Computer Science

AMSA’s Computer Science curriculum is forward thinking, combining our strengths in Science, Engineering, and Math with Computer Science. Computer Science education is in our charter; it is part of our foundation. Having Computer Science education in our core program distinguishes AMSA from other schools in the country.

Our exceptional Computer Science curriculum introduces software, hardware, algorithms, computational thinking, and programming at each grade level. The curriculum focuses heavily on solving problems using tools that help students visualize and get feedback from their computation.

Having Computer Science as a mandatory course in 6th through 11th allows us to focus on exciting initiatives to keep our program advanced, refine our methods of teaching, enhance our curriculum and make computer science fun and engaging for all students. Our faculty is unique and quite diverse. We have graduates in Computer Science, Math, and Engineering. Most of our team has professional experience in Computer Science and the Engineering industry.

Middle School

When a middle school student completes our program they will have been exposed to the following topics: Computer History, Hardware, Software & Operating Systems, Internet & Networks, Computer Animation, Algorithms & Problem Solving, Alice Programming, Python Programming, Web Design/Jscript, Databases and SQL, Logic Gates and Robotics. Upon completion of middle school a student will be able to understand community and global impacts of Computer Science, use collaborative tools, develop a plan to solve a problem, think about problems computationally, engage in programming projects using a programming language, experience the design, build and program of a robot, and will have completed cross-curricular projects with other STEM disciplines.

High School

When a high school student completes our program they will have been exposed to the following topics: Networking, Software design using Java, Adv Web Design using CSS/PHP/SQL, Mobile Computing, Intro to Computer Aided Design and Drafting, Robotics and have the opportunity to take advanced electives including Engineering, C Programming, and AP CS. Upon completion of high school, our students will be innovative and well prepared to seek a CS, Math, Science and/or Engineering degree, have advanced knowledge and abilities in computing, be able to engage in solving problems with confidence and success, push boundaries of conventional thinking, have achieved skills necessary for higher education, completed interdisciplinary projects and understand the relationship between STEM fields, and will be able to explore internship/research opportunities with triumph!

Outside the Classroom

Experiences outside school enrich the experiences we present our students in the classroom. In addition to working with our own faculty, we seek out collaborations with industry and universities to expose our students to practical applications of Computing and Engineering. Examples include a collaborative Engineering project with the Bose Company, participating in a Google/MIT Challenge, and working with Computer Science professionals at the UMass Lowell on research with robotics.

Upper School Computer Science Overview

Upper School Computer Science Courses

Introduction to Java

Web Design & Development

Advanced Web Design & Development

Introduction to CAD

Computer Science Dept. News

Technovation Challenge

Technovation Challenge is an annual program that teaches young women mobile app development, concepts of entrepreneurship, and community engagement – all with the goal of inspiring them to enter STEM fields.

Students spend several months working in teams on researching, designing, and building mobile app prototypes that address community problems.

AMSA middle and high school girls participate each year.