Sequoia Academy offers computer science courses for students at all levels of computer science experience, from beginners with no programming experience to students in AP Computer Science. Both Java and Scheme programming languages are taught, with an emphasis placed upon Java in introductory courses.

Introduction to Java

Sequoia Academy offers a summer Introductory Java program designed for middle school students seeking an introduction to the Java programming language. No prior programming experience is necessary: we cover all the basics of coding before building up to more significant projects. Students will write programs ranging in complexity from simple, like printing “Hello, World”, to advanced, handling the logic and structure needed to make a medium-sized game like Breakout. 

Students will learn the syntax and structure of programming through implementing simple mathematical programs like printing out the Fibonacci sequence, and will also be introduced to novel concepts like processing user input and displaying simple graphical shapes. The fundamentals of writing computer code, such as variables, loops, conditional statements, and methods, will all be introduced, explained, and then used to write fun and interesting programs.

AP Computer Science

Sequoia Academy provides preparation and tutoring for AP Computer Science. Whether in Java or Scheme, we help students work through difficult problems or review tough concepts. We place emphasis on developing the proper mindset in approaching and solving programming problems in covering topics ranging from recursion, object oriented programming, sorting, proper function decomposition and variable naming, scope, visibility, inheritance, polymorphism, and more. We also train students to develop the skills to tackle problems independently, from coming up with an algorithm, to writing it up, to testing and debugging in order to ensure proper functionality. Additionally, we help students study and prepare for the AP Computer Science exam.