Computer Science Pathway

College Prep - Weighted

Course list C

10 credits

AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.

• Design Your Own Digital World: This isn’t just about sitting behind a terminal. AP CSP lets you express your creativity by building apps, creating digital art, and designing games that solve problems you actually care about.

• Hack the Headlines: Go behind the scenes of the internet. You’ll explore how the web actually works, how hackers breach systems, and how to keep your own data safe in an era of global connectivity.

• No Experience? No Problem: You don't need to be a "math person" or a "gamer" to succeed here. AP CSP is designed for everyone. It uses beginner-friendly languages (like JavaScript or Python) to teach you the logic of the future without the headache.

• The "Big Picture" of Tech: Discover how Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and the "Internet of Things" are reshaping society. We look at the ethics of tech—from self-driving cars to facial recognition—and discuss how you can influence where technology goes next.

• Boost Your GPA and Your Future: AP CSP has one of the highest pass rates of any AP exam. You get the weight of an AP class on your transcript while building a digital portfolio that you can actually show off to colleges and employers.

College Prep - Weighted

Course list C

10 credits

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 data (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 up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. The AP Computer Science A course curriculum is compatible with many CS1 courses in colleges and universities.

• Build the "Brain" of Modern Tech: Ever wonder how Spotify recommends songs or how NASA maneuvers rovers? In AP CS A, you’ll master Java, the powerhouse language used to build the world’s most sophisticated apps, games, and systems.

• Think Like a Creator, Not Just a User: Move beyond using technology to actually engineering it. You’ll learn to deconstruct complex problems and "talk" to computers, turning a blank screen into a functional tool that solves real-world challenges.

• A "Global Language" for Your Resume: Java is one of the most in-demand programming languages on the planet. Earning a qualifying score on the AP exam doesn’t just get you college credit—it proves to future employers that you have the logical foundation to succeed in any STEM field.

• The Ultimate Logic Puzzle: If you enjoy strategy games, escape rooms, or math puzzles, you’ll love the "Eureka!" moments in this class. Programming is a creative craft where logic meets imagination, and every bug you fix makes you a better thinker.

• Unlock High-Demand Careers: Whether you want to be a software engineer, a data scientist, or an entrepreneur, coding is the "new literacy." This course gives you a massive head start in a job market where computer science skills are the highest-paid and fastest-growing.

College Prep - Weighted

UC approved list C

10 credits

AP Cybersecurity is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in Information Security.  It also prepares you to sit for the Security+ exam which is an industry recognized certification.  As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, cybersecurity serves as the frontline defense against threats like malware, ransomware, and identity theft. The field focuses on maintaining the CIA Triad: ensuring the Confidentiality of private information, the Integrity of data against tampering, and the Availability of critical services. By combining technical controls, such as encryption and firewalls, with human vigilance and ethical oversight, cybersecurity ensures that individuals and global enterprises can operate safely within the digital landscape. 

• Join the Front Lines of Digital Defense: Cyberattacks happen every 39 seconds. In this course, you don’t just learn about threats—you learn how to stop them. Step into the shoes of a cybersecurity professional and defend networks against real-world simulations of malware, phishing, and ransomware.

• Think Like a Hacker to Outsmart One: To protect a system, you have to know how to break it. You’ll explore "ethical hacking" techniques to find vulnerabilities in websites and apps, learning the secrets of encryption and security to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.

• The Ultimate Career Cheat Code: Cybersecurity is one of the only industries with zero percent unemployment. Companies and governments are desperate for experts. Starting this journey in high school puts you on a path toward some of the highest-paying entry-level jobs in the world.

• Solve High-Stakes Digital Mysteries: If you love true crime, puzzles, or investigative work, this is the class for you. You’ll learn digital forensics—how to trace a digital footprint, recover hidden data, and analyze evidence to figure out exactly "who did it."

• Protect Your Privacy and Your Community: Learn how to lock down your own digital life and advocate for others. From securing smart home devices to understanding the ethics of global surveillance, you’ll gain the "superpowers" needed to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.