High School

AP Computer Science Principles

What is CS Principles?

College Board Course Overview

AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science. Learn more here.

Code.org CS Principles

The Code.org Computer Science Principles Course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in.

This year-long course can be taught as an AP or non-AP course - no prerequisites required for students or for teachers new to computer science! In addition, our curriculum is available at no cost for anyone, anywhere to teach. For more information about our goals and approach to our courses, please see our curriculum values and our professional learning values.

The CSP program (9th-12th grade) includes:

  • Two options to choose from for summer CSP workshops!

  • 5-day Summer in person workshop

  • 5-day Summer virtual workshop

  • 4-day Academic Year virtual workshops

CODE AP Computer Science A

AP® Computer Science A (AP CSA) is a Java programming course framework and associated Advanced Placement exam introduced by the College Board. It includes content expected to be covered in an introductory college computer science course: AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. Code.org’s curriculum will cover the content defined in this framework and prepare students for the AP CSA exam. In addition, our CSA offering, much like our other courses, is being built with equity at the heart of its design.

The CSA program (10th-12th grade) includes:

  • Asynchronous pre-work

  • 5-day Summer in person workshop

  • TBD, 5-day Summer virtual workshop

  • 8-half day Academic Year virtual workshops

CODE.org CS Principles Summer PD Application Link