The Department of Computer Science offers a curriculum that spans the lower, middle and high schools. Students in grades two through five attend weekly computer science classes; computer science is part of the sixth grade and eighth grade rotations; and several computer science electives are offered to high school students.

Lower School

The primary goal in the Lower School computer classes is to help the students become technologically literate. This is achieved by exposing students to a wide variety of hands-on computer experiences which includes programming, simulations, information gathering, and working with applications and subject area software. By providing a broad range of computer experiences, we help students understand how computers can facilitate learning in all subject areas.

We encourage students to respect one another's learning styles and different levels of computer expertise. Cooperative learning is encouraged so that the computer is viewed as a tool, not a companion.

An effective computer program provides students with the opportunity to be self-directed, to pose and pursue their own questions, to explore, construct and create. We encourage students to feel confident enough to explore and build on what they know.

Middle School

The primary goal in the middle school computer science curriculum is twofold: to experience the critical thinking and problem solving that comprise the foundations of computer science and to use the computer as a tool to be utilized in all aspects of the students' educational experience. This is achieved in two ways: by computer science classes and by integration of technology into classroom curriculum.

Our computer curriculum also provides a format for discussion of ethical behavior in regard to computer usage.

High School

The Computer Science Department offers three one-quarter computer science electives on a variety of topics, and a year-long advanced placement programming course.

All Computer Science courses in the high school are elective.