The American Computer Science League (ACSL) is an international competition that challenges students with computer science theory and programming problems. The competition runs throughout the school year with 4 local contests, culminating in an invitational Final in May.
Each local contest includes:
A 6-question theory test (30 minutes, multiple choice)
1 coding challenge (72-hour window; Python, C++, or Java)
Note: The Elementary Division has theory tests only — no coding challenge.
All contests are administered online through HackerRank and completed at home under parent supervision. The email used during registration will be the student's login for accessing each test.
For full details, visit acsl.org or check the FAQ. Contest topics are listed on the Study Materials page.
Study resources are available at acsl.org/get-started/study-materials. A free online course is also available at richcode.org/contests/acsl/lesson.
Team advisors will handle registration and send reminders before each contest. However, students are responsible for studying on their own — advisors do not provide lectures or coaching on ACSL material.
Students are encouraged to form study groups to review past papers, but all season tests must be completed individually. Please be aware that some Hopkins students during the 2025–2026 season were flagged by HackerRank for plagiarism, which negatively affected their scores. Review ACSL's academic integrity guidelines before each contest.
Hopkins students may participate in one of three divisions. Each team has up to 10 students. Team scores do not affect individual performance or eligibility for the ACSL Final.
Intermediate Division — Grades 6–8
For experienced ACSL participants with strong coding skills. Includes both the theory test and coding challenge each contest.
Junior Division — Grades 6–8
For students new to ACSL who are comfortable with coding. Includes both the theory test and coding challenge each contest.
Elementary Division — Grades 4–6
For students new to ACSL who want to explore computer science. Includes the theory test only — no coding challenge.
Registration is also open to incoming 4th and 5th graders from the Mission Attendance Area or Immersion programs, so younger siblings may join early.
For a full overview of all divisions and their requirements, please visit the ACSL Divisions page: https://www.acsl.org/get-started/divisions.
Registration Form: TBD
Enrollment deadline: Sep 15, 2026
The local contest fee is $20 per student. Students will take all of the contests online so there is no transportation needed. No other hidden fee shall be collected.
Payment (TBD)
The team advisor will register the students at ACSL after the enrollment is closed.
We use Google Groups for team communication — it keeps conversations organized, reduces distractions, and makes it easy to find answers to common questions.
Please join the group for your division:
Only when you have any individual questions and would like to contact the team advisor directly, please email acsl@hopkinspfa.org. Be sure to include the student’s name, division, and team number in your message.
Tests will be conducted at home under parent supervision. Students can access HackerRank anytime during the designated ACSL time windows at https://www.acsl.org/get-started/schedule.
Visit https://www.acsl.org/finals for further information.
There were 156 Hopkins students have enrolled, forming 2 intermediate, 10 Junior teams and 4 Elementary teams.
Several students received the medals in the ACSL Final
Junior Division:
Silver medal: Haoxuan Mi, Aryaman Chakraborti
Bronze medal: Eeshan Polisetty, Anshika Vommi
Elementary Division:
Silver medal: Rajvir Sharma, Devina Kumar, Neel Balakrishnan, Aarav Mishra
Bronze medal: Rohan Sambangi
There were 114 Hopkins students have enrolled, forming 7 Junior teams and 3 Elementary teams.
37 students participated in the finals. Several students received the medals.