AP CSP and AP CSA are designed to allow interested students to take both courses.
AP CSP and AP CSA are designed to allow interested students to take both courses.
AP Computer Science P
AP Computer Science P (Mr. V) - AP computer science P is an introductory college level C# programming and software design class using Visual Studio and Unity that will give students a more panoramic understanding of computer sciences practices while coding software applications.
Strong Logic and previous programming experience required, creativity a plus
Example – code a desktop game, software application, or interactive story using multimedia
Prerequisite - teacher recommendation (most recommendations are students that have taken Game Programming, Advanced Game Programming, or AP CSA )
Email Mr. Vlahos to discuss recommendations and placement into this class.
Contact Email cvlahos@region15.org
AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science A (Mrs. V) – A college level Java programming course using math algorithms to spotlight best structured programming practices.
Strong Math and Logic required
Example - Write a program that will print the invoice for a sale at a pet store. Will include criteria for applying a discount.
Prerequisite - Geometry and a math teacher recommendation or students that have taken AP CSP with Mr. V
Email Mrs. Vlahos or talk with your math teacher to discuss recommendation and placement into this class.
Contact Email bvlahos@region15.org
With flexibility in mind pick the path that is perfect for your goals.
Build a foundation in a semester Programming course as early as 9th grade.
No time for a foundation in your schedule? Try a college-level AP as early as 10th grade and still have time to earn college credit in ECE Advanced Game Programming and AP CSP
Still Not sure?
To enroll in Computer Science Principles (CSP), a prerequisite is required. This can be either Game Programming or Computer Science A (CSA), as the course begins with a programming review and assumes prior experience rather than being for complete beginners. For CSA, the prerequisites include completion of Geometry and a recommendation from a math teacher, but other than that, no prior programming is required.
That said, taking a semester-long class like Game Programming (no prereq) is a great way to get your feet wet in coding without committing to a full year AP programming class. Not only does it introduce you to programming concepts, coding to the Unity engine, and learning C#, but it also opens the door to two other college-level courses I can recommend: ECE Advanced Game Programming and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). Additionally, it will give you a strong foundation and a head start to excel in AP Computer Science A (CSA), which is a dedicated college-level full year Java class.