FAQs

Any student interested in the program can apply and will be considered. Students do not need to have extensive experience or knowledge in computer science.  All students who see computer science as a part of their future careers are good candidates.

Traditionally, students in the program are self-motivated and have strong academic performance.  This rigorous program requires that students maintain strong grades; therefore, students with strong academic performance in middle school are most successful. 

Because computer science relies heavily on mathematics, students must earn an A or B in middle school Algebra and Honors Geometry (if that course has been completed) to be admitted.  If a student has not taken Geometry in 8th grade, the student will need to take the course over the summer prior to beginning high school to be a part of the program.

Students in the program take a combination of traditional high school courses, advanced placement courses, Dual Credit courses, and courses on Heartland's campus.  Students also take Heartland classes during summer semesters. Click here to view the 4 year schedule for students in the program.

ADP students are expected to maintain good academic standing in all courses, meet school and district behavioral expectations and attend STEM project meetings.  More detailed information can be found in the Expectation Agreement

The classes listed in the 4 year plan are required in order to ensure students complete all requirements of high school graduation and earn all credits needed to earn the Associate's Degree by graduation. As a result, the courses planned for each year need to be taken as listed in the 4 year plan. This includes the timing of all Heartland classes listed (i.e summer classes).

There are some some opportunities for students to complete a few of the required Unit 5 classes outside of school through Illinois Virtual School (at cost to families). The STEM Coordinator can provide interested families with more information on this. There is flexibility in what electives are taken. Students will work with their STEM Coordinator and School Counselor to identify times that desired elective courses can be taken by a student.

There is room for electives within this sequence; however room for these electives in a student’s schedule is limited.  STEM staff work diligently to ensure students have access to as many electives as possible, but due to the number of courses required to complete the program on time there are a limited number of elective spots in a student's schedule each year.  As a result, ADP students may have to prioritize which electives they take. 

There are opportunities for students to take some courses outside of school (through Illinois Virtual School - at a cost to families) which helps open additional elective spots.  Ultimately, while every effort is made to accommodate student requests, it may not be possible for a student to complete this program while also taking four years of foreign language and four years of band/orchestra/choir.

This sequence will provide a strong foundation for students who are interested in continuing at a four-year institution in the area of Computer Science.  Other students may participate but because of the required sequence of classes, there are fewer opportunities to explore electives other than computer science electives.  Students currently in the program have a wide variety of interests and career prospects - what they have in common is some degree of interest in applying computer science knowledge to their future careers.

ADP students will be placed in a special STEM Homeroom.  This will provide the STEM Coordinator daily access to the cohort students.  Additionally, the school's STEM Counselor and Associate Principals work closely with students and the STEM Coordinator to ensure classes are completed successfully.   The STEM Coordinator also works closely with Heartland staff in academic advisement to ensure coursework is scheduled and completed within the designated timelines. 

Freshman and Sophomore year ADP courses are very similar to what a normal student would take, so students would not be behind in any coursework if they leave the program.  All of the courses are Unit 5 courses so students are not losing any credits if they leave the program after they have started it.  In addition, any Heartland credit they earn would still be on the student’s transcript after leaving the program.

Yes, students can leave the program in two different situations.

1. A student can elect to leave the program if they find the courses and projects are not a good fit for their interests.

2. A student fails to meet the requirements of the program.  Specifically,

   1. Earning a C or better in Math, Computer Science, Science, Social Studies, and English.

   2. Earning a C or better in all Heartland classes.

   3. Meeting program behavioral expectations outlined by STEM Coordinator.

Students in the cohort will have the opportunity to work with State Farm Mentors and their peers on STEM-based real-world problems that currently exist in the community.  These meetings will take place before school once or twice a month throughout the 4-year program.  This will give students experience working with experts in the computer science industry as well as allow them to gain an understanding of the professional expectations within the computer science field. This experience can lead to a potential internship with State Farm as an upperclassman.

Other opportunities available to ADP students include

• Visits from computer science / STEM professionals to learn how their degree can be applied to different careers

• Participation in various STEM organizations (STEM Club, Tech Club, Girls Who Code, Cyberpatriots, etc.)

• All traditional Unit 5 courses in the program are free. 

• Advanced Placement courses are free, but taking the Advanced Placement test (required to earn college credit) is a fee of ~$100 paid by the family.

• The dual credit courses that are offered by Unit 5 and completed on the Normal West or Normal Community campus with Unit 5 staff are free courses. All textbooks/required texts will be paid for by the family

• The designated Heartland courses that are required to be taught on Heartland’s campus due to instructor credentials, will have a fee associated with them. The fee per course will be the tuition fee for Heartland during any given academic year.

  • There will be approximately 9 courses taken on Heartland’s campus which the family will pay for.  The cost to participate in this cohort will be approximately half the price of a full associate degree earned on the Heartland Community College campus.

  • A breakdown of tuition/fees cost associated with Heartland courses can be found here.