From FLVS: AP Computer Science Principles is a college-level course that sets the foundation for learning the concepts and challenges of computer science and its impacts on society. Students stretch their creativity and problem-solving skills to build solutions for the issues they find important. They learn how to design, develop, and evaluate computer programs using algorithms and the JavaScript programming language. Students practice analyzing data and simulations to extract knowledge from information. While exploring computing innovations and the internet, they uncover the benefits and risks of their digital world and how to help their community through technology. 

From FLVS: The AP Computer Science A course is equivalent to the first semester of a college level computer science course.  The course involves developing the skills to write programs or part of programs to correctly solve specific problems.  AP® Computer Science A also emphasizes the design issues that make programs understandable, adaptable, and when appropriate, reusable.  At the same time, the development of useful computer programs and classes is used as a context for introducing other important concepts in computer science, including the development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, and the study of standard algorithms and typical applications.  In addition an understanding of the basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems are integral parts of the course.