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AP APPLICATION INFORMATION AND PROCESS FOR THE COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT


ELIGIBILITY FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE AP COURSES


AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Before taking AP Computer Science Principles, students must:
  • Complete the following two courses:
    • Introduction to Computer Science I
    • Introduction to Computer Science II
  • Complete Algebra II and demonstrate a strong foundation in basic algebraic concepts dealing with function notation and problem-solving strategies.
  • Be able to use a Cartesian (x, y) coordinate system to represent points on a plane.
Students who take Computer Science courses outside North Shore Country Day may be eligible to bypass both prerequisite courses. However, they must complete an assessment activity before being considered candidates for the AP Computer Science Principles class.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A
Before taking AP Computer Science A, students must:
  • Complete the following two courses:
    • Introduction to Computer Science I
    • Introduction to Computer Science II
  • Demonstrate a high level of independence and a high level of knowledge of object-oriented programming.
  • Receive a recommendation from the teacher.
Students who take Computer Science courses outside North Shore Country Day may be eligible to bypass both prerequisite courses. However, they must complete an assessment activity before being considered candidates for the AP Computer Science A class.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Students interested in pursuing an AP Computer Science course must confer with Mr. Garcia before March 5 to learn more about the courses.

COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AVAILABLE AP COURSES

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES

COURSE DESCRIPTION
AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach that exposes students to the fundamental ideas of computer science. This course focuses on creative problem-solving and real-world applications, emphasizing computer science's critical role in advancing computing to serve people and society better. AP Computer Science Principles allows students to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for self-expression and address real-world problems by building relevant solutions. Through projects and investigations in computer science, students will have the opportunity to investigate both the impact and ethical implications of new technologies to methodically and collaboratively design and test computational solutions.

Available to students in grade(s): 10/11/12
Prerequisite(s): Department recommendation
Course length: Full-year

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A

COURSE DESCRIPTION
AP Computer Science A expands students' knowledge of computer science through increasingly sophisticated programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems through abstraction, the use of 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.

Available to students in grade(s): 10/11/12
Prerequisite(s): Department recommendation
Course length: Full-year