Courses

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Curriculum Summary

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Web Design 1
This course is an introduction to creating professional-quality websites for business, community, entertainment, or personal uses. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to create attractive and functional websites, emphasizing both the technology and design processes. They will learn the fundamental concepts and tools for creating websites using HTML (the language used to structure web pages and online content) and CSS (the language used to give a website its form and visual style). Students will develop a final project of their own choosing, using a high-level Content Management System (CMS) such as WordPress to create a fully functional website. uses.

Web Design 2
This course is a continuation of Web Design 1, for students who wish to pursue the field in greater depth. Students in this course will conceive, research, design, develop, and operate a functioning website for a real client or user community. The website focus and goals, chosen by the student, are first developed in a project proposal. Once the project is approved, students are expected to work with a high degree of independence and self-direction to bring it to fruition, emphasizing good planning, documentation, communication, design, technology, and usability. Team projects are encouraged, as web design is a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary endeavor.

Introduction to Computer Science 1
This course is an introduction to computer science and software engineering for all students interested in developing software applications, not just using them. Through a project-oriented approach, students will explore a variety of programming systems and languages to create interactive applications and systems. By collaborating in a hands-on environment, students will learn problem solving, software design, debugging strategies, and the foundations of computer science (data structures, procedures, and algorithms). Students will work on projects (both individual and team) in the areas of graphics and games, animation and art, electronics systems, and interactive fashion, all using open-source software tools such as Scratch, Arduino, and Processing.

AP Computer Science
This course is an introductory study of the theory and practice of computer science and software engineering. It covers fundamental concepts of programming, including data structures, algorithms, and procedures, as well as object-oriented methodologies. Students will learn problem-solving techniques, software design and documentation skills, and development and debugging strategies, all using the Java programming language. This Advanced Placement course is the equivalent of a first-year college course in computer science, and is based on the University of Washington’s curriculum for its introductory computer science course (CSE 142/143). It prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science A Exam in the spring. It is also offered for University of Washington credit as part of the UW in the High School program.

Computer Science Projects 1/2
This course provides an opportunity for students with significant programming experience to work on a semester-long project of their own choosing. Students will learn structured software engineering processes and project management strategies, as well as explore advanced topics in computer science. Under the supervision of the instructor and local computing professionals and working in teams, they will develop project proposals, implement their designs, and document and present their work. Students taking this course are expected to be self-motivated and capable of independent, supported work. Students who wish to spend an additional semester in this pursuit may register for CS Projects 2 also.