Whitney High School - Computer Science

Computer Science

The Information Technology CTE pathway at Whitney High School is designed to equip students with the foundational skills needed to pursue careers in the tech industry. Through hands-on, project-based learning, students gain practical experience in IT while developing essential 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, and digital literacy—preparing them for success in a wide range of technology-related careers.

Program Sequence

Computer Science I

COMPUTER SCIENCE I

Grade Level: 9-11

Prerequisite: None

Requirements Met: WHS Technology

This is a year-long introductory high school course designed to introduce problem-solving and a broad exploration of computer science topics. Topics covered include: history of computing, human-computer interaction, web design, programming, data analysis, cybersecurity, and 3D design & printing. Other potential topics may include app development and robotics.

Computer Science II

COMPUTER SCIENCE II

Grade Level: 10-12

Prerequisite: Computer Science 1 or teacher approval

Requirements Met:

WHS Technology

Computer Science II is designed to continue the development of problem-solving, computational thinking, and understanding of logic as it applies to the field of Computer Science. Students will engage in the creative aspects of the field and have the opportunity to create projects based on their interests. The major topics covered in this course are computer programming in app and game development, cybersecurity, physical computing/robotics and computer hardware. This course is designed for the student who is interested in exploring careers in Computer Science.

AP Computer Science Principles

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES

Grade Level: 10 – 12

Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math 2 or teacher approval

Fee: College Board testing fee ($TBA)

College Articulation: CSU Sacramento/CSC 010, 3 Units (CSU Sacramento ACE fee)

Requirements Met:

WHS Mathematics OR WHS Technology

UC/CSU Approved “G”

AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the breadth of the field of Computer

Science. In this course, students will learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply
computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs.
They will incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge.
Students will also explain how computing innovations and computing systems, including the
Internet, work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that
is collaborative and ethical. It is important to note that the AP Computer Science Principles
course does not have a designated programming language. Teachers have the flexibility
to choose a programming language(s) that is most appropriate for their students to use in
the classroom.

AP Computer Science A

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A

Grade Level: 11 – 12

Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math 2 or teacher approval

Fee: College Board testing fee ($TBA)

College Articulation: CSU Sacramento/CSC 010, 3 Units (CSU Sacramento ACE fee)

Requirements Met:

WHS Mathematics OR WHS Technology

UC/CSU Approved “G”

AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming.
Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data
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. Prior programming experience is highly recommended.

Computer Science III

COMPUTER SCIENCE III

Grade Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: Computer Science I and AP Computer Science Principles or Computer Science II

Requirements Met:

WHS Technology

Computer Science III is offered to Junior and Senior students and serves as a capstone course for the Computer Science Pathway. This course will be structured in a seminar format and will focus on core content areas of Computer Science, including, but not limited to, computer programming, computer hardware and networking, physical computing and robotics, and cybersecurity. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in job shadowing opportunities, as well as industry certification exams as they become available.