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Pathway Overview

The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Computer Science program of study is an instructional program that engages students in open ended problem solving where students study computational practices such as algorithm development, problem solving, and programming within the context of problems relevant to their everyday lives. They are also introduced to topics such as interface design, limitations of computers, and societal and ethical issues. The program prepares students for further education and careers in information technology and computer science.

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Pathway Courses

CS405

1 Credit

With an emphasis on computational thinking and collaboration, this course provides an excellent entry point for students to begin or continue the PLTW Computer Science K-12 experience. Computer Science Essentials will expose students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence.

CS400 + 3 College Credits

1 Credit

Using Python® as a primary tool and incorporating multiple platforms and languages for computation, this course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths that utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. Computer Science Principles helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation. Students who successfully complete this course are expected to take the AP Computer Science Principles exam in the Spring.

1 Credit + 3 College Credits

Computer Science A focuses on further developing computational thinking skills through the medium of Android™ App development for mobile platforms. The course utilizes industry-standard tools such as Android Studio, Java™ programming language, XML, and device emulators. Students collaborate to create original solutions to problems of their own choosing by designing and implementing user interfaces and Web-based databases. Students who successfully complete this course are expected to take the AP Computer Science A exam in the spring.

CS505

1 Credit

This course introduces the tools and concepts of cybersecurity and encourages students to create solutions that allow people to share computing resources while protecting privacy. Nationally, computational resources are vulnerable and frequently attacked; in Cybersecurity, students solve problems by understanding and closing these vulnerabilities. This course raises students’ knowledge of and commitment to ethical computing behavior. It also aims to develop students’ skills as consumers, friends, citizens, and employees who can effectively contribute to communities with a dependable cyber-infrastructure that moves and processes information safely. This is the capstone senior year course for students in the Computer Science Pathway.