PLTW Computer Science Courses (9-12)

Empower Your Students to Be Technology Trailblazers with PLTW’s High School Computer Science Curriculum

PLTW Computer Science Students Create Tomorrow’s Technology

Give students exactly what they want: a reason to enjoy more screen time! Best of all, you will inspire students to create technology that improves how people work and live.

PLTW Computer Science empowers students to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology around them. Courses cover topics beyond coding, including app development, simulation, and cybersecurity. Throughout the courses, students collaborate to design solutions to real-world challenges, while practicing ethical reasoning.

Teach the in-demand knowledge and skills students will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

Our school is within two miles of a Northrop Grumman Office, Raytheon office and Buckley Air Force base. We needed to support our community with workers to fill those jobs. I wasn't willing to wait for the district to establish a committee to explore options. We were not patient, and when we saw that PLTW was moving towards computer science, we immediately jumped on board.

- Randy Mills, 2021-2022 PLTW Computer Science Teacher of the Year Rangeview High School, Aurora, CO

The world is moving toward greater reliance on computer science in every field. Every student from PreK-12 should have an opportunity to study computer science, as it encourages them to develop problem-solving skills and inculcates logical thinking.

- Anjali Nanda, PLTW Computer Science Master Teacher Harmony School of Innovation, Katy, TX

When we started looking at a computer science cybersecurity program, it was a no brainer. We were familiar with the curricula that PLTW offered in engineering and biomedical science, and just knew it would be something that we needed to go with.

- Derek Read, Director of the College and Career Technical Center Pascagoula-Gautier School District, MS

Prepare Today's Students for Tomorrow's Careers

Develop College and Career Readiness

Prepare students today for the roles they want and the reality they will face in college and beyond.

Teach with Professional Tools and Techniques

Inspire deeper learning with real-world experiences using the same tools used by medical professionals in hospitals and labs.

Build In-Demand Skills

Equip students to succeed by practicing skills like collaboration, teamwork, and communication in the classroom.

Explore PLTW High School Computer Science Courses

Whether building apps to meet client needs or exploring cybersecurity, PLTW Computer Science engages students in interdisciplinary activities that not only build knowledge and skills in computer science, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. The program’ s courses empowers students with in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they choose.

Computer Science Essentials

Students will experience the major topics, big ideas, and computational thinking practices used by computing professionals to solve problems and create value for others. This course will empower students to develop computational thinking skills while building confidence that prepares them to advance to Computer Science Principles and Computer Science A.

Computer Science Principles

Using Python® as a primary tool, students explore and become inspired by career paths that utilize computing, discover tools that foster creativity and collaboration, and use what they’ve learned to tackle challenges like app development and simulation. This course is endorsed by the College Board, giving students the opportunity to take the AP Computer Science Principles exam for college credit.

Computer Science A

Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. This course is endorsed by the College Board, giving students the opportunity to take the AP Computer Science A exam for college credit.

Cybersecurity

Whether seeking a career in the growing field of cybersecurity or learning to defend their own personal data or a company’s data, students in Cybersecurity establish an ethical code of conduct while learning to defend data in today’s complex cyberworld.

Start transforming your high school classroom today!

Provide your high school students with access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

Get Started

We offer more than STEM curricula. PLTW schools and students are set up for long-term success.

Dynamic and Meaningful Professional Development for Teachers

PLTW Core Training is a robust and interactive professional development experience that empowers teachers to facilitate engaging and meaningful learning for their students.

Learn More

Funding and Grant Opportunities

Make PLTW happen in your school through a variety of available funding and grant opportunities.

Learn More

Assessments Designed to Mirror PLTW’s Transformative Learning Experience

Using innovative, inquiry-based items, PLTW’s redesigned Assessments measure a broader range of knowledge, skills, and cognitive abilities, and deliver a dynamic experience that is authentic to the learning environment of the PLTW classroom.

Learn More