Computer Science

This course introduces computer science and programming through a creative, visual approach. Using Processing (a Java-based platform for creative coding), students learn fundamental programming concepts by creating interactive graphics, animations, and games. No prior programming experience is required - the course is designed to engage beginners and students with coding experience. Students begin with visual programming in Processing, learning core concepts like variables, loops, functions, and arrays through interactive projects. The course then transitions to Python, where students apply these concepts to explore data analysis, visualization, and machine learning using real-world datasets. Through hands-on projects and collaborative work, students develop foundational programming skills while building the computational thinking mindset necessary for further computer science study and beyond.

Explore the exciting world of computing with AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP), a dynamic and inclusive introductory college-level computing course designed for everyone, whether you’re a tech wizard or have never written a line of code before. In this class, you will explore how computers and the internet impact our daily lives, solve real-world problems with creativity and design innovative projects using programming languages and tools. Discover how technology shapes industries, from healthcare to entertainment, while building problem-solving and teamwork skills. To round out the course, you will learn the principles of cybersecurity, data analysis, and ethical computing. No prior experience is required; just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm to unlock the power of computing.

Building on the programming foundations established in AP Computer Programming, this course covers the mathematics and computational concepts behind modern artificial intelligence systems. Students develop and apply their Python skills to implement core machine learning algorithms and neural networks from the foundations, learning the calculus, linear algebra, and statistics that drive model training and optimization. The course examines how these fundamentals evolved into transformer architecture, revealing the mechanisms behind large language models and modern AI systems. The material suits students with strong mathematical intuition who want to understand the theory behind machine learning, as well as programmers interested in implementing and deploying modern AI systems. Projects include building classification models, exploring embedding spaces, constructing an LLM from scratch, and developing applications with cutting-edge AI frameworks, libraries, and models.

Building on the foundation established in Introduction to Programming, AP Computer Programming deepens students' understanding of software development through a comprehensive study of Java programming and object-oriented design. While students were first introduced to Java syntax and programming concepts through Processing's creative visual environment, this course expands that knowledge into full-scale application development, preparing students for both the AP Computer Science A exam and real-world software engineering practices. Through collaborative, project-based learning, students transition from creating visual programs to designing robust applications. The course emphasizes software engineering principles, teaching students to decompose large problems into manageable components and implement solutions using object-oriented programming techniques. This approach mirrors modern development practices while covering all required AP topics including class design, inheritance, algorithms, and data structures.

Do you ever wonder if your smartphone is always listening, if judges should use AI in sentencing decisions, or whether social media should be banned for certain age groups? These are just a few of the pressing questions we’ll explore in Tech Ethics. This course begins by examining the basics and history of ethics—what ethics is and what it is not—before diving into the history of technology and key innovations that have shaped our world. With this foundation, we’ll delve deeply into artificial intelligence (AI), its various use cases, and its implications, ultimately asking the critical question: Just because we can do or build something, should we? Through case studies, guest speakers, discussions, and hands-on exploration of emerging technologies, students will engage with topics such as algorithmic bias, the digital divide, misinformation, social media and mental health, and ethical AI. Open to all upper school students, this course is for anyone curious about the transformative power of technology and how we can use it responsibly to shape the future.

The goal of this course is to teach students how to think and create like engineers. We begin the term by studying how to analyze problems in a logical manner and create algorithms that can solve these problems, including computer programming techniques in C++. Building upon this abstract foundation, students learn how to apply this mode of thinking to concrete situations involving circuits and sensors. The culminating project, a competition against other students in the class, places the student in the role of lead engineer. Students come up with ideas, develop algorithms, test their ideas, and execute their designs. Through extensive laboratory work, students utilize their computer programming techniques and an understanding of electronic circuits to implement their engineering projects ** Credits will be given as a Science course.**

Advanced Projects in Robotics is a course designed to take students on an immersive journey into the world of robotics and mechanical engineering. Building upon the foundational knowledge gained in the Robotics introductory course, this course is structured to provide students with a deeper understanding of robotics systems and integrate fundamental mechanical engineering concepts. A key focus of this course is hands-on experience and the utilization of the CAD design software, OnShape, to bring theoretical concepts to life through digital and physical creations.

The Electronics Design and Engineering course is the next step in the engineering and design pathway. This project based course will see each student begin to further develop the concepts and skills needed to continue their computer science journey. The course will focus on flourishing technologies, such as computer-aided design(CAD), 3D modeling and printing, 3D accelerometers, and sensors to design and create sophisticated solutions to real-world problems. In this engaging and hands-on course, students will design, test, prototype, and ultimately manufacture a finished product at the conclusion of the course. This course is especially suited for students interested in engineering who have already taken Robotics or have prior programming experience. Through a number of projects, students will expand their existing skills in computer design, programming, embedded chip analysis and coding, and the engineering design process. ** Credits will be given as a Science course.**