Computer Science Academy
Explore your love of computers, programming and coding while preparing for college
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Programs and Classes
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Programs
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Computer Science Academy
Are you a high schooler who loves to code? Does the idea of creating your own computer programs or video games sound exciting? Then this is the place for you!
- Students study advanced placement science and math alongside computer science courses to prepare them for similar study in college.
- Students learn industry-standard programming languages and tools, including how to program a game engine to create a game of their own design!
- Students study Game Development, AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Digital Electronics, and even work with customers to build real systems in the Capstone course.
- At the Rockwell campus, CSA students compete for professional internships before college! Both OG&E and OMES (Oklahoma Management and Enterprise Services) have partnered with CSA with the intent of establishing a pipeline of the best students into those organizations. Industry partners work with Capstone students to identify outstanding candidates for internships. Internships usually focus on cybersecurity and/or software development.
- At the Danforth campus, the Capstone course is a collaborative effort between the Computer Science, Engineering, and Biosciences and Medicine Academies. Students work in a group to research a problem and prototype a solution to that problem. The capstone course will focus on the design process and research methods.
Important things to know
- Students select either the AM or PM session of the academy; the other half of the school day is spent at the student's high school (where students will take the remaining courses/electives that count toward graduation).
- Rockwell CSA meets on an A/B schedule, so classes alternate days.
- Danforth CSA meets on an A/B block schedule where students will alternate their classes every other day.
- Academy courses and grades transcript to the student's home high school just as they would if they took the courses at their home high school.
- Transportation is provided to and from the student's home high school.
- Home-schooled students are welcome at the academy (but will need to provide their own transportation).
- There is NO COST for high school students to attend the academy, though there may be recommended items to purchase such as a TI-84+ calculator.
- No previous programming experience is required.
Students may participate in any of the following extracurricular activities:
- Technology Student Association
- CyberPatriot
- National Technical Honor Society
- Superintendent's Leadership Academy
- TEAMs Competition
- FIRST Robotics (Danforth only)
Students attend up to three (3) years, and graduates should be planning to pursue a college or university track to earn a degree in some discipline of computer science. Up to 22 college credit hours for Advanced Placement courses are available upon passing the appropriate AP College Board Exam(s).
What an industry partner (OGE) says about CSA
“From a Cyber Security perspective, I believe that the Francis Tuttle Computer Science Academy has been a great connection. We’ve hired multiple students from the Academy in both an intern and full-time contractor roles for Cyber Security and I believe that it has the opportunity to be an excellent workforce pipeline for us. The students are knowledgeable, receive great instruction from Mr. Harbert and others and more than met the expectations that were laid out for the group projects we engaged them in. We look forward to future opportunities to engage with students from the Academy.”
Jason Nations, CISSP
Director of Enterprise Security, OGE Energy Corporation
Employment Opportunities
This program is designed to prepare students to pursue a college degree in some discipline of computer science. After degree completion at an accredited college, a variety of computer science positions are available. Potential employers include corporations, educational institutions, small businesses, self-employment, and more.
Computer Science Academy Courses and Careers
About this Occupation
In addition to an interest in computer science, success in this career field requires strong math, science and critical thinking skills. A positive attitude, perseverance and willingness to adapt to new technologies and methods of performing work are also essential. In addition, computer science professionals must be able to work both independently and as a team member, and must be able to prioritize and manage projects and tasks to meet deadlines.
Learn from Experienced Instructors
Myka Collett
Academy instructor
Myka Collett teaches math in the Academies at the Danforth campus. She earned a Bachelor degree in Mathematics at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma. Myka previously worked as a STEM Academy Math instructor at Metro Technology Center in Oklahoma City, and as a Math teacher at Edmond Public Schools.
Andy Harbert
Computer Science Academy Instructor
Andy Harbert teaches computer programming in the Computer Science Academy at the Rockwell campus. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Texas A&M. Andy previously taught Computer Science at Oklahoma Christian University for 23 years. Prior to teaching, he worked as a software engineer and manager in the defense industry. He also worked as a software consultant in various industries while at Oklahoma Christian.
Sherilyn Herndon
Computer Science Academy instructor
Sherilyn Herndon teaches math in the Computer Sciences Academy at the Rockwell Campus. She earned a Bachelor degree in Education at Oklahoma State University. Sherilyn previously worked as a Math Teacher at Mustang High School in Mustang, Okla., and at Memphis Independent Schools, in Memphis, Texas, and Pflugerville Independent Schools in Pflugerville, Texas, and as a Content Author and Editor for American Education Corporation/K12Inc.
Bryan Kitzrow
Computer Science Academy instructor
Bryan Kitzrow teaches in the Computer Science Academy at the Danforth campus. He earned both a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at Oklahoma State University, and is certified to teach Physics, Chemistry, Math, Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Engineering Design and Development, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and Computer Science. Bryan previously worked as a Calculus instructor at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma City, and as a Pre-Engineering Instructor at Central Technology Center in Drumright, Oklahoma.
Heather Voss
Computer Science Academy Instructor
Heather Voss teaches science and math in the Computer Science Academy at the Rockwell campus. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, both at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and a Master of Science in Nuclear Physics at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Heather previously worked as a physics and calculus instructor at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma City, and as a physics and calculus instructor and mathematics facilitator at the Apollo Group (University of Phoenix).
Jeff Wooden
Computer Science Academy Instructor
Jeff Wooden teaches Computer Programming in the Computer Sciences Academy at the Rockwell campus. He earned both a Bachelor in Business Education and a Master in Educational Leadership at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma. Jeff previously worked as a Technology/Robotics Instructor at Deer Creek Public Schools in Deer Creek, Oklahoma.
Josh Russell
Computer Science Academy Instructor
Josh Russell teaches in the Computer Science Academy at the Danforth campus.