The IT industry is vast, and the Computer Science Academy is designed to help you find where you fit best. Rather than locking you into one lane, our program offers a broad overview of the tech landscape—from networking and hardware to software and security. Explore diverse fields, earn professional certifications, and build the foundation to pursue the specific IT career that excites you most.
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Course Sequence & Certifications (Junior Year)
Course Sequence & Certifications (Junior Year)
Students will take Computer Fundamentals.
Semester 1:
Certification: CompTIA Tech+
CompTIA Tech+ serves as the universal 'on-ramp' for the technology academy. It moves beyond simple computer literacy to provide a 360-degree view of the modern digital ecosystem. It covers everything from hardware and networking to the basics of cybersecurity, cloud computing, and even artificial intelligence. It is designed to turn 'tech users' into 'tech thinkers,' giving students the vocabulary and conceptual framework they need to succeed in more specialized certifications like Device Configuration, Networking, and Python.
Semester 2:
Certification: Python Coding Specialist
This certification from Knowledge Pillars offers a globally recognized credential to validate Python programming skills. Ideal for junior coders, this certification provides an excellent opportunity to showcase understanding of fundamental concepts like syntax, variables, functions, and control flow, and to apply them in practical scenarios. It features an interactive, hands-on learning experience through live coding tasks, Parsons puzzles, drag-and-drop questions, and multiple-choice options, making it accessible and engaging for beginners aiming to solidify their capabilities in Python.
Industry Tours:
The Villages Technology Solutions Group (TSG)
Universal Islands of Adventure: Behind the Adventure Tour
More TBD
Course Sequence & Certifications (Senior Year)
Course Sequence & Certifications (Senior Year)
Students will take IT Systems & Applications and Programming Essentials.
Semester 1:
Certification: Information Technology Specialist (ITS) – Device Configuration and Management
The Device Configuration and Management certification prepares students to efficiently manage and optimize IT devices within an organization. Students learn how to configure and deploy hardware and software while ensuring security and compliance across systems. They gain expertise in troubleshooting technical issues, automating device management processes, and maintaining performance standards. The certification also emphasizes collaboration in IT environments, equipping students with the skills to integrate devices seamlessly into networks while enforcing access controls and cybersecurity measures. Through hands-on experience, students develop proficiency in system updates, resource allocation, and efficient problem-solving strategies to support a secure and productive technology infrastructure.
Semester 2:
Certification: Java Coding Specialist
The Java Coding Specialist certification validates a student's proficiency in object-oriented programming using Java. This credential assesses the ability to structure, write, debug, and maintain reliable code. Students demonstrate mastery of fundamental programming concepts—such as syntax, variables, data types, control flow, arrays, and methods—alongside core object-oriented principles including inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism. Delivered through interactive, hands-on tasks, this certification provides a strong, industry-aligned foundation for advanced software engineering pathways.
Industry Tours:
Job Shadowing: The Villages Technology Solutions Group (TSG)
Universal Islands of Adventure: Behind the Adventure Tour
More TBD
Non-Semester Based Activities
Students will start assisting with school chromebook repairs for hands-on interaction with hardware.
Students will shadow all eight departments with our industry partner (The Villages Technology Solutions Group).
Students will connect with the elementary (both Middleton and Buffalo Ridge) to get younger students excited about computer science.
Students will be on the high school drone team.
More About Drones: The Aerial Drone Competitions by the REC Foundation are educational events that emphasize hands-on, student-focused learning. Participants delve into the world of drones, exploring flight principles, programming, and communication skills. As they engage in these activities, they broaden their knowledge and ignite interest in drone-related career opportunities. For these competitions, the drones we use are Robolink's CoDrone EDU.
Earning A Pathway Scholar Cord
Earning A Pathway Scholar Cord
In order to earn a Computer Science Pathway Scholar Cord (black and green), students must complete the following:
Earned an A or B in all 3 pathway courses
Earning 2+ Industry Certifications
Partner involvement with The Villages Technology Solutions Group
Participate in the Acer repair program
Department Shadowing
Participate on the VHS Drone Team and compete at competitions
Other CS Classes offered at VHS (Non-Academy)
Other CS Classes offered at VHS (Non-Academy)
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Cybersecurity
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