Computer Science

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES

9, 10, 11, 12

1.0 credit

AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) is a full-year, rigorous, entry-level course that introduces high school students to the foundations and concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, app building, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.  Computing affects almost all aspects of modern life and all students deserve access to a computing education that prepares them to pursue the wide array of intellectual and career opportunities that computing has made possible. This course is not a tour of current events and technologies. Rather, it seeks to provide students with a “future-proof” foundation in computing principles so that they are adequately prepared with both the knowledge and skills to live and meaningfully participate in our increasingly digital society, economy, and culture. This course is designed for any student interested in coding, programming, and computer science and who has successfully completed Algebra. 

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A

10, 11, 12

1.0 credit

AP Computer Science A is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science.  The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem-solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing dates (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing.  The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem-solving and design using Java language.  These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale from small, simple problems to large, complex problems.  The AP Computer Science A course includes a substantial laboratory component in which students design solutions to problems, express their solutions precisely (e.g. in the Java programming language), test their solutions, identify and correct errors (when mistakes occur), and compare possible solutions.  The AP Computer Science course requires that solutions of problems be written in the Java programming language.  Because the Java programming language is extensive with far more features than could be covered in a single introductory course, the AP Computer Science A Exam covers a subset of Java. 

CYBERSECURITY

10, 11, 12

0.5 credit

This course is designed for students who are interested in exploring careers in Cybersecurity. The focus of instruction will include the implementation and monitoring of security on network and computer systems.  Students will investigate strategies to identify and protect against security threats such as hackers, eavesdropping and network attacks.  The basics of cryptography and logic reasoning will be explored.  Hands-on labs in the CYBER.ORG Range provide practice in the configuration and mitigation of system vulnerabilities.  Each unit integrates current events and related ethics and law.