Computer Science & Engineering Curriculum

Prerequisites: B+ in Algebra I/Geometry/Algebra II or B in Adv. Algebra I/Honors Geometry/Honors Algebra II; minimum 3.7 cumulative GPA or departmental approval; B+ in Biology recommended; Summer Chemistry, Chemistry, or Honors Chemistry required or concurrent enrollment in chemistry with advisor approval. This course is available to students in grades 10-12.

Principles of Engineering is an introductory engineering course for students interested in exploring technical careers. This is a year-long course which is intended to develop students' ability to think and act like engineers by applying math and science concepts in creative ways to solve real-world problems. It focuses on applying STEM principles to hands-on projects that are often done in teams. The course will utilize the engineering design thinking process, exposing students to the full range of engineering problem solving, including problem definition and setting criteria for success, brainstorming and idea creation, device/equipment development, data acquisition and analysis, solution analysis and development of an implementation plan.  This class is approved by the University of California and fulfills a UC “D” lab science requirement.

Prerequisites: B or higher in Algebra II or Algebra II Honors;  A- or higher in Programming I or a B or higher in AP Computer Science Principles; department approval; math instructor approval; One Schoolhouse Online Course Application required.  May be subject to additional tuition fees. Offered to students in grades 10, 11, or 12.

The AP® Computer Science A course introduces the key concepts of programming in Java. The analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills that students develop in this course transfer to programming in other languages as well. This course is designed with the idea that programming should be fun, engaging and intuitive. Students will learn to apply the main principles of object-oriented software design and programming using classes and objects, constructors, methods, instance and static variables, inheritance, class hierarchies and polymorphism. Students work creatively and collaboratively with their classmates to discuss ethical and social issues relating to the use of technology, and develop a solid foundation from which to launch into a wide range of computer science areas. This course prepares students for the AP® Computer Science A Exam in May. This class is approved by the College Board and fulfills a UC “C” mathematics requirement.

Prerequisites: None.  Programming I, Programming II, or other previous programming experience is recommended but not required. This course is available to students in grades 10, 11, or 12.  It is the perfect course for any student wanting to learn more about topics in computer science and to advance their programming skills.

AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of the field and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world.  Students learn about digital information, the Internet, data, cybersecurity, current topics related to technology, and app design using Javascript. Students demonstrate their learning by creating a digital portfolio of an original application for submission to the College Board and are prepared for the AP® Computer Science Principles exam in May.  This class is approved by the College Board and fulfills a UC “D” lab science requirement.

Prerequisite:  Interest in programming, no experience necessary

In this full year class, students will be introduced to some of the fundamental topics in the visual arts - shape, color/value, movement, balance, pattern - typically taught in a first year arts course. The media used to learn these visual art concepts will be Processing, a Java programming language. Using Processing, students will learn fundamental coding syntax, structures and algorithms. In the first semester, students will create visually interesting, dynamic and interactive digital art. In the second semester, students will apply their programming knowledge to a physical computing environment using Arduino microcontroller boards, where they will be able to develop interactive 3D sculptures and autonomous robots. As an integrated technical and arts course, it will simultaneously a) provide a strong coding foundation and b) apply the coding skills to design problems in the visual arts.  

The course is highly recommended for students with limited or no previous programming experience. This course fulfills the Flintridge Sacred Heart Visual and Performing Arts requirement.

Prerequisites: Completion of Principles of Engineering, a full year coding class or equivalent; A or A- in Sophomore & Junior science classes; application and departmental approval

Students in this project-based course will have the opportunity to utilize the Engineering Design Thinking process and apply it to a particular social justice problem. The ultimate goal of the course will be to present a prototype of an engineered solution (either a product or software app) to the selected problem. The first semester will focus on skills acquisition (prototype fabrication techniques, app development, engineering design process), topic exploration and selection, and literature reviews. The culmination of the first semester will be an original research proposal. In the second semester, students will utilize the learned skills to design and implement their original study, develop a prototype of their solution, and present their findings to the community.  This course fulfills the senior student’s Senior Research Project requirement. This course is UC approved and also fulfills a “D” lab science requirement.

Prerequisites: None

Programming I: Introduction to Programming (1st Semester only)

Available to students in grades 9-12. This course is an important part of our 4-year STEM plan.  Incoming students interested in technology, computer science, or engineering are encouraged to take this course in 9th grade.

In this single semester class, students will learn about basic computer science concepts using the Java programming language.  Students will learn fundamental coding structures while creating visually interesting and interactive displays and games. The underlying coding will provide a foundation for all future coding and introduce students to thinking like a programmer. It is highly recommended for students with limited or no previous programming experience. This course is a Flintridge Sacred Heart elective.

Programming II: Physical Computing and Robotics (Semester class, 2nd Semester only)

Prerequisites: B or higher in Programming I or Principles of Engineering or equivalent experience

Available to students in grades 9-12. This course is the perfect companion to Programming I.  All students with a strong interest in technology, computer science, or engineering are encouraged to take this course in 9th grade.

In this single semester class, students will transfer their knowledge of programming to a physical computing environment using Arduino microcontroller boards.  Students will collaborate to learn about electronics and apply their knowledge of programming to create projects and simple robots. This course is a Flintridge Sacred Heart elective.

Programming III: Advanced Programming Topics (Semester class)

Prerequisites: B or higher in Programming II or AP Computer Science A

Available to students in grades 10-12. This course is a good followup to the Programming I/II sequence. 

In this single semester class, students will apply their programming knowledge to learn how to utilize a series of well known algorithms (e.g. search, sort and comparison). These algorithms will then be applied to larger projects based on student interest. This course is a Flintridge Sacred Heart elective.

Programming IV: Advanced Programming Topics (Semester class)

Prerequisites: B or higher in Programming III

Available to students in grades 10-12. This course is a good followup to the Programming I/II sequence. 

In this single semester class, students will select a project style (e.g. game, interactive phone app, machine learning, data analysis, etc.) and develop a programming project to explore and eventually demonstrate mastery. This course is a Flintridge Sacred Heart elective.