Computer Science
Magnet Program 

Program Description

The Computer Science Magnet Program is a rigorous four-year course of study designed for students who have an interest in computer science, technology, engineering, data, cybersecurity, and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. The program provides students with the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in computer science while applying computational thinking, programming, mathematics, and problem-solving skills to authentic and increasingly complex challenges.

The goal of the program is to prepare students for continued study and success in computer science and related STEM fields while developing the technical skills, creativity, collaboration, communication, and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Students learn not only how to write code, but also how to design solutions, analyze data, develop algorithms, understand computing systems, consider the ethical implications of technology, and apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Students take a dedicated computer science course each year, with a progression that builds from foundational principles and programming to advanced computer science concepts, data structures and algorithms, cybersecurity, web development, discrete mathematics, artificial intelligence, and independent application of these skills.

Freshman students begin with AP Computer Science Principles, which introduces the foundational ideas of computer science and computational thinking. Students explore programming, algorithms, data, the internet, cybersecurity, computing innovations, and the impact of technology on individuals and society. Through hands-on projects, students learn to develop computational solutions while building an understanding of the broader field of computer science.

Sophomores advance to AP Computer Science A, which provides a rigorous introduction to object-oriented programming and software development using the Java programming language. Students design, implement, test, and analyze programs while developing their understanding of data structures, algorithms, abstraction, and problem solving. The course emphasizes writing effective code and applying programming concepts to increasingly complex problems.

Juniors take Data Structures & Algorithms, where students build upon their programming foundation and explore more advanced approaches to organizing, processing, and analyzing information. Students study data structures, algorithm design and efficiency, searching and sorting techniques, recursion, and computational problem solving while applying these concepts through substantial programming projects. The course challenges students to think critically about not only whether a solution works, but also how effectively and efficiently it works.

Seniors complete two specialized courses: Discrete Mathematics and Cybersecurity course while also participating in a Web Development/Senior Capstone experience. Discrete mathematics provides students with mathematical foundations relevant to computer science, including logic, sets, functions, combinatorics, graph theory, probability, and algorithmic reasoning. Students also explore cybersecurity principles and practices and develop skills in web development, including the design and implementation of interactive, data-driven web applications.

The Senior Capstone provides students with an opportunity to bring together the knowledge and skills developed throughout the four-year program. Students work individually or collaboratively to identify a meaningful problem or opportunity and design, develop, test, and present a technology-based solution. Capstone projects may incorporate web development, databases and data analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or other areas of student interest. Students are expected to document their process, evaluate their solutions, communicate their work, and reflect on the challenges and decisions involved in developing their projects.

Throughout the program, students are exposed to current developments and career pathways in computer science and technology through projects, presentations, professional connections, and guest speakers. These experiences help students understand the breadth of opportunities available in fields such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, information systems, computer engineering, and other STEM disciplines.

The program's emphasis on programming, computational thinking, mathematics, data, cybersecurity, web development, and emerging technologies provides students with a strong foundation for postsecondary study. Graduates of the Computer Science Magnet Program have continued their education in computer science and a wide range of STEM-related fields, including computer engineering, data science, cybersecurity, information systems, engineering, mathematics, and physics. Graduates have been accepted to institutions including Carnegie Mellon University, University of California-Berkeley, Cornell University, Stevens Institute of Technology, University of Maryland, Georgia Tech, New York University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Purdue University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, and many other colleges and universities.