

Cybersecurity careers include roles such as information security analyst, computer security specialist, and data security administrator. With additional education and training, students may also pursue positions such as cybersecurity technician and junior incident response analyst. 

Learn about the FLVS Applied Cybersecurity Program of Study and how it helps students prepare for college, certifications, and careers in cybersecurity.

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