Computer Science

THE COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM emphasizes the ethical and societal implications associated with how computing and connectivity are changing the world. Collaborating with one another, students ultimately learn to create and present solutions for real-world problems.

THIS PROGRAM FOCUSES on software design and development. Students gain crucial industry and practical skills through hands-on assignments. Students create mobile applications, automate tasks in a variety of languages, discern trends and patterns in data, identify cybersecurity threats & protect against them, and detect intrusions & respond to attacks.

Students in the program have access to cutting-edge equipment such as: MIT App Inventor, Python, Java, Vernier Sensors, Android Tablets, Vex Robots, and Windows 10.

Required & Recommended Courses

PROGRAM REQUIRED COURSES:

  • PLTW Computer Science Essentials (Honors) *

  • PLTW Computer Science Principles (AP) *#

  • PLTW Computer Science A (AP) *#

    • Or PLTW Cybersecurity (Honors) *#

    • Or PLTW Digital Electronics (Honors) *


PROGRAM RECOMMENDED COURSES:

    • PLTW Engineering Design & Development (Honors)*


ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COURSES:

    • Algebra II OR Honors Algebra II

    • Pre-Calculus OR Honors Pre-Calculus



* These courses are affiliated with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), the leading provider of STEM education in the U.S.

#College credit available through URI Concurrent Enrollment

Credentials & Certifications

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Credential (Watch the Video!)

Work-Based Learning Requirements

In our increasingly complex global society, CTE students are expected to be prepared to enter the workforce of the future by participating in a continuum of purposeful Work-Based Learning (WBL) activities that align with their CTE Programs. WBL experiences can include an industry project, a school-based enterprise, a service-learning project, or an internship.

WBL connects the CTE Program with the real world of work by providing students with the opportunity to interact with professionals in business and industry while applying what they are learning in the classroom. Through their involvement in WBL activities, students will also develop and demonstrate essential employability skills, such as responsibility, collaboration and communication, that are applicable in all work environments.

National Technical Honor Society (NTHS)

The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) recognizes outstanding student achievement in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and encourages educational excellence, skill development, and workforce readiness.

Computer Science Eligibility Criteria:

  • Overall unweighted GPA of 3.0 or greater

  • Program unweighted GPA of 3.5 or greater

  • Enrolled in a CTE Program

  • Successfully completes:

      • Three CTE courses (3 credits) in the Computer Science Program and is currently enrolled in a fourth course (at least three PLTW Courses including Computer Science Essentials and Computer Science Principles)

      • Three years of Math and is currently enrolled in a fourth-year Math course, including at least PreCalculus

  • A score of Proficient or greater on the EoCA in each PLTW Computer Science class.

  • Complete eighty cumulative hours of Work-Based Learning (WBL) and/or mentor-based program

Opportunities:

  • Special recognition at Graduation

  • NTHS scholarships

  • Other unique member privileges

  • Resume builder


Learn more at https://nths.org/

RI Pathway Endorsement

Seniors enrolled in a STEM Academy CTE Program are offered the ability to base their Senior Passion Project on the Capstone Class, Project Lead the Way's Engineering Design and Development (PLTW EDD). PLTW EDD is a project-based course that can be taken by any STEM Academy student in their senior year.

Seniors enrolled in a CTE Program are encouraged to base their Senior Passion Project on their CTE Program. Senior Passion Projects based on the student’s CTE Program is a requirement to qualify for the RI Pathway Endorsement Council Designation.

PROGRAM SUMMARY AT A GLANCE

For more information about this program contact the Career Programs Supervisor at CTEPrograms@fgschools.com or 401-710-7579.

Click here to view the Computer Science Program Flyer.