AP Computer Science A

AP Computer Science A is a hands-on, college-level introduction to the world of computer science, emphasizing problem-solving, logical reasoning, and disciplined software development using the Java programming language. Students are primed for success on the AP exam while developing practical skills that lay the foundation for real-world and tech careers. Drawing on professional experience in IT, software development, and indie game creation, the instructor brings an engaging, industry-aware perspective to the course. Students learn how to think like programmers—designing solutions, analyzing program behaviour, and understanding how code is structured, tested, debugged, and maintained. Throughout the year, students sharpen their precision, clarity, and time-management skills. They are also encouraged to view their newfound computational abilities as talents to be developed and used beautifully in the service of God.

The course closely follows the College Board’s AP Computer Science A framework, as outlined on AP Central, and uses AP Classroom resources and formative assessments to track progress throughout the year. In accordance with College Board requirements, the course includes a minimum of 20 hours of structured, hands-on lab experiences in which students design solutions, test code, identify and correct errors, and compare  alternative approaches to computational problems.

Course Content and Skills
AP Computer Science A focuses on object-oriented programming and algorithmic thinking. Students design, write, and analyze Java programs while developing strong computational thinking skills. The course is organized into four units aligned with the College Board framework:

Unit 1: Using Objects and Methods (15-25% of exam)
● Variables, data types, and expressions
● Calling methods from the Java library (String, Math)
● Object creation and method invocation

Unit 2: Selection and Iteration (25-35% of exam)
● Conditionals (if, if-else, nested conditionals)
● Loops (while, for, enhanced for loops)
● Boolean expressions and algorithm development

Unit 3: Class Creation (10-18% of exam)
● Designing custom classes with constructors and methods
● Encapsulation and access modifiers
● The this keyword and scope
● Ethical and social implications of computing

Unit 4: Data Collections (30-40% of exam)
● Arrays and ArrayLists
● 2D arrays
● Searching algorithms (linear, binary)
● Sorting algorithms (selection, insertion, merge)
● Recursion
● File input with Scanner

Computational Thinking Practices (Assessed Throughout)
Students will develop five key computational thinking practices that are explicitly assessed on the AP exam:
● Design Code – Determine appropriate program designs and develop algorithms
● Develop Code – Write and implement program code
● Analyze Code – Determine output and explain incorrect behavior
● Document Code and Computing Systems – Describe program behavior and preconditions
● Use Computers Responsibly – Understand ethical and social implications of computer use

Exam Overview
The AP Computer Science A exam is 3 hours long and consists of two equally weighted sections:
Section I: Multiple-Choice
42 questions | 90 minutes | 55% of exam score
● Assesses code tracing, analysis, and logic
● Covers all four units, with emphasis on selection/iteration and data collections
Section II: Free-Response
4 questions | 90 minutes | 45% of exam score
● Methods and Control Structures (7 points)
● Class Design (7 points)
● Data Analysis with ArrayList (5 points)
● Two-Dimensional Array Processing (6 points)

Students type syntactically correct Java code into a secure editor without autocomplete or compiler feedback. Fluency in Java syntax, logic, and problem decomposition is therefore essential. A Java Quick Reference sheet is provided, listing accessible library methods (String, Math, ArrayList). The exam emphasizes algorithmic logic, object-oriented design, and problem-solving over rote memorization.

Course Workload
In addition to the weekly live class, students should expect to spend approximately 60–90 minutes per day coding, completing assignments, and preparing for assessments. Programming is a skill best learned through regular, deliberate practice—much like learning a musical instrument or spoken language—and students will write code nearly every day as they work through problems of increasing complexity.

Prerequisites
No prior programming experience is required. Students should have successfully completed a first-year high school algebra course and be comfortable with basic linear functions, function composition, multi-step problem solving, and the Cartesian (x, y) coordinate system. Successful students are those who are willing to experiment, make mistakes, and refine their thinking through structured problem-solving. Logical reasoning, persistence, and a willingness to debug are far more important than prior coding knowledge.

This AP course is approved by the College Board.

One-hour live class each week
Teacher-led walkthroughs of key topics and questions
Weekly guidance and  practice suggestions
Encouraging space to ask questions and stay motivated

This AP is approved by the College Board.