The Academy of Computer Science at Citrus High School started in the 2016-17 school year. Since then, hundreds of students have graduated and have gone on to colleges and universities all over the country.
The goal of the Academy of Computer Science is to provide students with the best foundation possible in computer science. Students will learn how to think "differently." Students will learn how to break down problems and solve those problems, a skill called "computational thinking." This is a skill that will benefit them throughout their high school career, into college, and throughout their lives. In the Academy, students will have the opportunity to earn many industry certifications including Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Wordpress Editor, various IT Specialist certifications such as Python, Java, and Cybersecurity and more. Students will learn how to write code using Block-Based Programming, Python, HTML/CSS and Java. They'll also take 2 Advanced Placement courses and much, much more.
Another incredible perk of being in the Academy of Computer Science is INNOVATION PROJECT FRIDAY. Students are given the opportunity to work on a "passion project," something they typically wouldn't have the opportunity to work on in school. Examples of projects include video game design, creating audio and video podcasts, organizing community service food and clothing drives, etc. The idea of Innovation Project Friday is that learning should not be constrained to what students are "told" to learn. It's an opportunity for students to decide themselves what they "want" to learn. These projects teach them valuable skills and learning strategies that will help them, not only in the Academy of Computer Science, but throughout their high school career and beyond.
The Academy consists of 6 elective classes over 4 years. The breakdown is as follows:
9th grade: Advanced Information Technology & Foundations of Programming
10th grade: AP Computer Science Principles & Web Technologies
11th grade: AP Computer Science A (Java programming)
12th grade: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
If you have any questions about the program, please email Mr. Jerry Swiatek at [email protected]