Computer Science

Every company wants a website, social media page, or online shopping portal to reach customers.  To cater to these growing needs, people with the skills and expertise are in exceptional demand.  Of all the STEM job openings in the US for the foreseeable future, nearly three out of four new job openings and three out of five total job openings are going to be in computing and related professions.  PLTW Computer Science empowers students in grades 9-12 to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the  technology all around them. Whether building apps to meet client needs or exploring cyber security, PLTW Computer Science engages students in interdisciplinary activities that not only build knowledge and skills in computer science, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. 

PLTW Computer Science students are eligible to earn college credit through Missouri S&T.  Please visit https://pltw.mst.edu/undergraduate-credit/ for more information.

903705—Computer Science Essentials (CSE)
Prerequisite: “C” or better in Algebra 1
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester
CSE is designed to be the first computer science course for students who have never programmed before. Students will experience the major topics, big ideas, and computational thinking practices used by computing professionals to solve problems and create value for others. This course will empower students to develop computational thinking skills and will build confidence that prepares them to advance to Computer Science Principles and Computer Science Applications.

903704—Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (CSP)
Prerequisite: “C” or better in Algebra 1, CSE or previous programming experience
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester (Honors)
CSP implements the College Board’s 2013 CS Principles framework. Using Python® as a primary tool and incorporating multiple platforms and languages for computation, this course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths that utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. This course can be a student's first course in computer science, although we encourage students without prior computing experience to start with Introduction to Computer Science. CSP helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, robotics, and simulation. The course aligns with CSTA 3B standards.

910101—Advanced Placement Computer Science Applications (CSA)
Prerequisite: None
Grade Placement: 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester (Honors)
CSA focuses on integrating technologies across multiple platforms and networks, including the Internet. Students collaborate to produce programs that integrate mobile devices and leverage those devices for distributed collection and data processing. Students analyze, adapt, and improve each other's programs while working primarily in Java™ and other industry-standard tools. This course prepares students for the College Board’s Advanced Placement CS-A test and aligns with CSTA Level 3C Standards.

910200—Cyber Security
Prerequisite: None
Grade Placement: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Credit: 1/2 per semester
This class introduces students to the tools and concepts of cyber security and encourages them to create solutions that allow people to share resources while protecting privacy.