Computer Science Program

The COMPUTER SCIENCE (CS) Program is a four-year pre-university course of study designed to meet the needs of highly motivated students who wish to specialize in the area of computer science and engineering.

The program requires that students be successful in high-level math and science courses, as well as, the required computer science courses that make up the core of the curriculum.

 
Core computer science courses include study in the areas of:
  • >computer software and hardware engineering,
  • >computer graphics
  • >classic computer science algorithms
  • >artificial intelligence/neural networks
  • >current research
  • >ethical/social issues of computer science

These skills will be learned using programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Lisp, and HTML. It also makes use of mentors from local computer related industries.

Candidates for the program are identified early in grade eight through their GPA. Successful completion of honors level Geometry and Algebra I is required prior to admission to the CS program in grade nine.

Courses required to complete the CS curriculum include:

>MATHEMATICS:

>>Algebra II Honors, Pre-calculus, Calculus I,
>> Dual Enrollment advanced mathematics:
>>Discrete Mathematics/Graph Theory & Calculus II/III

>COMPUTER SCIENCE:

>>Programming II (C++)
>> IB Computer Studies (Java)
>>AP Computer Science (Java)
>> Advanced Topics in Computer Science
>> Introduction to Computer Engineering (Digital Design)
>> Ethics and Technology.

Advanced Topics in Computer Science: includes a large scale independent programming and research project that is a requirement for completion of the CS program. This project is presented to, and judged by, a panel made up of members of local industry, business, and educators.

Program Requirements:

Entering in the 9th Grade:
>3.0 (orhigher) GPA in ACADEMIC subjects

>Algebra 1 Honors; Geometry Honors prior to beginning 9th grade( may be eligible and be accepted without one of the prerequisite math courses but will be required to successfully complete the course through Florida Virtual School prior to August1, 2012. SHS will assist with this process.)

>Acceptable attendance and conduct

Purpose:

The purpose of the program is to provide students with opportunities to learn about computer science and technology in an environment where the quality of instruction, laboratory facilities, external experiences, and course offerings are not duplicated elsewhere in the district.