Monarch’s Computer Science program includes two focuses: Coding and Cybersecurity & IT Support. All Computer Science courses earn weighted credit for the GPA, and many are also eligible for concurrent enrollment through Front Range Community College – students do not need to do any extra work as the coursework meets and often exceeds the college requirements.
Coding Courses
Coding 1
Coding 1 is a semester-long course designed for students who have never taken a Computer Science course before and either wish to fulfill a practice experience credit or would like to take a Computer Science course without committing to a full year. In the course students learn the basics of writing computer programs to solve a variety of problems in their choice of a block or text-based programming language.
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Semester-long
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Weighted credit
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No prerequisite!
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science Principles is an introduction to Computer Science topics and the art of computer programming. Students explore a variety of Computer Science topics and learn to develop programs in Python. Students earn college credit through concurrent enrollment with Front Range Community College in the Spring semester. At the end of the course, students prepare for Python Institute’s Certified Entry Level Programmer certificate (PCEP).
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Year-long
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Weighted credit
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No prerequisite!
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Concurrent Enrollment:
Front Range Community College – CSC 1019
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Industry Certificate: Python Institute’s Certified Entry Level Programmer (PCEP)
AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science A is a college-level introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and the Java programming language. Students explore a variety of topics through hands-on projects that help them explore the skills they are learning. Students can earn college credit through concurrent enrollment with Front Range Community College in the Spring semester. At the end of the course, students prepare for Oracle’s Java Certified Foundations Associate certification.
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Year-long
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Weighted credit
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Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Principles
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Concurrent Enrollment:
Front Range Community College – CSC 1060
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Oracle’s Java Certified Foundations Associate
Career Capstone
Career Capstone is a course for students who have successfully completed AP Computer Science A and are ready to engage in long-term projects to professionalize their skills. Throughout the course, students will learn about common data structures and software design patterns in order to collaboratively develop a software solution for a group of stakeholders using a human-centered design process and Agile/Scrum project management methodologies. They also will prepare for an industry certification of their choosing and build their personal brand by developing a resume and online presence.
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Year-long
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Weighted credit
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Prerequisite: AP Computer Science A
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Concurrent Enrollment:
Front Range Community College – CSC 1061
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Industry Certificate: student choice
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Students are also eligible for the STEM-endorsed diploma if they meet other requirements.
Cybersecurity & IT Support Courses
AP Cyber: Security and AP Cyber: Networking are two cybersecurity-related courses that can be taken in any order. Monarch will offer AP Cyber: Security for 2025-2026, and as interest grows, Networking will be offered in subsequent years.
Work-Based Learning: Computer and Digital Tech is a semester course that students can repeat as many times as they want. As students participate in the Coyote Tech Squad beyond their first semester, they pursue additional industry certifications and earn promotions in job title and responsibilities.
Work-Based Learning: Computer & Digital Tech
“Coyote Tech Squad”
The Coyote Tech Squad is Monarch HS’s in-house Chromebook repair team. Students learn customer service, troubleshooting and repair techniques for common issues. Throughout the semester each student works one to two weekly shifts during class time where they resolve fellow students’ Chromebook issues. When students are not working a shift, they prepare for industry certifications, such as CompTIA’s Tech+ certification.
As students repeat the course, they pursue additional certifications and receive promotions in their job title and responsibilities.
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Semester-long (repeatable)
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Weighted credit
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No prerequisite!
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Industry Certificate: CompTIA Tech+ and more
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Internship Opportunity: BVSD’s hardware repair team routinely hires summer interns
AP Cyber: Security
AP Cyber: Security complements the secure networking skills from AP Cyber: Networking. Students learn concepts and skills necessary to secure data and networks, identify and mitigate common security threats, and strengthen the security posture of an organization. The course uses College Board’s Career Kickstart curriculum, which is built to engage and support students with all levels of experience in computing. After this course, students are well-prepared to continue preparing for the CompTIA Security+ certification.
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Year-long
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Weighted credit
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No prerequisite
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Concurrent Enrollment:
Front Range Community College – CSC 1031
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Industry Certificate: Beginning of prep for CompTIA Security+
AP Cyber: Networking
AP Cyber: Networking introduces students to the foundations of computer networking, which is critical to understanding cybersecurity concepts at a deeper level. Interweaving networking and cybersecurity concepts throughout the course, students learn about various network devices like switches, routers, and firewalls as well as protocols that power digital communication. The course uses College Board’s Career Kickstart curriculum, which is built to engage and support students with all levels of experience in computing. Students are well-prepared to continue studying for the CompTIA Network+ certification.
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Year-long
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Weighted credit
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No prerequisite!
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Concurrent Enrollment:
Front Range Community College – CNG 1024
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Industry Certificate: Beginning of prep for CompTIA Network+