US Computer Science

In Intro to Programming students learn the basics of programming using Python, a beginner friendly language, as they add problem solving tools to their computer science toolbox. Core concepts include variables, conditionals, iteration, and functions. The goal of this class is to introduce students to solving problems computationally while having fun and working on creative projects. Students also learn to use HTML and CSS to create a personal website while learning about good design principles.

Programming II aims to build upon the foundational programming skills that students gain after taking the Intro to Programming class. Students revisit the material learned previously in new contexts while steadily increasing the complexity of problems that they are asked to solve. Students are introduced to new concepts like file input/output, data analysis, and an introduction to artificial intelligence. The semester typically culminates with students designing and programming a text or graphics game in Python.

AP Computer Science Principles is all about understanding how computing affects the world and our lives while providing the tools and perspective to solve problems in computer science. Students learn about the intersection of computing and creativity, how the internet works, and how computers represent data; they analyze societal, cultural and economic impacts of computer science. Students also learn the fundamentals of programming and solving problems computationally. Unlike its fellow course Advanced Placement course, Computer Science A, this course focuses on the breadth of computer science as a field rather than being a deep dive on coding.

AP Computer Science A is an introductory computer programming course designed to take the place of a first-semester college course. In addition to serving as an introduction to the field, the course also prepares students for the role that computing plays in physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, environmental science and other disciplines. The course emphasizes programming skills throughout and covers more complex computing topics and skills than Computer Science Principles such as modularity, object-oriented programming, inheritance, and recursion.

This course goes beyond the AP Computer Science curricula to cover core material needed for advanced study in computer science. Students learn about and implement various data structures such as linked lists, stacks, queues, heaps, and several types of trees. Students also implement several sorting and graph traversal algorithms. Most of the second semester is spent on a large design project. Students completing this course have around the same skill level as would be expected of a second or third year university student studying computer science.

The goal for this course is to give students exposure to topics they would encounter in upper level university computer science courses and tools that they will encounter when working on real world computing applications. Topics include version control, software engineering principles, databases, user interface design principles, and anything else that students express an interest in. Students will finish the course by working together to create software designed to have a positive impact on their local community.