US Curriculum Detail

Computer

The upper school computer science curriculum is intended to continue students’ development as algorithmic thinkers with the ability to translate ideas into a formal structure. Upon completion of our program, students will understand how to define and solve problems from all disciplines in terms that can be implemented by a computational device. In addition, students will have a firm understanding of a number of surrounding technologies that they interact with on a daily basis, from Internet protocols to basic hardware. Problem solving and self-reliance are an essential part of the overall curriculum, as students become more confident in their abilities to use computers to devise and apply real-world solutions.
 
Students must take ½  credit of computer science in order to fulfill their graduation requirements. The upper school program of study is designed to have various “tracks” to fully engage and challenge every student. In rare situations, students may seek departmental approval to be placed in higher-level courses. Approval is contingent upon fluency in programming, which can be demonstrated through a series of problem sets. Some courses are taught concurrently.
 

  • IB Computer Science Major SL

    This full year major course will cover everything from hardware/software design and implementation to computer programming. How is software developed? How do computers work? What does it mean to distribute a system across a network? In addition to these topics students will learn the fundamentals of computer programming and Object Oriented design through the use of Processing and Java.
    Prerequisite: At least one previous Computer Science course and the approval of the department.
     

  • Interactive Systems 1

    This course expands upon topics covered in the introductory course through the creation and design of many different types of video games, simulations, and interactive experiences. Throughout the semester, students are continually exposed to both abstraction and problem decomposition. An emphasis is placed on solving a wide variety of problems applicable to instances outside the realm of just video games. Topics include arrays, functions, objects, and APIs. By integrating these topics into a wide variety of projects, students are exposed to the many ways programming is useful. Motivated students may take this course a second time. Level two allows students to build out an immersive interactive experience for either a mobile or browser-based device.

    This course will be offered during the 2024-25 school year 
     

  • Interactive Systems 2

    This course expands upon topics covered in the introductory course through the creation and design of many different types of video games, simulations, and interactive experiences. Throughout the semester, students are continually exposed to both abstraction and problem decomposition. An emphasis is placed on solving a wide variety of problems applicable to instances outside the realm of just video games. Topics include arrays, functions, objects, and APIs. By integrating these topics into a wide variety of projects, students are exposed to the many ways programming is useful. Motivated students may take this course a second time. Level two allows students to build out an immersive interactive experience for either a mobile or browser-based device.

    This course will be offered during the 2023-24 school year (alternates with Web Media)
     

  • Introduction to Computer Science

    This course offers students a look into the world of computer science and exposes them to important ideas within the field. The focus of the class shifts students from users of technology to creators of their own tools and processes. At all times during the class, there is an emphasis on problem solving and independence. Topics include modeling, programming, computer hardware, robotics, and electronics. The course is also intended as an introduction to engineering by allowing students the opportunity to construct and refine their own simple circuits and machines.
     

  • Programming Concepts 1

    This course explores the various techniques of programmatic problem-solving. Projects and problem sets will focus on issues found most often within the field. At all times, emphasis will also be placed on code that is readable, testable, and fast rather than simply yielding the correct answer. Topics covered include algorithmic art, user interaction, image processing, and audio manipulation. Motivated students may take this course a second time. Level two includes a deeper exploration into the possibilities of code and allows for a more fully realized project in one of many fields, including physical computing, generative art, and data visualization.

    This course will be offered in the 2023-24 school year.
     

  • Programming Concepts 2

    This course is an exploration in the various techniques of programmatic problem solving. Projects and problem sets will focus on issues found most often within the field. At all times, an emphasis will also be placed on code that is readable, testable, and fast rather than simply yielding the correct answer. Topics covered include algorithmic art, user interaction, image processing, and audio manipulation. Motivated students may take this course a second time. Level two includes a deeper exploration into the possibilities of code and allows for a more fully realized project in one of many fields, including physical computing, generative art, and data visualization.
     
    This course will be offered in the 2025-26 school year.

  • Smart Machines 1

    This course, utilizing the school’s purpose-built Design Lab, introduces students to the programming and engineering concepts related to interactive robots. Through the integration of mathematics, physics, technology, engineering, and programming, students learn how to design and build “smart” robots that are able to do tasks and make decisions based on data input by sensors. This is the technology that makes our phones, cars, and homes “smart” and that is being put into more devices every day. While there is a core curriculum, there are endless opportunities for a student to explore areas of interest ranging from advanced computing, to mechanical and electrical engineering, to design. Motivated students may take this course a second time. Level two allows students to further explore the possibilities of robotics, 3D printing, physical computing, and electronics.

    This course will be offered in the 2023-24 school year.

  • Smart Machines 2

    This course, utilizing the school’s purpose-built Design Lab, introduces students to the programming and engineering concepts related to interactive robots. Through the integration of mathematics, physics, technology, engineering, and programming, students learn how to design and build “smart” robots that are able to do tasks and make decisions based on data input by sensors. This is the technology that makes our phones, cars, and homes “smart” and that is being put into more devices every day. While there is a core curriculum, there are endless opportunities for student to explore areas of interest ranging from advanced computing, to mechanical and electrical engineering, to design. Motivated students may take this course a second time. Level two allows students to further explore the possibilities of robotics, 3D printing, physical computing, and electronics.

    This course will be offered in the 2024-25 school year.

  • Web Media 2

    This course focuses on the web browser as a creative medium. The course is broken down into two main parts. In the first part, students learn about the history and cultural impacts of the internet. They look at the fundamentals of interface design and then use this theory in conjunction with HTML and CSS to create a professional looking website. In the second half of the course, students learn about other technologies available to developers wishing to create a more dynamic interactive experience online. Topics include cryptography, javascript APIs, and animation. Motivated students may take this course a second time. Level two allows students to build on their previous knowledge and incorporate these concepts into more realized projects.

    This course will be offered during the 2024-25 school year.
     

  • Ind Study: Intro to Sound Design

    Independent study course.

  • Ind Study: Web Game/App Develop

    Independent study course.

  • Independent Study: Computer

    Independent study course.

  • Web Media 1

    ¼ credit, 1 semester
    3x per 7 days
    This course focuses on the web browser as a creative medium. The course is broken down into two main parts. In the first part, students learn about the history and cultural impacts of the internet. They look at the fundamentals of interface design and then use this theory in conjunction with HTML and CSS to create a professional looking website. In the second half of the course, students learn about other technologies available to developers wishing to create a more dynamic interactive experience online. Topics include cryptography, javascript APIs, and animation. Motivated students may take this course a second time. Level two allows students to build on their previous knowledge and incorporate these concepts into more realized projects.
    Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science.
     
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Preschool - 12th Grade
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