Academics

Prerequisite/corequisite: Algebra II

This class introduces computer programming and develops problem-solving and program development skills with the aim of providing a foundation for software engineering. It also presents current program design and development techniques and provides experience in applying them to various programming problems. The computer programming class focuses on coding and less on the graphics aspect behind creating programs and games. We start with the Processing language and work in a project-based environment to build various games and learn programming concepts and structures. Once we understand the fundamentals, we start working with the Unity Game Engine to build more advanced projects. You will be able to transfer the concepts and skills of the Processing language to working with C# within the Unity engine. The course is entirely project-based and hands-on programming to create mobile games. 

Prerequisite/corequisite: Algebra II, Computer Programming and/or Robotics or teacher approval.
Summer work required. AP Exam and fee required.

AP Computer Science A is a rigorous, college-level course that introduces students to the fundamental concepts of computer science through programming in Java. The course emphasizes problem-solving, algorithm development, and object-oriented programming principles. Students will explore data types, control structures, loops, recursion, classes and objects, arrays, inheritance, and polymorphism. Students will learn to design, implement, and debug programs through hands-on coding projects while developing computational thinking skills. The course also prepares students for the AP Computer Science A exam by reinforcing industry-standard coding practices and emphasizing software development efficiency, readability, and modularity. 

Prerequisite/Corequisite: Algebra II  

This course is all about creative problem solving. Students will generally work in groups of two to build a Lego-based robot and program the robot so that all of them can complete a given task. Each task or project has a selection of challenging tasks that allow students to customize their robots. At its core Robotics is an engineering course where there is never a right answer, but solutions are compromises of different design aspects to get the best overall result. Both mechanical design and the clever use of computer code will be essential in the design of the robot. Students will learn to design robots with the ability to follow preset commands, make autonomous decisions based on real-time input, accomplish delicate physical tasks, record and process data, and more. No prior programming experience or knowledge is required, just a desire to learn and be creative.