Computer Science pathway

Gain a deep understanding of computer science careers and design through exposure of basic application, game and website development. Students progress through a sequence of courses focused on audio, video, and graphic design techniques, as well as HTML5 and CSS concepts.

IN-DEMAND CAREERS

Software Developer - $$$

Computer User Support Specialist - $$

Database Architects - $$$$

Web Developer - $$$

Network Administrator - $$$

Information Security Specialist - $$$$

Information Security Analyst- $$$$

Computer Network Architect - $$$$

Salary ranges based on Larimer County Workforce data:     ($) $25k-$49k       ($$) $50k-$74k       ($$$) $75k-$99k       ($$$$) $100k +

Computer Science Pathway Planning Guides

Create a four-year high school plan aligned with PSD graduation requirements for your school, beginning with the Class of 2029 and beyond.

Suggested Course Sequence

Level 1 Courses

COMPUTER SCIENCE FOUNDATIONS (6320)

5 Math or Elective Credits

Offered at: FCHS, FRHS, PGA, PHS, RMHS

FRCC INTRODUCTION TO PC APPLICATIONS (1750CEFRHS)

5 PSD Elective/ 3 FRCC Credits

  • Industry Certification Opportunity
  • College Credit Opportunity

Offered at: FCHS, FRHS, PGA, PHS, RMHS, TMHS, WMHS

Level 2 Courses

WEB DESIGN FOUNDATIONS A (1766)

5 Math or Elective Credits

Offered at: FCHS, FRHS, PGA, RMHS, THMS

GAME DESIGN A (1751) (1751)

5 Math, Fine and Applied Arts or Elective Credits

Offered at: FCHS, FRHS, PGA, PHS, RMHS, TMHS, WMHS

CODING 1A (2122) (1751)

5 Math or Elective Credits

Offered at: PGA

FRCC INTRO TO PROGRAMMING (7462CEFRHS)

5 PSD Elective/ 3 FRCC Credits

  • College Credit Opportunity

Offered at: RMHS

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES A/B (6331S1/S2)

10 Math or Elective Credits

  • College Credit Opportunity

Offered at: FCHS, FRHS, PHS, TMHS

INTRO TO WEB AUTHORING (9539CEFRHS)

5 PSD/3 FRCC Credits

  • College Credit Opportunity

Offered at: FRHS, PHS

CYBERSECURITY 1A (2433A)

5 Math & Computer Science credits

Offered at: FRHS

Level 3 Courses

GAME DESIGN B (1754)

5 Math, Fine and Applied Arts or Elective Credits

Offered at: PGA, PHS, RMHS, TMHS, WMHS

WEB DESIGN FOUNDATIONS B (1767) (

5 Math or Elective Credits

Offered at: FCHS, FRHS, RMHS, PGA, TMHS

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A A/B  (6330S1/S2)

10 Math or Elective Credits

  • College Credit Opportunity

Offered at: FCHS, FRHS

IB COMPUTER SCIENCE (6332S1/S2)

5 Science Credits

  • College Credit Opportunity

Offered at: PHS

The IB DP Computer science SL course requires an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computational thinking as well as knowledge of how computers and other digital devices operate. The course, underpinned by conceptual thinking, draws on a wide spectrum of knowledge, and enables and empowers innovation, exploration and the acquisition of further knowledge. Students study how computer science interacts with and influences cultures, society and how individuals and societies behave, and the ethical issues involved. During the course the student will develop computational solutions. This will involve the ability to: • identify a problem or unanswered question • design, prototype and test a proposed solution • liaise with clients to evaluate the success of the proposed solution and make recommendations for future developments.

FRCC AP COMPUTER SCIENCE (6330CEFRHS)

10 Math or Elective Credits

  • College Credit Opportunity

Offered at: RMHS

AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the data design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language.

COMPUTER CERTIFICATION & REPAIR (1756)

5 Elective Credits

Offered at: FCHS

This course prepares individuals to be workforce ready through the development of workplace competencies in the areas of hardware and software troubleshooting, as well as pursuance of industry certifications.
PSD Career Tech Center name with logo

The PSD Career Tech Center is a 1/2 day career and technical education (CTE)  program open to all 11th and 12th grade high school students.  This program is located on the Poudre High School campus and transportation is provided from all PSD high schools.

AI and Mobile Applications:

  • Mobile App Development
    • 5 Math credits
    • 5 Language Arts credits
    • 3 Aims Community College credits
  • Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
    • 5 Elective credits
    • 3 Aims Community College credits

Networking and Cybersecurity

  • A+ Certification Preparation
    • 5 Math credits
  • Intro to Programming (Python)
    • 5 Math credits
    • 3 Aims Community College credits
  • Networking & Cybersecurity
    • 5 Language Arts credits

Level 4 Courses

CAPSTONE: COMPUTER SCIENCE A/B (7284S1/S2)

10 Math or Elective Credits

  • Industry Certification Opportunity
  • Capstone Opportunity

Offered at: PGA, FRHS, and RMHS

WORK-BASED LEARNING: COMPUTER SCIENCE (6333)

Variable Credit

  • Capstone Opportunity

Offered at: FCHS, FRHS, PHS, RMHS, TMHS, PGA, WMHS

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

Login to  Xello and add courses to your high school course plan! Click HERE to watch a video to learn how.

Go Beyond the Classroom

Go Beyond the classroom and get #FutureReady by participating in student leadership organizations, earning college credit, industry certifications, and exploring careers in work-based learning opportunities!

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Technology Student Association

TSA Colorado TSA Advisor Live Binder

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Login and start exploring careers, colleges & find work-based learning opportunities

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Industry Certifications

Certiport IT Specialist

Microsoft Office Specialist

Unity Certified User

FRCC

Front Range Community College

Computer Science & Programming

PSD computer science teachers

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Career Tech Center

Rob Breshears 

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Fort Collins High School

Kyle Coles 

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Fossil Ridge High School

Paula Didero 

Stacy Ruffer 

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Polaris Expeditionary Learning School

Kaitlyn "Birdy" Birdsall-Thomas 

PSD Global Logo

Poudre Global Academy

Dinah Unruh

Impalas

Poudre High School

Isaac Morley 

Kara Quinlan 

Rocky Mountain

Rocky Mountain High School

Chance Mazzia 

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Timnath Middle High School

Beth Bean 

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Wellington Middle High School

Rusty Quinlan