10-12 graders
Credits awarded on transcript
Algebra II completed with B- or better
UC A-G approved for [C] Mathematics credits
90 minutes per class
4-8 students per class
Twice per week over 36 weeks
1499 per student, per semester
Self paced instructor-guided
Online community
Office hours on-demand
1499 per student, per semester
2-3 hours per day (summer/winter)
4-8 students per class
3 days per week 2, 4, or 6 weeks
549 per student, per week
AP® Computer Science A (AP CSA) is an introductory college-level computer science course developed by the College Board as equivalent to a first-semester, college-level CS1 course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing.
The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using the Java programming language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. The Java Programming portion of this course teaches students skills to —
In addition to a strong foundation on programming, students learn computer science fundamentals concepts such as sorting, searching, recursion, error handling, and so on. This course adequately covers the requirements of the AP® CSA curriculum and allows students to go further in more advanced topics that are outside of AP CSA requirements if they have interest and time.
2Sigma School emphasizes project-based learning where students work on programming challenges, or mini-labs, throughout the course so that they are actively engaging with the concepts of modularity, variables, control, code logic, algorithm design, code testing, and the impact of computing on a daily basis. Completing these mini-labs prepares students to build their skills to complete full labs on their own. By the end of the course students will create multiple complete programming projects, or labs, on their own where they will design solutions to problems, express their solutions precisely, test their solutions, identify and correct errors, and compare possible solutions.
No prior programming experience is necessary, but it is highly recommended that students have successfully completed Algebra II with a strong foundation of basic linear functions, composition of functions, and problem-solving strategies that require multiple approaches and collaborative efforts. In addition, students should be able to use a Cartesian (x, y) coordinate system to represent points on a plane. The highest performing students enjoy logical thinking similar to proof building found in most Geometry courses. Computer science builds upon a foundation of mathematical reasoning that should be acquired before attempting this course.
Students will be provided access to lessons and practice AP exams through AP Classroom.
Authorized by the College Board to use the AP® designation.
University of California A-G approved for [C] Mathematics credits.
Our technology requirements are similar to that of most Online classes.
A desktop or laptop computer running Windows (PC), Mac OS (Mac), or Chrome OS (Chromebook). | |
Students must be able to run a Zoom Client. | |
A working microphone, speaker, webcam, and an external mouse. | |
A high-speed internet connection with at least 10mbps download speed (check your Internet speed). |
Students must have a quiet place to study and participate in the class for the duration of the class. Some students may prefer a headset to isolate any background noise and help them focus in class.
Most course lectures and content may be viewed on mobile devices but programming assignments and certain quizzes require a desktop or laptop computer.
We encourage (but do not require) students taking AP® courses to take the AP Exams administered in May by the College Board. Being an Online School, we do not conduct AP® Exams ourselves yet. See the College Board's website to find a local location near you, if your school doesn't offer these exams.
This course includes several timed tests where you will be asked to complete a given number of questions within a 1-3 hour time limit. These tests are designed to keep you competitively prepared but you can take them as often as you like. We do not proctor these exams, neither do we require that you install special lockdown browser.
In today's environment, when students have access to multiple devices, most attempts to avoid cheating in online exams are symbolic. Our exams are meant to encourage you to learn and push yourself using an honor system.
We do assign a grade at the end of the year based on a number of criteria which includes class participation, completion of assignments, and performance in the tests. We do not reveal the exact formula to minimize students' incentive to optimize for a higher grade.
We believe that your grade in the course should reflect how well you have learnt the skills, and a couple of timed-tests, while traditional, aren't the best way to evaluate your learning.