Mastering computer science in high school can provide 14- to 18-year-old teens with a strong backing in this important skill.
Building your child’s core competencies can help them progress to a fascinating career, prepare them for college, and provide many other unique advantages. High school computer science classes can help your teen get that competitive edge.
Learning Computer Science in School
Most high schoolers aged 14-18 can learn computer science, especially with time and practice. In fact, many facilities now incorporate computer science into their curriculums, recognizing its importance in today’s technology-driven world. These may include programming, web design, or generalized computer courses. Computer science classes for teens include:
- Dedicated Courses: Many schools offer introductory courses that cover basic programming, problem-solving techniques, and fundamental computer science concepts. These lay the foundation for your child’s computing education.
- Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Your facility may provide AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A. These courses focus on broader principles and specific programming languages like Java to help your teen prepare for college.
- Integration with Other Subjects: In some areas, schools integrate computer science concepts into mathematics, science, and engineering courses. For example, an algebra or trig class might teach your teen how to create graphics using computers.
These simple concepts help make in-school computer science courses beneficial for your teen. No matter their skill level or interests, it’s worth signing them up for these (or other) classes. Getting that head start will make your teen’s education far easier and more exciting.
Learning Computer Science Outside of School
What if your teen’s school doesn’t have computer science courses for high schoolers? Even though they’re more popular than ever, not every high school provides these classes. For example, more rural areas may simply lack the money to invest in computers. So, for students who don’t have in-school options or who want to learn more, there are alternative avenues. These include:
- After-School Programs: Many high schools partner with colleges or private schools to create after-school courses. Some even provide them themselves. These programs provide additional coding practice and exposure to new technologies for your teen.
- Summer Coding Bootcamps: Intensive programs like those offered by NextGen Bootcamp cater specifically to teens. They teach computer science through hands-on projects and real-world applications. They’re a great option for the curious student!
Why Learn Computer Science as a High School Student?
Learning through computer science programs for teenagers provides numerous advantages.. Even 14-year-olds who play with their phone all day (i.e., every 14-year-old) can benefit from a computer science class. They teach many subjects and can enhance your teen’s career and college prep. Covered topics include:
- Problem-Solving Skills: Computer science teaches students to break down complex problems and devise effective solutions. Even if your teen doesn’t start a coding career, knowing how to figure things out logically can keep them sharp later in life.
- Mathematics Enhancement: Many computer science concepts are rooted in mathematical ideas. For example, coding often uses lots of algebra, comparison values, and more. As a result, learning programming can improve your student's math skills.
- Preparation for College: With tech-related fields growing, having a background in computer science can provide a significant advantage in college admissions and studies. If your teen is interested in fields like coding or web design, these classes can help!
- Career Opportunities: Computer science skills open doors to various career paths in software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more. All of these fields are in HEAVY demand, so your teen should more easily find a job when graduating.
- Innovation and Creativity: Boosting your teen’s innate creativity can help them thrive in every walk of life. Thankfully, students can become more creative in computer science courses and learn how to build apps, design algorithms, etc.
Computer Science Topics and Concepts
Computer science is a broad field that includes dozens of different but interrelated topics. As a result, it’s easy for a teen to feel overwhelmed at first, especially if they try mastering coding by themselves. Professional computer science learning opportunities help them move more smoothly through their learning experience and slowly but surely become master coders, web designers, and security experts.
Beginner-Level Concepts
Entry-level computer science classes for teens teach your teen important ground-level coding concepts. These include:
- Basic Programming: These courses teach your teen basic coding concepts for programming languages like Python or Java. These include data names, logical operators, and other important tools that solidify their knowledge.
- Computational Thinking: Understanding how to approach problems like a computer scientist, using algorithms and data flow analysis. Teens learn how to use if/else, which, for, and other types of logical statements to create useful software.
- Web Basics: Learning HTML, CSS, and the principles of web architecture can help your child transition to a web design career. These coding concepts are relatively simple, giving more visual-oriented students a chance to join the tech industry.
More Challenging Concepts
Once your child has a handle on the basics, they’ll practice more complex computer science ideas. These are critical to understand because they can help teens start a rewarding career. They include:
- Data Structures and Algorithms: In more advanced courses, your teen will learn to understand data organization and problem-solving. Concepts like dictionaries and lists let your teen process information quickly and create useful software tools.
- Software Development: Other advanced courses cover software development skills, including software lifecycle, testing, and version control. These skills can help your teen create useful and exciting games, apps, and software.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Courses introducing AI principles and basic machine learning algorithms can keep your teen on the zeitgeist by introducing them to this ever-growing and constantly innovative field.
These topics are approachable for beginners due to their streamlined focus and coherent design. As a result, your teen should find learning foundational concepts much simpler before progressing to mastering complex material to help prepare for a career in computer science.
NextGen Bootcamp Programs
NextGen Bootcamp offers specialized computer science learning options for high school teens. These unique courses focus specifically on creating a fun and energetic experience, one that keeps your teens engaged and excited. They’re particularly useful for social teens because NextGen uses a live format (even online) that lets kids interact with teachers and students alike.
Computer Science Summer Program NYC
Computer Science Summer Program NYC helps teens in the Big Apple master computer science topics like Java, Python, and Data Science. Throughout this four-week course, your teen will learn between either 10-4 or 10-1, depending on their needs. If they don’t have much going on this summer, it’s a great opportunity for them to start a career in this field.
Computer Science Summer Certificate Program Live Online
Computer Science Summer Certificate Program Live Online covers the same subjects as the New York City class but in an online environment. That makes it useful if you don’t live in NYC but want your teen to master computer science. NextGen offers setup support, free retakes, and other benefits that make this learning experience more exciting and enjoyable for your teen.
Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Live Online
Python Data Science & AI Machine Learning Live Online teaches important subjects like Python coding, data science, and AI learning in a streamlined and project-based course. It takes place over 45 hours over a few weeks and uses an online environment, small classes, and expert professors to give your teen an amazing learning experience.
Java Programming Summer Program Live Online
Java Programming Summer Program Live Online teaches your teen about Java coding, including using this language to produce online apps. Using a 10-1, 10-4, or 1:30-4:30 schedule (your teen can pick), this class immerses them in project-based students, helps build a portfolio, and makes your teen a Java expert in just 3-4 weeks: not bad at all!
Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Exams
AP exams in computer science, such as the AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A, allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. That’s a huge deal! Rather than taking those early (potentially boring) college classes, AP exams let your teen jump into the good stuff. Therefore, computer science classes for high schoolers provide benefits like:
- College Credit: If your teen earns high scores on these exams, they can use them to get college credits! In other words, they can finish higher education sooner for less money. That’s a win-win, especially if you’re on a budget.
- Strong College Applications: Demonstrating success in AP exams shows colleges that students are prepared for higher education studies. Universities love the dedication these classes show and will more likely accept students who do that extra work.
- Early Career Preparation: These courses and exams prepare students for tech internships and entry-level jobs by providing a solid foundation in computer science principles. Your teen will practically walk out of graduation and into a position!
Learning using computer science programs for teens sets your student (or students) up for academic and professional success. It provides your child with critical thinking skills, a strong foundation in technology, and a competitive edge in college applications and future job markets. In this way, NextGen Bootcamp and other providers can give your teen the help they need to get started.