Math & Computer Science Department

Our math program is built on the idea that children are problem solvers by nature. Our math materials honor what students can figure out, perhaps influenced by their backgrounds, ideas, or intuitive problem solving abilities. Teachers guide students to make sense of problems, develop strong problem solving skills, and persevere through complex real world applications.  Through conceptual understanding and math discussions, students become efficient and flexible problem solvers.  We encourage students to make connections between topics and to “read” the mathematics in a problem by determining the known from the unknown. We emphasize computational fluency in addition to conceptual understanding because both are absolutely essential for future success in mathematics. The Lower School ThinkMath! lessons follow a prescriptive program which creates an environment for students to feel comfortable in taking risks. Along with manipulatives and supporting materials, a highlight of the program is that it encourages students to approach problem solving using various forms of critical thinking. Mental math is quick, fast-paced, and fun for the girls. The program is designed for heterogeneous groupings and thereby allows for frequent partner work and collaborative problem solving. The curriculum is differentiated to meet the needs of the students and their individual learning goals.  

Visit the Lower School

Grade 5 - Developing Number Sense and Problem Solving

Fifth grade is a transitional year in mathematics where students begin to progress from the curriculum used in the lower school to the pre-algebra program in Grade 6. The year begins by ensuring that students develop a deep conceptual understanding of operations, an in-depth study of number theory in base ten and fractions. Students will then be introduced to ratios, proportions, and percents as well as statistics and probability and specific topics in measurement and geometry. The focus throughout the year is for students to develop themselves as deep thinking mathematicians with a strong and thorough understanding of numbers and operations. Utilizing experiential problem solving strategies such as estimation, math modeling, and repeated reasoning as they apply to real world math contexts will help ensure the student’s preparation for the three year Algebra sequence in grades 6 through 8.

Grade 6 - Pre-Algebra

This course develops confidence in mathematics and prepares students for the algebra curriculum. Students develop a complete understanding of the four mathematical operations involving integers and rational numbers. They learn how to use the mathematical properties and are able to solve basic algebraic equations. Students also become proficient in ratio, proportion, percent, measurement and estimation. Basic concepts in geometry, probability, and statistics are learned.  Much time is spent using mathematical concepts to solve real-life problems. 

Grade 7 - Algebra I Part I (Regular and Honors) 

Algebra I Part I is a student’s first experience with the power of mathematics as a language and a tool. Students move beyond a concrete grasp of numerical operations to an understanding of more abstract, higher order mathematics. Using the mathematical practices as a guide students develop a deep conceptual understanding of the foundations of algebra through linear functions. Students work daily on real world applications of their mathematical skills through numerical, graphical, symbolic, and verbal explanations of problems. Students will be prepared to not only use these ideas in other courses, but will also be prepared for the more advanced study to come in Algebra I Part II. 

Grade 8 - Algebra I Part II (Regular and Honors)

This course enables students to become proficient in algebraic reasoning, to make connections between mathematics and other curriculum areas, to use algebra to solve real life problems, and to improve logical thinking. It emphasizes operations with rational numbers while working with equations, inequalities, powers, polynomials, factoring, functions, graphs, lines, slopes, systems of equations, radicals, number and set theory, and quadratics. 

Three years of mathematics are required for graduation.

The mission of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart is to empower students to think quantitatively and analyze logically for the purpose of solving real world problems. Every student has the opportunity to do advanced work; every student has courses available to meet her own learning objectives. Overall, the department strives to create mathematical citizens capable of thinking mathematically in non-mathematical areas.

Toward that end, a strong core curriculum in Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 is offered for students in their first two or three years of study. Geometry and Algebra 2 are offered as either regular or honors courses, with some important differences between the levels. Depending on which Algebra 2 course is taken, students can choose Precalculus at the regular or honors level, followed by the appropriate Advanced Placement calculus course. Students not wishing to embark on a calculus track can further their mathematical development through the study of trigonometry, probability and statistics; students desiring more challenge in statistics can enroll in Advanced Placement Statistics. Students are required to study mathematics for three years, but four years is recommended.

In computer science, all students should be competent in using a computer as an effective tool for supporting their academic work. Students should know how to create, store, and organize information; be knowledgeable in regard to online usage and management of personal information; and be able to use a variety of core applications. Students can learn how to design online environments, how to create animation for those environments, how to write and design computer programs and create devices that use programming to function. The electives offered reflect these opportunities. In addition, students may choose the challenge of Advanced Placement programming, in which Java is taught.

MATH 3 Full-year course
Open to grades 9-10. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and the recommendation of the STEM Curriculum Coordinator and current math teacher.

Math 3 is the third level of a comprehensive high school math curriculum that is designed to integrate Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Statistics, and Probability into one holistic course of study. The goal of this course is to provide students with an advanced understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills that will prepare them for more advanced levels of mathematics.  The main topics covered in Math 3 include circles, conics, conditional probability, exponential and logarithmic functions, polynomial functions, and rational functions and expressions.

MATH 3&4 Full-year course
Open to grades 9-10. Prerequisites: a grade of A or higher in Honors Algebra 1 Part 2, A+ in Algebra 1 Part 2 or Algebra 1 (full-year course), and the recommendation of the STEM Curriculum Coordinator and current math teacher.

Math 3&4 is the third level in the accelerated pathway of our comprehensive high school math curriculum that is designed to integrate Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Statistics, and Probability into one holistic course of study. The goal of this course is to build upon the mathematical foundation that students developed in Math 2&3 and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills.  The course covers all of the remaining topics taught in the Math 3 course beginning with function inverses and includes additional topics from Math 4 that involve looking at mathematical modeling.  The main topics covered in Math 3&4 include exponential and logarithmic functions, polynomial functions, rational functions and expressions, and statistics.  The course then shifts to modeling with geometric concepts, functions, periodic behavior, and investigation of trigonometric functions.
 

ALGEBRA 2 Full-year course 
Open to grades 9-11. Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Geometry 

This course begins with a review of the basic concepts of algebra, progresses to elementary linear, quadratic, and other polynomial functions, and culminates in exponential and logarithmic functions. The development from rational to irrational to complex numbers is emphasized. The computer and graphing calculator will be used whenever possible for comprehension and exploration. This course prepares students for success in Precalculus or Statistics, and, along with Geometry, prepares students for standardized testing. If a student is rusty in her Algebra 1 skills and concepts, summer review work may be helpful in preparation for this course. (Note: Based on grades earned in Algebra I and/or algebra assessment results for new or returning students, you might be required to complete a course or similar work in order to be prepared for success in Algebra 2).

HONORS ALGEBRA 2 Full-year course 
Open to grades 9-11. Prerequisites: a grade of A or higher in Algebra 1 and Geometry, and A- in Honors Geometry, and the signature of the STEM Curriculum Coordinator. 

This accelerated course integrates the concepts of algebra with problem solving, real-life applications, and technology to connect mathematical concepts to real-world situations and includes typical topics of an Algebra 2 course, including a study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and radical functions, solving equations and inequalities using those functions, and a full treatment of triangular and circular trigonometry. Technology use will facilitate investigation and analysis of properties and applications. This course prepares students for success in Honors Precalculus, and, along with Honors Geometry, helps prepare students for the math portion of the College Board SAT or ACT. 

PRECALCULUS Full-year course
Open to grades 10-12. Prerequisites: Algebra 2.

Precalculus is for all students interested in exploring calculus and beyond. The course focuses on the use of technology and data analysis to develop students’ thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Topics covered include transformations and function properties; trigonometric and circular functions and applications; polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions; sequences and series; and probability and statistics topics. Students will not only learn how their previously learned skills are applied, but also how ideas work together. Students will be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways - graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal - and they will understand the connections among these representations. Students will learn to understand the language of functions (domain and range, odd and even, periodic, symmetry, zeroes, intercepts, etc.) Technology is incorporated to help. Students will learn to communicate using mathematics and explain solutions to problems both orally and in written sentences. In particular, before studying calculus, students must be familiar with the properties of functions, the algebra of functions, and the graphs of functions.

HONORS PRECALCULUS Full-year course
Open to grades 10-12. Prerequisites: a grade of A- or higher in Honors Algebra 2, and the signature of the STEM Curriculum Coordinator. 

Honors Precalculus is for students who are interested in studying AP Calculus, and who are likely to desire studying mathematics-related fields in college. This course is intended to precede BC Calculus, but students can enroll in AB Calculus instead if they wish. As with Precalculus, the course focuses on the use of technology and data analysis to develop students’ thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students will learn to understand the language of functions (domain and range, odd and even, periodic, symmetry, zeroes, intercepts, etc.) Topics covered include transformations and function properties, sequences, series, and probability and statistics topics. In the spring, students will begin the study of calculus, experiencing the topics of limits, derivatives, and two types of integrals! Further, students will not only learn how their previously learned skills are applied, but also how ideas work together. Students will be able to work with functions represented in a variety of ways - graphical, numerical, analytical, or verbal - and they will understand the connections among these representations. Technology is incorporated to help. Students will learn to communicate mathematics and explain solutions to problems both orally and in written sentences.

CALCULUS Full-year course
Open to grades 11-12. Prerequisite: a grade of C or higher in Precalculus

The course extends students’ experience with functions as they study the fundamental concepts of calculus: limiting behaviors, difference quotients and the derivatives, Riemann sums and the definite integral, antiderivatives and indefinite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students review and extend their knowledge of elementary functions, trigonometry and basic analytic geometry. Important objectives of the calculus sequence are to develop and strengthen the students’ problem-solving skills and to teach them to read, write, speak, and think in the language of mathematics. In particular, students learn how to apply the tools of calculus to a variety of problem situations including related rates, maximum and minimum problems, the area between curves, and volumes of solids of revolution. 

AP CALCULUS AB Full-year course 
Open to grades 11-12. Prerequisites: A grade of A- or higher in Precalculus and the signature of the STEM Curriculum Coordinator. 

AP CALCULUS BC Full-year course 
Open to grades 11-12. Prerequisites: a grade of A- or higher in Honors Precalculus and the signature of the STEM Curriculum Coordinator. Rising seniors who were enrolled in a college preparatory mathematics course during their junior year will not be eligible for this course their senior year. For example, a student who took Precalculus their junior year will be recommended to enroll in Calculus or AP Calculus AB.

AP Calculus AB and Calculus BC are primarily concerned with developing the students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications. The courses emphasize a multi-representational approach to calculus with concepts, results, and problems being expressed geometrically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and the connection among these representations is stressed. Mostly, students will develop an appreciation of calculus as a coherent body of knowledge and as a human accomplishment. Students and their teachers regularly use technology to reinforce the relationships among the multiple representations of functions, to confirm written work, to experiment, and to assist in interpreting results. As noted author Steven Strogatz wrote, “Yet in another way, calculus is fundamentally naive, almost childish in its optimism. Experience teaches us that change can be sudden, discontinuous, and wrenching. Calculus draws its power by refusing to see that. It insists on a world without accidents, where one thing leads logically to another. Give me the initial conditions and the law of motion, and with calculus I can predict the future—or better yet, reconstruct the past.” 
All AP Calculus students are required to take the AP exam for the course.

MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS Full-year course 
Open to grades 11-12. Prerequisites: a grade of A- or higher in AP Calculus BC and the signature of the STEM Curriculum Coordinator. 

This course is the continuation of the traditional sequence in the study of Calculus, often known as Multivariable Calculus or Calculus 3 in the college setting. It provides a thorough introduction to the calculus of several variables, which is a continuation from techniques learned in single variable calculus.  Topics include vectors, surfaces in three dimensional space, differentiation of multivariable functions, gradients, optimization, double and triple integrals, Green’s Theorem, and so much more. Multivariable Calculus is treated as an honors level course, but the course does not typically qualify for a student to bypass Calculus 3 in college. Multivariable Calculus applies to engineering, physics, business, and any field of study where problems involve more than one variable. This course dives deep into concepts in Calculus that allow students to see the beauty and methodology behind the mathematical processes they learn about.

AP STATISTICS Full-year course
Open to grades 11-12. Prerequisites: A grade of A or higher in Algebra 2, A- in Trigonometry, Probability, and Statistics, or an A- in Precalculus, and the signature of the STEM Curriculum Coordinator. 

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 
    •    Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns 
    •    Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study 
    •    Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation 
    •    Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses 
Statistics is arguably the most practical, useful, and applicable mathematics-related course. As we are bombarded by data and statistical arguments every day, what better way to really understand than to learn statistics? As Lady Gaga herself stated, “I'm doing everything that I can, working with experts, really studying the statistics to figure out a way we can make it cool or normal to be kind and loving.” Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP Statistics exam offered in the spring.

FINANCIAL DATA ANALYSIS Full-year course
Open to grades 11-12. Prerequisite: Algebra 2

In this course, students use spreadsheet software to learn about savings versus checking, types of credit, loans, investments, taxes, insurance, cryptocurrency, and so much more. From the first day of class, students are presented with real-life situations and decisions that they will need to make in the future.  Additionally, students will use concrete algorithmic, graphical and technological tools to investigate and solve real problems. Students will be given the opportunity to sample a variety of applications that will help them learn how to look at large data and model the data. Students will be introduced to how data is collected, and utilized in the world today.  This course places a large emphasis on mathematical modeling and spreadsheet logic.  

ECONOMICS 

ECONOMICS: INTRODUCTION Full-year course
Open to grades 11 and 12. No prerequisite.

In this introductory economics course, students explore the science of decision making through classic microeconomic principles. The course begins with the fundamentals of analysis, supply and demand, competition, and market systems, with an emphasis on the practical application and examination of theory in the real world. Students design and execute behavioral economic studies to challenge the rigor of utility and incentives, create conceptual markets for abstract resources, and analyze a collection of infamous strategic puzzles through the principles of game theory.

MATH TRIMESTER ELECTIVES

FINANCE Trimester course 
Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisites. 

In this course, students will learn valuable skills needed for their current and future personal finances.  Topics include functions, macros, account management, and aggregation of data. Students will have a deeper understanding of how to create and monitor their own checking and savings account as well as critical knowledge for managing financial security.  In preparation for college and the real world, different variations of loans, stocks, and bonds will also be introduced. A large emphasis is placed on mathematical modeling and spreadsheet logic.

BUSINESS FINANCE Trimester course 
Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisites. 

This course teaches students all about business principles in order to lead a successful business.   Students will create a business proposal throughout this trimester elective and defend their proposal at the end of the trimester.  Students will have an opportunity to analyze their business given the current economic climate. Students will learn skills necessary for future entrepreneurial endeavors. 

DATA ANALYSIS Trimester course 
Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisites. 

Data analysis is a process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming and modeling data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making. Students will use concrete algorithmic, graphical and technological tools to investigate and solve real problems. Students will be given the opportunity to sample a variety of applications that will help them learn how to look at large data sets and model the data. Students will be introduced to how data is collected, and utilized in the world today.

UPCOMING INTEGRATED MATH PATHWAYS 

MATH 4 Full-year course (Course will be offered in the 2025-2026 school year.)
Open to grades 9-11. Prerequisites: Math 3, Math 2&3

Math 4 is the fourth level of a comprehensive high school math curriculum that is designed to integrate Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Statistics, and Probability into one holistic course of study. The goal of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive modeling year where they look at the real-world applications of the concepts that they have been learning in Math 1 through 3 while building on that knowledge. The main topics covered in Math 4 include modeling with data, working with areas and volumes, 3-D objects, periodic behavior, trigonometric functions and equations, trigonometric identities, and modeling with functions.

MATH 4&5 Full-year course (Course will be offered in the 2025-2026 school year.)
Open to grades 9-11. Prerequisites: Math 3&4, Math 3, Math 4 

Math 4&5 is the fourth level in the accelerated pathway of our comprehensive high school math curriculum that is designed to integrate Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Statistics, and Probability into one holistic course of study. The goal of this course is to build upon the mathematical foundation that students developed in Math 3&4 and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. The course covers all of the remaining topics taught in the Math 4 course beginning with a review of trigonometric functions and identities and includes additional topics from Math 5 that provide students with a year of connecting topics that align with traditional Precalculus concepts and learning how to apply them as they learn basic rules for Calculus.  The main topics covered in Math 4&5 include graphing and analyzing polar coordinates, vectors, conic sections, trigonometric functions and identities, review of slope, and rate of change.  The course then shifts in the third trimester to focus on the first three units taught in Calculus in order to prepare students to take our Calculus 1&2 course, which aligns with the AP Calculus BC curriculum.

MATH 5 Full-year course (Course will be offered in the 2026-2027 school year.)
Open to grades 9-11. Prerequisites: Math 4, Math 3&4

Math 5 is the fifth level of a comprehensive high school math curriculum that is designed to integrate Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Statistics, and Probability into one holistic course of study. The goal of this course is to provide students with a year of connecting topics that align with traditional Precalculus concepts and learning how to apply them as they learn basic rules for Calculus.  The main topics covered in Math 5 include understanding normal distributions, graphing and analyzing polar coordinates, vectors, conic sections, trigonometric functions and identities, review of slope, rate of change, and derivatives.

CALCULUS 1 Full-year course (Course will be renamed from AP Calculus AB in the 2026-2027 school year.)
Open to grades 9-11. Prerequisites: Math 5

The Calculus 1 course follows the AP Calculus AB curriculum.  Students taking this course will have the option to take the AP Calculus AB exam in May.  This course extends students’ experience with functions as they study the fundamental concepts of calculus: limiting behaviors, difference quotients and the derivatives, Riemann sums and the definite integral, antiderivatives and indefinite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students review and extend their knowledge of elementary functions, trigonometry and basic analytic geometry. Important objectives of the calculus sequence are to develop and strengthen the students’ problem-solving skills and to teach them to read, write, speak, and think in the language of mathematics. In particular, students learn how to apply the tools of calculus to a variety of problem situations including related rates, maximum and minimum problems, the area between curves, and volumes of solids of revolution. 

CALCULUS 1&2 Full-year course (Course will be renamed from AP Calculus BC in the 2026-2027 school year.)
Open to grades 9-11. Prerequisites: Math 4&5, Calculus 1

The Calculus 1&2 course follows the AP Calculus BC curriculum.  Calculus 1&2 is an advanced placement course that covers topics in differential and integral calculus beyond what is typically covered in a standard high school calculus course. The course builds upon the foundation of precalculus and calculus concepts and is designed to prepare students for college-level mathematics courses.  The course covers topics including limits and continuity, derivatives, applications of derivatives and integrals, and differential equations.  Throughout the course, students will be expected to develop their problem-solving skills, demonstrate their understanding of mathematical concepts, and apply their knowledge to real-world problems. The course also emphasizes the use of technology, such as graphing calculators, in solving problems and verifying results. Students who successfully complete the course may be eligible for college credit or advanced placement in college-level calculus courses.

CALCULUS 3 Full-year course (Course will be renamed from Multivariable Calculus in the 2026-2027 school year.)
Open to grades 9-11. Prerequisites: Calculus 1&2

This course is the continuation of the traditional sequence in the study of Calculus, often known as Multivariable Calculus or Calculus 3 in the college setting. It provides a thorough introduction to the calculus of several variables, which is a continuation from techniques learned in single variable calculus.  Topics include vectors, surfaces in three dimensional space, differentiation of multivariable functions, gradients, optimization, double and triple integrals, Green’s Theorem, and so much more. Multivariable Calculus is treated as an honors level course, but the course does not typically qualify for a student to bypass Calculus 3 in college.  Multivariable Calculus applies to engineering, physics, business, and any field of study where problems involve more than one variable. This course dives deep into concepts in Calculus that allow students to see the beauty and methodology behind the mathematical processes they learn about.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Full-year course (Course will be renamed from AP Statistics in the 2026-2027 school year.)
Open to grades 9-11. Prerequisites: Math 5, Math 4&5

The Statistical Analysis course follows the AP Statistics curriculum.  The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 
    •    Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns 
    •    Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study 
    •    Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation 
    •    Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses 
Statistics is arguably the most practical, useful, and applicable mathematics-related course. As we are bombarded by data and statistical arguments every day, what better way to really understand than to learn statistics? As Lady Gaga herself stated, “I'm doing everything that I can, working with experts, really studying the statistics to figure out a way we can make it cool or normal to be kind and loving.” Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP Statistics exam offered in the spring.

Full Year Courses

One trimester of computer science is required for graduation.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES

Open to grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Signature of STEM Curriculum Coordinator

AP Computer Science Principles is designed to introduce students to the central ideas of computer science, to instill ideas and practices of computational thinking, and to engage students in activities that show how computing changes the world. The course is rigorous and rich in computational content, includes computational and critical thinking skills, and engages students in the creative aspects of the field. Students will learn how computer technologies work and the ideas behind them. The course will cover topics such as connecting computing, communication and abstraction, how data and information facilitate the creation of knowledge, how algorithms are used to express solutions to computational problems, how the internet pervades modern computing, and what is technology’s global impact in today's world.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A

Open to grades 10-12. Prerequisites: AP Computer Science Principles, Introduction to Computer Science, or DET, and signature of the STEM Curriculum Coordinator

AP Computer Science A is a college-level introduction to the Java programming language. Students will learn the intricacies of object-oriented programming specific to Java. The techniques include class declarations; encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism are emphasized. Students will extend their knowledge of introductory topics such as data types, iterative and conditional structures. In addition, students will learn to use basic data structures such as one and two-dimensional arrays. Students will learn multiple algorithms for searching and sorting data in these data structures (both recursive and iterative). In addition, the concept of the abstract data type is examined by studying different implementations of linked lists, stacks, queues, and trees.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICE MANAGEMENT (ITSM)

Independent Study

Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite. This course will satisfy the requirements for the Web Design trimester course and the graduation requirement for computer science. The student has the opportunity to earn the Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) credential with a passing exam grade of 75%.

A year-long course exploring IT service management fundamentals (ITSM). The course is structured as an experiential learning model with many cross discipline opportunities. It will provide students with a practical understanding of the key concepts, common language, principles and practices that enables successful management of modern IT-enabled services. Students will begin building their knowledge and experience in the IT management field.

Students will learn industry standards by interacting with a trouble ticket system; learn to prioritize, categorize, analyze and research solutions. They’ll bring trouble ticket data to life by creating and publishing content in an active knowledge database.

Students will gain practical hands-on experience managing Stuart’s IT Help Desk, exploring IT support service industry standards, and preparing for ACSP certification. They will have the benefit of working in the newly renovated IT Center and help define how the space can best be utilized.

Expectations:

• Responsible for entering initial technology support requests.
• Handle issues based upon the individual student’s skill set
• Scheduled class time to cover the IT help desk.
• Assist walk-in users with their technology issues.
• Service as student support for special projects / events
• Create one or more solutions based upon analysis of trouble ticket system
• Prepare for Apple certification ACSP exam

Outcomes:

• Practical hands-on experience with IT help desk workflows
• Develop an understanding of industry standard ITIL (Infrastructure Technology Information Library)
• Create content for live Solutions knowledge database
• Broaden exposure to data analysis with live systems
• Gain an in-depth understanding of networking systems
• Complete Apple ACSP certification course and exam

TRIMESTER COURSES

INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON

Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisites.

This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of computer programming using the Python 3 language. The course emphasizes the importance of thoroughly analyzing problem statements, carefully selecting an appropriate algorithm and implementation of the algorithm. Students will learn about basic Python concepts such as manipulation of strings, math operations, and writing functions.  By the end of the course, students will be able to program a console-based game. No previous programming experience is required. In the class, students will also gain a better understanding of how computer science has shaped our world in addition to increasing their digital literacy.   

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTRODUCTION

Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisites.

This is the era of Humans + Machines. The advances in Cognitive Computing over the last decade have opened the world to enormous possibilities. From self-driving cars to automated drone-based delivery, things which were once in the realm of magic, have suddenly started appearing very real.  As we step into this stunning new era, it is imperative that we prepare for the new challenges that await us. If not, there is likely to be a big gap between what we learn with conventional curricula and what the world expects of us. Our future-ready AI curriculum will attempt to bridge this gap as students engage in the AI cycle, neural networks, metaverse, and climate change.

DESIGN OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES I (DET I)

Open to grades 9-12. Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science

DET is a hands-on, project-based course that allows students to learn to build devices that interact with computers, to learn how emerging technologies interact, and to learn how these emerging technologies can be used. Students will explore connecting hardware to software through a myriad of input and output devices using fundamental programming.  Students with a passion for innovation, technology, and programming are those best suited for this course. Physical computing takes a hands-on approach, which means that students will spend a lot of time building circuits, soldering, writing programs, and building structures to hold sensors and controls. The nature of the material requires self-starting, self-motivated, creative individuals.

DESIGN OF EMERGENT TECHNOLOGIES II (DET II)

Open to grades 9-12. Prerequisite: Design of Emergent Technologies I

DET II is a continuation of DET I. Students will continue to explore how computers interact to learn how emerging technologies interact and to learn how these emerging technologies can be used. Students will explore connecting hardware to software through a myriad of input and output devices using fundamental programming. Students with a passion for innovation, technology, and programming are those best suited to this course. Physical computing takes a hands-on approach, which means that students will spend a lot of time building circuits, soldering, writing programs, and building structures to hold sensors and controls. The nature of the material requires self-starting, self-motivated, creative individuals.