AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. In this course, students will learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They will incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students will also explain how computing innovations and computing systems, including the Internet, work explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. While the AP Computer Science Principles exam does not have a designated programming language, students in this course will be learning Python. No prior knowledge or experience with Python or any other programming languages is required.
Computational Solution Design – Design and evaluate computational solutions for a purpose.
Algorithms and Program Development – Develop and implement algorithms.
Abstraction in Program Development – Develop programs that incorporate abstractions.
Code Analysis – Evaluate and test algorithms and programs.
Computing Innovations – Investigate computing innovations.
Responsible Computing – Contribute to an inclusive, safe, collaborative, and ethical computing culture.
Creative Development
Data
Algorithms and Programming
Computing Systems and Networks
Impact of Computing
Unit 1: Introduction to Programming
Unit 2: Project: The Impact of Computing
Unit 3: Digital Information
Unit 4: The Internet
Unit 5: Programming with Python
Unit 6: Functions and Data Structures
Unit 7: Data
Unit 8: "Create" Task Planning
Unit 9: Official "Create" Task Checklist
Unit 10: Extra Practice
Unit 11: AP Exam Review
The AP Computer Science Principles Exam assesses student understanding of the computation thinking practices and learning objectives outlined in the course. The exam consists of the "Create" Performance Task and an end-of-course AP Exam.
Length: At least 9 hours of dedicated class time
Description:
Students will develop a computer program of their choice.
Students will need to annotate, document, demonstrate, and explain how their program works.
Length: 3 hours (administered at school on the afternoon of Thursday, May 14, 2026)
Format:
70 multiple-choice questions (2 hours, 70% of exam score)
2 written response questions related to the student's "Create" Performance Task (1 hour, 30% of exam score)
Students will regularly write programs and/or complete daily class activities.
These are short, one-day exercises where students will be challenged with solving well-specified, everyday problems.
Students will take quizzes over College Board’s Computer Science Principles Topics and/or Essential Knowledge statements.
Occasionally, the instructor may assess a student’s level of content and objective mastery through activities like benchmarks and projects.
Students may not claim the work of AI or other individuals as their own except in group collaborative projects and exercises, in which case all sources and team members must be clearly acknowledged.
In the event that a student attempts a summative assessment and receives a grade less than 70%, the student may request one opportunity to raise the grade to a 70%.
Any retakes (or makeups for absence) must be completed within one week of the date of the assessment.
Missing assignments will receive a grade of 0% until they are submitted to the teacher.
Late work may be submitted for a grade up to 1 week from the original due date.
Late work will receive a maximum grade of 85%.
Room E1309 is usually open every morning (except Thursdays) before school (8:30-9:00) and during all academic flex periods. Students who need additional assistance or who wish to work on their projects are encouraged to come in as needed.