Computer Science and Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement (AP) Contextual Data

Recent statewide data show continued growth in AP access and success. In the most current reporting year (2023-2024), 25.2% of Wisconsin public high school graduates earned a score of 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, placing Wisconsin above the national average. AP coursework continues to be widely available across the state, with the vast majority of districts offering one or more AP courses.

Computer Science Related Information

The College Board currently offers two different courses that relate to computer science: AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A.

AP Computer Science Prinicples (CSP)

AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory, college‑level course designed to broaden participation in computing and help all students understand how computer science shapes the world. The course emphasizes creativity, problem‑solving, and the real‑world impact of computing, making it accessible to students with a wide range of backgrounds and interests. AP CSP focuses on how computing works, how it is used, and how students can create meaningful computational artifacts that address real problems or express personal ideas.

1. Creative Development
2. Data
3. Algorithms and Programming
4. Computer Systems and Networks
5. Impact of Computing

1. Create Preformance Task: students design and implement a program of their choice, demonstrating creativity, problem‑solving, and understanding of algorithms and abstraction.
2. End of Course Exam: A multiple‑choice exam assessing understanding of the Big Ideas, computational thinking practices, and core concepts.

AP Computer Science A (CSA)

AP Computer Science A is a college‑level course focused on object‑oriented programming, algorithmic thinking, and problem‑solving using Java. It provides students with a deep, structured introduction to programming and computational reasoning, preparing them for advanced study in computer science and related fields. The course emphasizes writing, analyzing, and testing code, helping students understand how programs are built, how data is managed, and how algorithms operate within real computing systems.

1. Object-Orientated Programming
2. Program Design and Algorithm Development
3. Data Types and Data Structures
4. Control Structures
5. Code Analysis and Debugging
6. Ethical and Responsible Computing

1. Multiple-Choice Section: assesses understanding of programming concepts, code behavior, and algorithmic reasoning.
2. Free-Response Section: students write and analyze Java code to solve problems, demonstrating mastery of object‑oriented design, data structures, and algorithms.

Data coming soon!

• Survey students, families, and others to determine interest in AP, in general, and about specific AP subjects.

• Survey staff to determine interest in teaching an AP course(s) and what they view as the greatest area(s) of need in their school.

• Consider how AP CSP could fit into the overall curricular offerings within your school, especially as the need for more STEM-related coursework becomes increasingly critical to address the emerging workforce needs within our state.

• To learn more about CSP, see research and news stories on topics like addressing the needs of traditionally underserved students and more--linked above.

• Review CSP online professional development and even mentoring assistance opportunities at https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/professional-development/workshops-summer-institutes/computer-science/computer-science-principles

• If interest exists, work with the College Board to obtain class authorization.

• If low enrollment or staff availability is an issue, consider partnering with schools in your region to offer courses across districts.

• Provide AP options through Wisconsin Virtual School (CSA is currently offered).

• Reach out to DPI (Mark Schwingle, DPI AP Consultant) for other ideas or questions.