Welcome to the High School Computer Science Pathway, a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for the fast-evolving world of technology and computing.
This pathway offers a blend of foundational knowledge, practical skills, and advanced topics to ensure students are well-equipped for future studies or careers in computer science, cybersecurity, web design, and programming.
Our courses emphasize computational thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, reflecting the real-world demands of the tech industry. Below, you will find detailed descriptions of each course offered within this pathway, highlighting key learning objectives and areas of focus.
Computer Science Pathway at a Glance
Computer Science Courses
Computer Application 1, 2, & 3; Computer Science Essentials PLTW; Intermediate Programming; Web Design
Other Suggested Courses
Digital Marketing, Internship/Work Place, Marketing, Computer Accounting, Business Management, Digital Imaging and Photography, Digital Design, Advanced Digital Imaging
Check out the Program of Studies for a complete list of course offerings and descriptions.
National Workforce Statistics for Computer Systems Analysts
| 2020 U.S. median pay | $93,730 per year/$45.06 per hour |
| No. of U.S. jobs in 2020 | 607,800 |
| Projected no. graphic designers needed annually | 42,800 |
Southeast Iowa Workforce Statistics
| Computer Systems Analyst wage | $40.88-$47.20 per hour |
| Projected annual job openings | 10 |
Computer Science Pathway Course Descriptions
Computer Science Essentials – PLTW
Computer Science Essentials introduces students to computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, building a strong foundation and confidence in their coding abilities. Using visual, block-based programming, students seamlessly transition to text-based programming languages like Python. They create apps, develop websites, and learn how to network computers. The course emphasizes computational thinking practices, vocabulary building, and collaboration, enabling students to create products addressing real-world issues.
Cybersecurity – PLTW
In this course, students explore cybersecurity tools and concepts to create solutions that protect privacy and share computing resources securely. Students learn to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in computational resources, raising their knowledge and commitment to ethical computing behaviors. The course integrates traditional face-to-face learning with online independent learning components, preparing students to contribute effectively to secure cyber-infrastructure as consumers, citizens, and professionals.
Computer Applications 1
This course provides students with the opportunity to use word processing equipment to produce various business-related documents. Using Microsoft Word and Excel, students create word documents and tables, gaining working knowledge of the basic and advanced capabilities of these applications. The course is exercise-oriented, focusing on practical skills applicable in most business settings.
Computer Applications 2
Building on the skills acquired in Computer Applications 1, this course covers advanced word processing and introduces Microsoft PowerPoint and Access. Students learn to prepare writing assignments, business documents, presentations, and data analyses, enhancing their proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Prerequisite: Computer Applications 1.
Web Design
Students are instructed on web design applications using a PC platform, including Adobe Creative Suite 6, HTML, and Google Apps. They learn to design and publish original websites for personal use and businesses, developing a strong foundation in web design. By the end of the course, students will be capable of independently creating websites.
Intermediate Programming
This course introduces students to object-oriented and event-driven programming using Visual C and Python in Microsoft Windows. Emphasizing structured programming to solve problems, topics include programming fundamentals, problem-solving, algorithm design, control structures, input/output, and data manipulation. For the final project, students build a game using their coding skills. This middle-level programming course bridges the gap between introductory and advanced programming studies. Prerequisite: Computer Science Essentials.