Principal Dr. Fredrik Oberkehr told the PVHS Tiburon student newspaper the school is considering adding FACT College Algebra, a state-designed course that lets students earn college credit without taking an Advanced Placement exam. FACT stands for Florida Advanced Courses and Tests.

"We were going to offer it this year, but didn't have too much knowledge about it. We might be offering it next year," Oberkehr said.

The course does not appear in the school's 2026-27 course catalog, and no final decision, school board vote, or registration deadline for the addition has been announced.

What FACT is

The Florida Department of Education created FACT courses under House Bill 1537, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed in 2023. The program is billed as a Florida-developed alternative to AP coursework.

FACT College Algebra was piloted during the 2025-26 school year at 32 schools statewide and expanded to full statewide availability for 2026-27, according to a Florida Department of Education news release. FACT exams are written by Florida educators and scored by Florida institutions, unlike AP exams, which are developed by committees of college and university professors under the College Board.

What families should know

Students who pass the FACT College Algebra assessment earn credit for College Algebra (MAC X105) at any Florida public college or state university.

Unlike AP, International Baccalaureate or dual enrollment credits, FACT credit is recognized only by Florida public institutions. Families whose students may apply to out-of-state colleges should ask those schools directly whether they would accept FACT credit, according to education resource site Lumos Learning.

Whether FACT courses would carry the same 1.0 GPA weight that Ponte Vedra High gives AP, AICE and dual enrollment courses is not addressed in any current district document.

More FACT courses ahead

A second FACT course, FACT U.S. History, launched as a limited pilot at select Florida schools during the 2026-27 school year. Statewide rollout is scheduled for 2027-28, according to the department's assessment calendar.

The FACT program has drawn criticism. The American Historical Association has said the FACT U.S. History framework pushes a conservative agenda and minimizes distinctions between slavery and other forms of labor, according to the Tiburon report. A Princeton University history professor called the framework a "Florida Man Version of AP" on social media.

The Florida Department of Education has described FACT courses as alternatives to AP offerings, saying the AP program embeds critical race theory and diversity, equity and inclusion concepts into its materials.

Ponte Vedra High families can monitor course registration updates through the school's guidance office.